INNOVATE™ Stockholm

More than 20 years ago Mikael Ahlström found a large, character-filled space in central Stockholm that was far bigger than he needed for his own companies. Instead of scaling down, he invited friends, collaborators, and other entrepreneurs to join him to share the rent. The results were immediate: projects multiplied,...

Swedish designer Maria Westerberg has long been a pioneer in upcycling and sustainable design, but it was a single chair — woven from worn-out T-shirts — that propelled her into the global spotlight. Known as the “Queen of ReMake design,” Westerberg blends narrative, memory, and sustainability in a way that...

AI-BASED PRECISION DIAGNOSTICS TO IMPROVE CANCER TREATMENT DECISIONS AND PATIENT OUTCOMES Stratipath is an AI company dedicated to revolutionising cancer treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes by assisting physicians in delivering optimal treatment to every patient. Stratipath’s pioneering solutions transform tissue sample analysis, enabling breakthrough insights for enhanced and faster...

Strengthening Primary Care Through Smarter Digital Collaboration Healthcare systems worldwide are under growing pressure. Ageing populations, strained primary care infrastructure, and rising patient expectations on accessibility and digital care are driving urgent demand for scalable solutions. At the same time, technology, especially AI, is unlocking new levels of efficiency and...

Born just outside Stockholm in 2000, Samantha Esfandiari has quickly emerged as a powerful new voice in the Swedish fashion industry. One that merges skilled craftsmanship with a deep commitment to sustainability and circular design. As a designer, entrepreneur, and educator, she is shaping a bold vision of what fashion...

Heart failure is a growing global health challenge caused by the heart muscle being unable to pump enough blood around the body to provide cells with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. More than 60 million people worldwide suffer from this progressive and incurable condition, resulting in poor quality of life, recurrent...

When Stockholm’s startup scene began to thrive in the early 2010s, it was known for producing unicorns – but also for its fragmentation. Founders often worked in isolation, disconnected from the support, partners, and investors that could help them endure the long, difficult middle miles between idea and success. SUP...

Hack for Earth began as an ambitious experiment to reinvent the hackathon tool, but it has since evolved into a global movement redefining innovation and democracy for the 21st century. At its core is the concept of citizen-driven innovation, which empowers citizens all over the world to co-create solutions for...

In an era where cyberattacks dominate headlines and signal based threats evolve beyond detection, one company is quietly defining the future of physical cybersecurity. Founded in Sweden by CEO Fredrik Nyström, BLCKR has emerged as a B2B force specializing in advanced signal-blocking and EMP/HEMP resistant solutions safeguarding digital infrastructure in...

Since its founding in 2014 in Stockholm’s historic Garnisonen building, K-märkt has been rewriting the rulebook for what a modern, sustainable food company can be. From its very first day, the brand has challenged the industry with one radical idea: great food at scale can – and must – coexist...

In a world of rapidly rising temperatures and unstable growing conditions, Potato Improver is reshaping the future of agriculture by empowering one of the world’s most essential food crops—potatoes—to thrive in heat-stressed environments. Founded with a singular mission to safeguard global food security, this Swedish biotech startup has developed a...

Albert Bengtson, Birgitte Stjärne, and Roland Williams bring a dynamic blend of expertise and proven strategies that drive transformative innovation in the corporate world. As seasoned leaders in business development, creative strategy, and innovation management, they provide powerful insights tailored to today’s complex and competitive landscape. Their approach empowers organizations...

KTH Innovation is one of Europe’s leading startup hubs, offering innovation support to students and researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, a top technical university. Since its inception in 2007, KTH Innovation has built an internationally recognized innovation support system, helping students and researchers transform groundbreaking ideas into thriving...

THE HOUSE OF INNOVATION (HOI) AT THE STOCKHOLM SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS (SSE) IS AN INTERDISCIPLINARY INNOVATION ENVIRONMENT COMBINING RESEARCH, EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND VENTURING. BUILDING ON THE RICH HISTORY OF THE STOCKHOLM SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, THE RESEARCH HOUSE AIMS TO TAKE THE SCHOOL’S BEST-IN-CLASS INTERACTION WITH BUSINESS AND SOCIETY INTO THE...

Founded in Stockholm, IAYS (I AM YOUR SISTER) is a Scandinavian knitwear brand built on premium design, craftsmanship and cultural relevance. With high-end knitwear at its core, the company represents a modern approach to luxury, one that combines quality and minimalist aesthetics with a purposeful message of connection and sisterhood....

Voima Ventures has emerged as one of the Nordic region’s most distinctive venture capital firms, focusing on the commercialization and scaling of science-based innovation. Founded in 2019, with offices in Helsinki and Stockholm, the firm invests in early-stage companies developing breakthrough technologies with the potential to address global challenges and...

Not long ago, decoding DNA was the holy grail of biology. Today, a growing number of scientists and clinicians believe that the key to the next generation of healthcare lies in understanding how our genes are controlled – epigenetics. Epigenica, a Swedish biotech company founded by Dr. Mohamad Takwa and...

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, imagi stands at the forefront of transforming education to ensure that the digital and AI revolution is inclusive, equitable, and future-proof. Founded with the vision of creating an environment where every child, regardless of gender, race or socioeconomic background see themselves as creators...

Techarena is a Nordic-born platform for innovation and entrepreneurship that brings together thousands of founders, investors, business leaders, and policymakers every year. Through high-impact events, accelerator programs, and media channels, Techarena creates opportunities for cross-border collaboration and sustainable growth. From Local Competition to Global Platform What began in 2014 as...

Stockholm is globally recognized as a hub for innovation, particularly in sustainability, and Next Agents plays a pivotal role in advancing this ecosystem. Sustainability-driven innovation lies at the heart of Next Agents’ mission to empower businesses to create solutions that benefit people, the planet, and profitability. Central to this approach...

SSE Business Lab is the startup incubator of the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), one of Europe’s top business schools. Since its founding in 2001, the incubator has supported more than 300 startups, including some of Sweden’s most recognized success stories such as Klarna, Voi, Instabee (formerly Budbee), and Legora....

In a world defined by rapid technological change, constant disruption, and ever-higher performance demands, Ola Ahlvarsson has spent nearly three decades championing a quietly radical idea: that true innovation doesn’t start with pressure or tools—it starts with people. Widely regarded as one of the Nordic region’s most influential thought leaders...

In a world where creative talent often struggles to meet commerce, Cay Collective is shaping a new path. Founded in 2023 by Johanna Gauffin and Natalie Navia, the Stockholm-based platform serves as a marketplace for independent artists, fashion designers, and lifestyle creators offering more than just a digital storefront. Cay...

Sweden and Stockholm must leverage innovation and AI to remain relevant and competitive, and to achieve the values that we believe in. But it’s hard to achieve the scale, speed, and direction that we aim for in a sustainable way. Think Big Leaders helps organizations formulate a strategic direction and...