Program

Join us for an exclusive investor experience, bringing together leading capital allocators, founders, and ecosystem partners for a curated day of insight and connection.

Company Showcase
Meet around 20 high-potential ventures spanning deep tech, life science, fast-growing tech, and defence & resilience. From early-stage breakthroughs to scaling companies, the showcase offers direct access to founders shaping the next generation of Swedish innovation.

Panel Discussion – Navigating Today’s Capital Markets: Perspectives for Founders and Investors
An overview of current trends shaping the capital markets, with insights into the evolving conditions for startup fundraising and the considerations driving investment decisions in today’s climate. Featuring selected voices from across the capital landscape — from early-stage venture to growth and institutional capital.

Investor Lunch
A seated lunch designed for meaningful conversation in a smaller setting — an opportunity to continue discussions from the panel, connect with fellow investors, and engage directly with founders from the showcase.

DJ & refreshments included

A fast-paced, structured networking session designed for founders, investors and business owners. This matchmaking event creates meaningful business connections in an engaging and welcoming atmosphere. No preparation required – the session is moderated by Drivhuset.

Sit down with a colleague or friend at a pre-configured work station for this hands on vibe coding session. Pick one of the available tasks we have prepared for you.

We will teach you the basics and show case how tech companies in Uppsala are utilizing this new way of building software for their business.

There will also be the opportunity to program hardware such as Raspberry Pi Pico with various sensors, input devices and displays. Vibe coding is not limited to web based software or apps.

Some innovation ecosystems compound over decades. Others peak and plateau. What makes the difference?

This seminar moves beyond the usual conversation about funding and startups to ask a more fundamental question: what gives an ecosystem staying power? Drawing on perspectives from Boston, Vancouver, and Europe amongst others, we examine the anchor institutions, capital structures, and governance habits that keep places regenerating long after individual companies and trends have moved on.

Boston didn’t become Boston in one good decade. Uppsala has been a knowledge hub for five centuries. So why does the gap between world-class research and world-class commercialization persist — and what would it take to close it?

Our speakers bring perspectives from across the Atlantic and across Europe.

• Niklas Z Kviselius, STINT Representative North America — previously Science and Innovation Counsellor at the Swedish embassies in Tokyo and Seoul — holds a PhD from the Stockholm School of Economics.
• Gustav Henriksson is Head of Swiss Business Hub Nordics at Switzerland Global Enterprise, bringing Switzerland’s experience as one of the world’s most consistently high-performing innovation ecosystems.

Finding your sweet spot isn’t just about having a good idea. It’s what happens when your idea meets the right market, the right support, and the right moment. This session maps that intersection, from early verification and prototype funding to market understanding and venture readiness, so you leave knowing not just what support exists, but which is right for you, right now.

Speakers include

• Erik Axelsson, Almi on verification and early phase funding
• Sophia Renemar, Region Uppsala Innovation product verification support through hälso-och sjukvården Region Uppsala
• Pär Lagerström, Almi Invest on venture capital readiness and what investors look for
• Linus Andersson, Almi on market understanding and financing for scale-up
• Liza Löf, on founder perspective from building Readily Diagnostics

Representatives from the Chambers of Commerce in San Diego and Hong Kong together with industry leaders share short perspectives on how international partnerships, trade networks, and innovation ecosystems drive global growth opportunities. Followed by a fireside chat on internationalization, industrial collaboration, and future market opportunities.

• Eric Zhang: Chairman, Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Sweden (HKCCSE)
• Mathias Svahn: CEO, NextCell Pharma AB
• Suzanne Svahn: President Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) San Diego
• Scott Tait: Lumetec

(OBS! Eventet är på Svenska)

AI is changing the playing field for virtually every organisation. How can we seize the opportunities, manage the risks, and avoid the greatest risk of all becoming reality – doing nothing at all?

During this interactive workshop, we explore why AI is no longer primarily a technology issue, but rather a matter of leadership, governance and business development. Through realistic scenarios and shared discussions, we examine the questions that boards and executive teams need to address in order for AI to create real business value – in a responsible and sustainable way.

• Moderator: Erik Jonzon
• Speaker: Johan Forsberg

Workshop 10:30–12:00, followed by a networking lunch from 12:00–13:00.

How can startups help shape the future of healthcare, welfare and public services?

What if you could build your next product around a need you already know exists? In this session, Region Uppsala and Uppsala kommun share how they work with needs-driven innovation by connecting startups with real challenges in healthcare and social care — before a solution has even been defined.

Instead of navigating complex procurement processes and unclear entry points, startups gain early insight into unmet needs directly from the public sector, creating opportunities to test, co-develop and refine new products and services together with potential end users and future customers.

The session includes real cases, startup perspectives and a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of collaboration between startups and the public sector — and how these partnerships can accelerate innovation and create meaningful societal impact in Uppsala.

Program

Introduction and framing the discussion:

• Katarina Blomqvist, Professor of Business Administration, Uppsala University, and recipient of the Innovation Award Hjärnäpplet 2026

Perspectives on innovation, collaboration and the role of entrepreneurship in addressing complex societal challenges.

A municipal challenge and startup collaboration in practice:

• Lisa Larsson, Change Management Lead, Digital Service Development, Health and Social Care Administration, Uppsala Municipality
• Mona Fröjberg, Head of Unit, Special Housing for Older People (SÄBO), Uppsala Municipality

A real challenge and need within health and social care services, and how collaboration with a startup has supported innovation and service improvement.

How healthcare needs become the starting point for innovation:

• Jenny Barnes, Project Manager, Innovation Unit, Healthcare Division, Region Uppsala

An example Region Uppsala works to identify unmet clinical needs and connect healthcare professionals, innovators and companies to develop new solutions with real impact for patients and healthcare services.

Connecting public sector needs with startup solutions:

• Marit Finch Westing, Key Partner Manager & Project Manager Public Sector, Ignite Nordic

An introduction to the Ignite model and how public sector organisations and startups can collaborate to transform identified needs into pilot projects, tested solutions and long-term partnerships.

Panel Discussion: Accelerating innovation through collaboration:

• Petter Bahlenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, Wivra
• Annika Remaeus, Head of Business Development, Uppsala Municipality
• Björn Arvidsson, Director of Research and Innovation, Region Uppsala

A panel discussion led by Katarina Blomqvist on how municipalities, regions and startups can work together to address societal challenges, create value for citizens and accelerate innovation in healthcare, welfare and public services.

Closing Reflections

• Katarina Blomqvist addresses the key takeaways and reflects on how stronger collaboration between startups, healthcare providers and public organisations increases innovation capacity, contribute to better services and improved outcomes for citizens and patients.

An overview of current trends shaping the capital markets, with insights into the evolving conditions for startup fundraising and the considerations driving investment decisions in the current climate.

(OBS! Eventet är på Svenska)

Stockholm Chamber of Commerce invites you to a Resilience Lunch.

Whether you are a returning participant at Uppsalalunchen or joining us through Innovation Night, an engaging and forward-looking discussion on resilience, preparedness and innovation awaits.

Under the theme of resilience, we bring together companies, experts and decision-makers to discuss how business, technology and critical societal functions can be strengthened in a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, changing markets and increasing demands for preparedness.

How are Swedish companies affected by developments in defence and security? What role do logistics and supply chains play in strengthening society’s resilience? And how can companies turn uncertainty and change into new opportunities for innovation and growth?

SPEAKERS

• Johan Bolin, CEO, Vidhance
• On the experience of moving between the defence and consumer markets, and what it takes to adapt quickly when circumstances change.

• Patrik Brimedahl, Defence Analyst, Swedbank
• On the transformation of the global defence industry and how capital markets assess Swedish defence and dual-use companies.

• Bettina Hammargren, CEO, MLT AB
• On how robust transport and logistics solutions are built in practice, and why resilient supply chains are essential for innovation, growth and societal preparedness.

• Monica Hedberg, Investor and Entrepreneur
• On how capital is increasingly directed towards innovations that strengthen the resilience of society and businesses, and which qualities investors value in companies seeking to grow in an uncertain world.

• Rickard Steinhotz, Head of Public Affairs, PostNord
• On the role of logistics in societal preparedness and how supply chains can be strengthened in an increasingly uncertain world.

The games industry is changing – in how games are made, and in what roles they play in society. This session brings together perspectives on market transformation, indie development, and games as tools for inclusion and social innovation, exploring new paths toward sustainable game creation.

• State of the Game – The Game Market with a Focus on Indie
  Per Holmén & Marcus Toftedahl, Business Developers, Science Park Skövde
• Board Games and Innovation
  Emma Ihre, Head of ESG and Nordic Public Affairs, Asmodee

How can games shape talent, technology and health? This session presents three perspectives from Uppsala University on the societal impact of games and game research.

• The Role of the University: Creating Talent and Driving Development
  Lina Emilsson, Associate Professor, Department of Game Design
• Game for Game – How Making Games Drives the Development of More Human Technology
  Eliel Camargo‑Molina, Associate Professor, Department of Game Design
• Game for Health – How a Digital Treatment Including Tetris is Making Life Better for People After Traumatic Events
  Emily Holmes, Professor, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health

Industry and defence leaders discuss needs and trends to create better conditions for disrupting the defence tech sector. Followed by real testimonials from dual-use startups who share insights and challenges when entering the defence sector.

13.00-13.45

Industry and defence leaders discuss needs and trends to create better conditions for disrupting the defence tech sector

Moderator: Andreas Wadström, UIC

Panel part 1:

• Marcus Tynnhammar, FvX
• Robert Limmergård, generalsekreterare SoFF
• Patrik Brimedahl, analytiker försvarsindustrin Swedbank
• Anna Wibom, programchef och näringspolitisk expert totalförsvar, Teknikföretagen

BREAK 13.45 – 14.00

14.00 – 14.30

Testimonials from dual-use startups who share insights and challenges when entering the defence sector.

Moderator: Jessica Mansourati, UIC

Panel part 2:

• Scaleout Systems – Katja Hellgren
• BruhnBruhn Innovation – Fredrik Bruhn
• Flox Intelligence – Tomas Becklin

Public challenges, Startup solutions – Startups as an acting external R&D department

Pitching Solutions for Real Public Needs

How can startups help solve real challenges within healthcare, welfare and public services?

In this interactive session, Uppsala kommun presents how we work with needs-driven innovation by matching concrete public sector needs with innovative startups. We will also introduce the collaboration process developed by Ignite Nordic together with leading companies and public organisations to accelerate startup collaborations.

Selected startups will also have the opportunity to pitch ideas and solutions connected to identified municipal needs — creating new opportunities for dialogue, testing and future collaboration.

Program

13:00 Welcome and opening remarks

• Erik Pelling, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board, Uppsala Municipality
  An introduction to Uppsala Municipality’s commitment to innovation and why collaboration between the public sector and startups is essential for solving future societal challenges.

13:15 Why innovation matters for Uppsala Municipality

• Charlotte Scott, Director of Business Development, Uppsala Municipality
  A perspective on how innovation supports better public services, increased efficiency and improved outcomes for residents, and why startup collaboration is becoming an important part of public sector development.

13:25 When do we need external innovation capacity?

• Marit Finch Westing, Key Partner Manager & Project Manager Public Sector, Ignite Nordic
  An interactive discussion on how organisations can identify challenges that may benefit from external innovation and collaboration with startups.

13:35 From need to solution: The Ignite process in practice

• Lisa Larsson, Change Management Lead, Digital Service Development, Health and Social Care Administration, Uppsala Municipality
• Åsa Engblom, Head of Unit, Digital Service Development, Health and Social Care Administration, Uppsala Municipality

A practical introduction to the Ignite model, including a real example from Uppsala Municipality showing how a public sector need can be transformed into a startup collaboration and pilot project.

14:00 Startup perspective: Collaborating with Uppsala Municipality

• Petter Bahlenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, Wivra Reflections and lessons learned from participating in the Ignite process and working with a municipality to develop and test innovative solutions.

14:10 Startup Pitches

• Per Simonsson, CEO & Founder Hestia Agora
• Karolina Sjöberg Jabbar, CEO & Co-Founder, Mabel AI
• Shahid Jabbar, CTO & Co-Founder, Mabel AI

Meet the startups Hestia Agora and Mabel AI as they present their solutions and demonstrate how innovative technologies can support public sector challenges within healthcare and welfare.

14:20 Closing remarks and networking coffee break

An opportunity to continue the conversation, exchange experiences and connect with municipal representatives, startups and innovation stakeholders.

Join our panel discussion on the strategic intellectual property (IP) challenges and opportunities when collaborating with large corporations.

During this session, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and IP specialists will share essential insights on their experiences. You will gain actionable advice on navigating agreements, managing ownership of joint developments, and building balanced partnerships. Do not miss this opportunity to equip your business with the right tools for your next growth phase.

Panel:

• Lennart Sörby – Cytiva
• Urban Simu – Electrolux
• Ove Öhman – Entrepreneur
• Basse Asplund – Patent consultant
• Annika Kilander – Brann

Four up‑and‑coming game studios present their concepts live on stage.

• Short, focused pitches
• Real‑time feedback from experts in the room
• A first look at new ideas shaping the future of play

Most people never think about what their food eats — but they should. Animal feed is one of the most powerful, underestimated levers in the entire food system, shaping our climate, our resources, and our future.

Axfoundation and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) are changing that. By uniting the full value chain — researchers, farmers, feed producers, and food companies — we’re tackling the two biggest bottlenecks holding back a truly sustainable food system: resource waste and environmental impact.

This isn’t just about doing good. It’s about doing smart. Our solutions unlock entirely new market opportunities, reshape customer expectations, and forge powerful cross-industry partnerships — all while building Sweden’s food resilience and strengthening domestic agriculture from the ground up.

The question isn’t whether the food system will change. It’s whether you’ll be part of shaping it.

What will you — and your food — eat tomorrow?

Panel:

• Madeleine Linins Mörner, Program Director, Axfoundation Future Food
• Cecilia Lalander, Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering, SLU

A hands-on showcase where student-led teams, indie studios, and early-stage startups present playable demos, prototypes, and in-progress concepts.

• Discover around 10 fresh game concepts across multiple demo stations
• Experience everything from digital and analog games to hybrid formats
• Explore experimental mechanics, sensory-driven gameplay, and new ways of interacting
• Dive into imaginative worlds spanning fantasy, horror, strategy, and playful social experiences
• Meet the creators and talk directly about ideas, processes, and early-stage development

Experience Sweden’s most exciting startup pitches live on stage! Groundbreaking companies compete for the title Disruptor of the Year and a prize of SEK 100,000. Meet the innovators shaping the future, hear their ideas, and enjoy an energetic pitch battle!

The pitches are quick, impactful and showcase groundbreaking ideas and disruptive technologies. It’s a thrilling opportunity for startups to shine and be discovered!

A panel of experts will give feedback on the pitches.

The excitement continues as the finalists are revealed later in the evening – with the winner announced during The Grand Finale Dinner.

Read more about the pitch competition here