Driving global impact through internationalization
To create even more successful startups that can contribute to European competitiveness and help solve urgent societal challenges, KTH Innovation is stepping up our efforts on the international arena.
Internationalization a key sucess factor
Being active on the global market is a key success factor for Swedish startups that operate on a small, domestic market.
In December 2024, KTH Innovation brought five startups to Paris, as part of the KTH Innovation Brighter program. This program brings KTH startups to leading innovation hubs for inspiration, networking and insights into global business culture. Founded in 2014, the program has operated in places like Silicon Valley, Boulder, Munich, Tokyo and London.
“It is important for us to stay connected, stay curious, and engage with the rest of the world,” says Viktor Olsson, Internationalisation Lead. Through our internationalization initiatives, we not only help startups grow but also contribute to Sweden’s economy and the broader global landscape.
Europe in focus
Collaboration within Europe is a cornerstone of KTH Innovation’s work. One example is Rise Europe, a network that unites leading start-up ecosystem builders from 13 European countries to empower European start-ups to make a positive global impact.
In the fall of 2024, the network, including Head of KTH Innovation Lisa Ericsson, met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission for a discussion on how to make Europe the best start-up hub to live and work in.
“To us, Europe is important for many reasons. We have a long history of working together in research, education, and innovation, bringing European technology and values into the world,” Olsson adds. This international focus enables our startups to tap into diverse markets, foster strategic partnerships, and address global challenges, particularly in sustainability, high-tech, and deeptech sectors.
Meaningful global impact
Katarina Lööf, Managing Director of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in France, underscores the importance of global engagement: “It fosters cross-border trade, allows us to develop strategic partnerships, and KTH benefits from an excellent reputation worldwide.” Given Sweden’s relatively small market, internationalization is key to scaling innovations and making a meaningful impact globally.
KTH Innovation remains committed to internationalization efforts in 2025.
“We have high ambitions, and aim to continue working to strengthen European competitiveness in 2025 and beyond”, finishes Viktor Olsson.