KTH Innovation opens up for collaboration with more players
In order to create even better opportunities for companies founded at KTH, KTH Innovation is now opening up for increased collaboration with more players.
The Stockholm region is one of Europe's most successful and attractive ecosystems for startups, and KTH is one of Sweden's highest-ranked universities where innovation and entrepreneurship are a central and integral part.
Since KTH Innovation was founded in 2007, the organisation and Stockholm's ecosystem for innovation have developed, and we now see a need for new ways of working to create even better conditions for success for the companies founded at KTH.
Supporting a wide range of new technology
KTH Innovation supports students, researchers and employees at KTH who want to develop an idea or create impact through their research.
"Every year we meet over 400 teams with new ideas based on a wide range of new technology with great potential, says Lisa Ericsson, head of KTH Innovation. From these ideas, 30-35 new companies are founded every year, from deeptech companies that develop complex research in biotechnology, AI or energy to teams that develop apps that simplify people's lives."
400 alumni companies
In total, around 400 companies have been founded with support from KTH Innovation in the last 14 years. Today, these companies have a turnover of over 1.3 billion Swedish crowns. After KTH Innovation's support has ended, there are a number of paths for these new companies to take.
"About 20-25% go on to an incubator, but the vast majority stand on their own two feet or receive support from, among others, investors or experienced co-founders, continues Lisa Ericsson. Over the past 20 years, Stockholm's ecosystem for innovation has grown into a well-functioning network of academia, incubators, accelerators, investors and co-working offices. In addition to this, there is a very large number of experienced individuals who, with their expertise and networks, actively contribute to supporting the companies' route to the market."
Strengthening collaboration
KTH Innovation is also part of several networks of actors, both within and outside academia, that promote innovation around the world. In addition, in recent years, KTH has strengthened collaborations with universities in the region and created new initiatives for the promotion of research, education and innovation.
"Innovation is a central and integrated part of KTH's offering and a hugely important factor in attracting talent from all over the world, says Anders Söderholm, President of KTH. Our vision is to stand as a unifying force internationally to tackle global challenges. Therefore, it is important that we continue to create the very best conditions for innovations from KTH. "
New, strategic orientation
Now KTH Innovation chooses to open up collaboration with more actors and individuals who offer support to startups in early phases of development. At the same time, KTH Holding AB will play a greater role in supporting the companies that have left KTH Innovation. In connection with this new orientation, the exclusive partnership with Stockholm Innovation and Growth, Sting, which has existed since 2004, ends.
"Different companies have different needs. We see a big advantage in being able to find more great matches to create the very best conditions for KTH companies to succeed, says Lisa Ericsson."
Questions
Lisa Ericsson, Head of KTH Innovation
0046 8-790 66 07/0046 73-315 26 62