The KTH Innovation Brighter program is an immersion, inspiration and internationalization program, aimed for early stage startup projects or research commercialization projects that have the potential of reaching a global market.
About the program
The program includes: Around five workshops between June and October, before we leave for a week in a global innovation hub. After the trip we finish the program with a final workshop back in Stockholm.
Program period: The 2021 Brighter Program is currently in planning (January 2021).
Cost: KTH Innovation covers the cost for the program and accommodation during the trip for up to two members per team. Normally, you cover your own travel costs. Some meals are included. We take no ownership in your idea.
Application period: The 2021 Brighter Program is currently in planning (January 2021).
Application criteria: KTH students, researchers or employees with early-stage start-up or research commercialization project and the ambition to build a company that could scale internationally are welcome to apply.
After the program: After the program you will have learned more about what it takes to launch on a global market. You will have grown your network, and developed your pitch and communication.
Updates for the 2021 program
Due to restrictions caused by the spread of the Corona virus, covid-19, the 2020 edition of the Brighter Program may be postponed or changed to a digital program.
About the KTH Innovation Brighter program
The Brighter Program is KTH Innovation’s internationalization program, run yearly since 2013. After preparation in Stockholm, KTH Innovation brings select startup projects and research commerzialization projects from KTH to a carefully chosen global innovation hub, providing opportunity for early contact with the global market.
Following a week spent in a global innovation hub, the program finishes in Stockholm. After evaluating the journey together, the team that made the most use of the program is awarded with further funding for internationalization activities.
KTH students, researchers or employees with an early-stage start-up project or research commercialization project. You have an initial team in place, have started verifying that there is business potential in your project, and you have the ambition to build a company that could scale internationally.
The core team should be current (or newly graduated) students, researchers or employees at KTH.
What's included in the program?
1. Preparation
Before the trip, you will take part in three to five sessions in Stockholm including:
Introduction to the context of the global market and your destination
Preparing for upcoming customer and market interactions, and setting individual goals
Peer-to-peer learning opportunities and mentorship from Brighter program alumni
Support in setting up individual meetings
Pitch training workshops
Access to KTH Innovation’s global network including industry contacts, academia, international trade organizations and KTH alumni.
2. During the trip
In the end of October, you leave for one of the three innovation hubs, where you will take part of an intensive program, including:
Visits, meetings, and in-depth discussions with carefully chosen prominent institutions, companies and entrepreneurs
Inspiration and insights
Opportunities for individual meetings and visits
Exploring and understanding a global market
3. Follow up
We finish the program in Stockholm, where we evaluate, follow up on contacts and meetings, and prepare you for the next step of your development.
What does the program cost?
KTH Innovation will cover the cost for the program and accommodation in New York, Boston or Munich for up to two members per team, but you cover your own travel costs*. Some meals are included.
*In some cases, it's possible to apply for funding within KTH Innovation's VFT-1 program.
