Skip to main content
To KTH's start page

The Pioneer Program

Accelerating deeptech innovation

Powered by KTH Innovation and KTH Holding

Deeptech innovation in focus

Deeptech innovation drives industry transformation and tackles global challenges. Yet, turning cutting-edge research into real-world impact is a journey marked by complexity, uncertainty, and long timelines. The Pioneer program was created to navigate these challenges and accelerate the path from discovery to market.

The Pioneer program addresses the specific needs of teams developing science-based innovations, focusing specifically on advanced technology, so-called deeptech.

As a joint initiative by KTH Innovation and KTH Holding, the Pioneer program leverages nearly 20 years of expertise within deeptech innovation and strategic investment.

Bringing together innovative researchers and experienced entrepreneurs

In the Pioneer program, we aim to create the ideal conditions for bringing breakthrough technologies to the world.

The program brings together ambitious research teams from KTH and experienced entrepreneurs, so called Venture Builders, creating a space where potential co-founders can meet, collaborate, and form teams organically based on mutual vision and expertise.

Benefits of the program

Pioneer offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your research-based innovation toward market impact. As a participant, you’ll gain:

  • Tailored Learning and Support: Gain expert guidance, entrepreneurial insights, and practical tools within a structured and supportive environment.
  • Unparalleled Networking: Connections with industry leaders, researchers, and potential co-founders with entrepreneurial backgrounds, who may even join your team if there’s a strong match.
  • Team Expansion Support: Learn how to build a team with the essential skills needed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.
  • Funding and Resources: Priority access to funding opportunities and dedicated support from the KTH Innovation & KTH Holding team.

Pioneer is more than a program - it’s a launchpad for researchers committed to transforming their ideas into impactful ventures.

Good to know

Program content: Monthly workshops, weekly online check-ins, and tailored sessions addressing your specific challenges - such as pricing strategy or storytelling.

Cost: The program is free of charge. KTH Innovation takes no ownership in your spinoff. 

Application process for KTH researchers: The teams entering the Pioneer program are handpicked from research-based teams in KTH Innovation's support process. To enter the process, follow this link. 

Application process for Venture Builders: Openings will be announced on KTH Innovation's  and KTH Holding's  LinkedIn pages. You can also register your interest and we will notify you when we open the next application round. Register your interest.

After the program: After the program you will have taken large steps in the development of your venture. You may have found a match and completed your team with an experienced entrepreneur.

The core of the Pioneer program

Venture building

Venture building is about actively creating companies, rather than just funding them. The program brings together ambitious research teams and experienced entrepreneurs and facilitates organic matchmaking.

Built for researchers

The Pioneer program addresses the specific needs of teams developing science-based innovations, focusing specifically on advanced technology, so-called deeptech. 

Maximize the impact of your research

The Pioneer program offers a unique opportunity to fast-track your research-based innovation toward market impact through creating spinoff companies. Benefit from priority support from KTH Innovation and KTH Holding, grow your network and build your team.

Program management

Cecilia Bisgaard

Cecilia Bisgaard is Program and Community Manager at KTH Innovation. 

Hannes Eder Öhrström

Hannes Eder Öhrström is Business Development Coach at KTH Innovation. 

Anna Norelius

Anna Norelius is Venture Developer and Analyst at KTH Holding.

KTH Innovation & KTH Holding

Participants in the program have priority access to the full staff of both KTH Innovation and KTH Holding, whose expertise covers everything from IP and legal matters to investor networking and beyond.

Contact

For questions about the Pioneer program, please email us at innovation@kth.se .

Our Pioneers

The teams in the 2025 program are developing ventures within quantum technology, life science, diagnostics, AI, robotics and more. They will be revealed at a later stage.