It was 2004 when innovators and entrepreneurs could turn to Dalarna Science Park's incubator for support for the first time.
In the 20 years since then, almost 3,000 ideas have been tested in the incubator - resulting in around 600 jobs in almost 170 companies with a total turnover of more than SEK 1 billion.
Victoria Ställberg has been head of the Business Arena at Dalarna Science Park since 2017 and leads the work of the incubator. To mark the 20th anniversary, we asked her to answer a few questions about the past, present and future of Dalarna's only business incubator.
What does the incubator mean for Dalarna?
Incubators are found all over the world and play a key role in the development of new businesses based on innovation and new technology. The same is true here in Dalarna, where our incubator companies stimulate the county's innovative power and growth, broaden the business community and create new jobs.
What do you do that other business promoters do not?
Our focus is on innovation and supporting start-ups where a lot of development is needed to reach the first revenues. In most cases, there is an idea or a patent to start with, then we need to put together a sustainable plan that covers everything between development, funding and recruitment. That's why we offer an incubator program that often extends over several years.
How important are your networks and partners?
Incredibly important and a prerequisite for being able to support all the needs of our companies. Regionally, we have strong partnerships with Almi, Almi Invest, Region Dalarna, Nyföretagarcentrum and several other actors. And nationally and internationally, we have a large network of other promoters, as well as access to experts in various fields. Right now, for example, we have many companies in food, green industry and product development and are therefore working with other incubators in Sweden for some cutting-edge expertise.
What can cooperation with other incubators look like?
In many different ways, depending on the needs. In recent years, we have increasingly worked with so-called co-incubation, where we work very closely with another incubator. For example, it may be that a startup operates in a niche, where another incubator has specialized knowledge. Co-incubation has proved to be a very good concept and we will continue to develop it.
Companies that have passed through the incubator now have a combined turnover of more than SEK 1 billion - what do you think about that?
"It's great that so many people are doing well and it feels good that we have been able to support them on their journey. In a way, their success is also our success.
Compared to other incubators in Sweden, how well is Dalarna Science Park doing?
We can't really compare ourselves with the metropolitan regions, they have completely different conditions. But in relation to other incubators around the country, we have really good results.
Dalarna Science Park is part of the government innovation agency Vinnova's excellence program. What does this mean?
The fact that our startups have greater opportunities for support and funding from Vinnova, that is what is most important.Then, of course, we are proud that we have this quality stamp.
Why do you think you are doing well?
Maybe because people talk and write about successful startups that have participated in the incubator, I think that plays a role. And that more people have opened their eyes to our business and our dedicated and competent business coaches. We have also come into contact with several new innovators through various idea competitions and other events focusing on innovation.
How has the incubator developed over the years?
A lot can happen in 20 years! I wasn't there from the start and I have the whole picture, but what I can say is that in recent years we have invested a lot in creating a clear structure. We have sharpened our processes, made support more individual and also more dynamic.
We used to use external consultants as coaches, but now the business coaches in the incubator are our own. This provides a different level of continuity, while allowing us to bring in experts when needed.
What is the interest in participating in the incubator?
Big time! In 2023, we had more requests than ever and 2024 looks to be even better. The trend is very positive right now.
How do you help startups get funding?
Here we work on several fronts. We now have our own company Dala Capital as a resource and also have a business angel company together with two other incubators. We also take start-ups to various investor forums and give them the chance to make contacts, and we also keep track of current grants so that we can advise the right people to apply.
Sustainability is one of Dalarna Science Park's profile areas - what does it mean for the incubator?
Sustainability must be part of the business concept, it is an absolute requirement that we have for our startups. Dalarna Science Park has been working with sustainability for many years and holds the flag high. We also know that sustainability work will become increasingly important in the coming years, there are no alternatives.
Are there any subject areas or industries that stand out in the incubator right now?
We are seeing more and more start-ups and ideas in what is known as Green Industry, Health Tech and ICT (Information and communications technology). There are a lot of exciting things happening here.
How will the incubator develop in the coming years?
In several ways, I hope. Clearly, we are always striving to improve support. We are sharpening processes, tools and models, in parallel with scouting and training.
When you work in the incubator, you always need to be on your toes to be of real use to our innovators and entrepreneurs. We also need to work on reaching out to more people and telling them about the support we can offer.
FACTS - Dalarna Science Park's incubator
- For whom: Those who have an innovative business idea and want to develop businesses.
- Content: Business development, marketing, sustainability, leadership, international trade, board work, intellectual property, sales, financing and more.
- Admission: Ongoing. The incubator process includes four steps - from start-up meeting to incubator program.
- Previous participants, some examples: Tenstar, Signpost, SmartSign, Green Buffers, Tebrito, Viqma, Basta, Coppersource and others.
