An AI solution that streamlines consultant recruitment, environmentally friendly golf pegs and a digital twin for future urban development. These are the ideas behind this year's three winners of the I have an idea innovation competition, which is now closed for 2025.
- "This year's finalists show the innovative power that exists in Dalarna. Each idea is based on a concrete problem and has the potential to make a difference for companies, society and the climate," says Jacob Ode, competition manager, Dalarna Science Park.
I have an idea is organized by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna. The aim of the competition is to encourage entrepreneurship and innovative ideas.
The innovation competition ran throughout April and resulted in some thirty entries from eight of Dalarna's fifteen municipalities.
Three winners - three different solutions
First prize went to Raman Walli and Elias Kalliokoski, for an AI-based tool that automates and improves consultant recruitment. Using advanced matching between CVs and job descriptions, it creates an objective ranking list that simplifies the selection process.
- Winning is a marker for us, a confirmation that others also see the value in what we do. This gives us energy to keep going and we are ready to take the next step," says Raman Walli.
In addition to a grant of SEK 15 000, the team will receive 40 hours of coaching to further develop their idea.
Second prize was awarded to Martin Norlin, Tim Hedlund, Gustav Grudin and Lukas Östling for their sustainable golf pegs. Instead of making pegs from turned wood or plastic, they use a pressing method with recycled wood shavings, which is a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient alternative. Second prize winners receive 30 hours of business development support and a SEK 5 000 grant to develop the idea. Jessica Hallqvist was on hand to receive the award.
Third prize went to Fartun Ahmed Nuur, who wants to create a digital twin of a Swedish small town - a solution that collects real-time data on traffic, energy use and climate impact. The aim is to strengthen urban planning and citizen dialog. Fartun will receive 20 hours of business development support to take the idea further from a business developer at Dalarna Science Park.
The jury sees potential
The jury has assessed all the submissions based on a number of criteria, including how feasible the idea is, market potential and how well the ideas address the sustainability goals of the 2030 Agenda.
- "It's always inspiring to see so many thoughtful and innovative ideas. This year we have also seen increased participation from young people and women, which is important for broadening the innovation power in Dalarna," says Felicia Dakkour, Competition Manager, Dalarna Science Park.
This year's finalists show that the best ideas do make a difference. Each entry is based on a concrete problem, and with creativity, courage and innovation, the participants have developed solutions that can simplify everyday life, strengthen sustainability or change entire ways of working.
Facts - I have an idea
- I have an idea is a recurring idea competition organized in several Swedish regions.
- In Dalarna, the competition is organized by Dalarna Science Park with the support of Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna, Region Dalarna and the EU Regional Development Fund.
- The aim of the competition is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
- The competition ran from April 1-30, 2025 and was open to anyone over 18 years old living in Dalarna.
- Three winners will receive business development support and one will receive a grant to further develop your idea.
I have an idea is co-funded by the European Union and Region Dalarna.
