AI that helps people focus better, reduce stress, and take control of their daily lives. This is the common thread among this year’s winners of the “I Have an Idea 2026” competition, organized by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna.
This year’s winning ideas revolve around some of today’s major challenges: stress, overstimulation, and the need for more personalized technology. From biological rhythms and sound environments to automated audio experiences, the finalists demonstrate how new technology can be used to improve people’s well-being in everyday life.
“What stands out this year is that many ideas aren’t just about efficiency or technology itself, but about how people can actually feel better and function sustainably in a fast-paced society with a constant flow of information,” says Felicia Dakkour, competition director at Dalarna Science Park.
Three finalists
First prize goes to Adyam Markos and EatSyncly for a digital platform that helps users optimize their energy, focus, and health by aligning their eating habits with the body’s biological rhythms and hormonal cycles. The solution uses chrono-nutrition and data analysis to provide personalized recommendations on when the body is most receptive to energy and recovery.
“I’m passionate about improving women’s health, and I’ve long observed how this area receives too little attention and resources. Having the opportunity to develop my idea here in Dalarna feels fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to build my business in the region,” says Adyam Markos.
Second prize goes to Milton Rohde Dahlberg and Voice Choice for an AI-based sound-filtering app that allows users to choose which sounds and voices they want to hear in noisy environments. The solution is designed for people with sensory sensitivities, students, and those in stressful work environments, among others, and uses AI to filter out background noise in real time.
Third prize goes to Oskar Linnaeus and PLACEPLAY for an app that automatically tailors music and audio experiences to the user’s location and movement. Using geofencing technology, users can create personalized sound zones where playlists and soundscapes start automatically depending on where they are.
The jury evaluated the entries based on criteria including level of innovation, feasibility, market potential, and sustainability. Several of this year’s ideas are based on AI and new technology, but with a clear focus on concrete user benefits and long-term value creation.
The first-place winner will receive a grant of 15,000 kronor to develop their idea, as well as 25 hours of business coaching. The second-place winner will receive a grant of 5,000 kronor and 20 hours of business coaching. The third-place winners will also receive coaching and support to help them take the next step in their development.
Support from Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna
The first- and second-place scholarships, which are to be used to cover the costs of further developing the idea, are provided by the Dalarna Savings Bank Foundation, an organization that supports innovation and optimism for the future in the region.
“Behind every competition entry are people who dare to think outside the box and try to solve problems they themselves encounter in everyday life. Initiatives like these are important for Dalarna’s future development and business community,” says Kjell Grundström of the Dalarna Savings Bank Foundation.
Facts – I Have an Idea
• I Have an Idea is a recurring idea competition held in several Swedish regions.
• In Dalarna, the competition is organized by Dalarna Science Park with support from Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna, Region Dalarna, and the EU Regional Development Fund.
• The jury consists of representatives from Nyföretagarcentrum Falun and Dalarna Science Park.
• The purpose of the competition is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
• The competition runs from April 1–30, 2026, and is open to anyone over the age of 18 who lives in Dalarna.
My project is co-funded by the European Union and Region Dalarna.
