Innovation is ongoing. Are you staying or getting on?

We live in a time of transformation. Climate change, technological developments and geopolitical unrest are placing new demands on our societies, but also on us as individuals, businesses, organizations and regions. In this landscape of uncertainty, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: it is our capacity for innovation, our willingness to collaborate, and our courage to act that will determine how we approach the future. This is exactly why Dalarna Innovation Days exist.

As we bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, business owners and policy makers from across the region and the country for the third year running, it is more than a conference. It is a gathering point for power, idea exchange and forward movement. For four days, in six municipalities and digitally, we meet to share insights, spark ideas and accelerate development.

This year's program reflects the big issues of our time and how we in Dalarna address them with concrete solutions and initiatives. From AI and sustainable food to social innovation and the energy of the future.
We will meet Paul Svensson who shows how food waste can become food waste, and startup coaches who honestly share why 90 percent of all startups crash and how we avoid it. We'll discuss the role of AI in both industry and internal development.

A highlight is the Dalarna Startup Arena, where investors and young companies with growth ambitions meet to create the businesses of tomorrow. It is no coincidence that Dalarna hosts this forum, as the region has developed a strong and growing startup environment in recent years. Through Dalarna Science Park's incubator, over 200 companies have received support over the past 20 years. Together, they currently have a turnover of over SEK 1.2 billion and employ more than 600 people. This year, the incubator has also accepted more companies than ever before.

Meanwhile, entrepreneurs in Rättvik, Ludvika, Mora and Hedemora are gathering to talk about bold decisions, innovation and confidence in the future locally, but with a global impact.

And we don't forget the people. From talks on democracy and welfare to the live podcast Bortom ekorrhjulet about balance, quality of life and why Dalarna is the place where ideas can grow.

Behind every element of the program is something bigger. A desire to make an impact. To make a real difference. It's at the intersection of bold ideas, collaboration across borders, and local ownership that real innovation is born. This is where Dalarna has its strength.

So, let's take this opportunity. Come, participate, get involved. Explore new perspectives, contribute your knowledge, challenge your thoughts. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, a politician or just curious about the future, you have a place in Dalarna Innovation Days.

Together we turn ideas into reality.

Welcome!
Angelica Ekholm
CEO, Dalarna Science Park