We are in the midst of a series of crises. Just recently, we found ourselves in a pandemic from which we are not sure we have emerged. We have a war in our neighborhood while we are in the middle of an escalating global economic crisis. This affects us all. Inflation is rising and interest rates are following suit and, unfortunately, we are also starting to see redundancies.
To support Dalarna's companies both in adversity and prosperity, there are a number of organizations*. Yes, there are many of us in the business promotion ecosystem in Dalarna. Many of us have the task of using various tools to support companies so that Dalarna's businesses can develop in both good times and be strengthened in tough times. We can help to build protection against decline and create resilience to negative changes in the world around us.
Many companies in Dalarna do a lot of good work to identify and manage risks at an early stage. Many companies seek support from us business promoters before the crisis becomes a fact. However, many entrepreneurs still do not seek help until it is too late, or not at all.
Dalarna Science Park's mission is to support innovative, sustainable and scalable business ideas to national and international success. We work with this every day and in different ways. We run development projects that can be local, regional, national or international. We also work with business development through business coaching and strategic support in everything from start-ups to existing companies that need to take the next step.
Two examples of start-ups we are currently working with are Cashewmeetly from Leksand. The company has received a lot of media attention for its innovative solution to utilize the cashew apple when harvesting the cashew nut by drying the fruit into a vegetarian "meat". Today, the products are sold in supermarkets via Axfood. Another example where Dalarna Science Park proudly supports via the incubator is the company RXD from Avesta. The company has created an innovative safety solution for train couplings, Green Buffers.
We also offer a business development program where we support existing companies in innovative and sustainable transition. One example of a company that has participated in the program is Orsa Stenhuggeri, which recently underwent a generational change. The company has gone from more traditional manufacturing to a developing company with many new investments around the corner.
What degree of innovation must a business idea have in order to be supported by us at Dalarna Science Park? Or how do I know which promotional organization I should turn to?
So my invitation is not to think too much about it. Just get in touch and we will ensure that you, as an innovator and entrepreneur, end up in the right place. It is a thicket that we are happy to help guide you through. Our common goal is to create a growing and prosperous business community throughout Dalarna. To give an example, during the third quarter we at Dalarna Science Park have been contacted by idea carriers and companies in a steady stream. Of those who contacted us, 30% have been forwarded to Nyföretagarcentrum, 15% to Almi GävleDala, 15% to another business incubator in Sweden with special expertise in the area of the idea, 15% have been forwarded to Dalarna University and 25% we have matched into our own offers linked to innovation, sustainability and internationalization
Do you have a business idea? Or are you in a company in need of innovative and sustainable development or looking for new markets? Never hesitate to contact us at Dalarna Science Park!
Angelica Ekholm
CEO, Dalarna Science Park
PS!
I must recommend our inspirational lecture with US-based Christina Lampe Önnerud, chemistry doctor, star innovator, entrepreneur and business leader. Perhaps best known as the "battery queen from Ludvika" who, with more than 80 patents as a base, has started several companies in the battery industry. On December 1, she will come to Dalarna Science Park and talk about future energy solutions. Do not miss it!
*In the system we find, among others, Almi, which offers business loans, venture capital and business development for growing companies, Nyföretagarcentrum, which supports you if you have a new business idea and want to start a business, IUC Dalarna, which supports small and medium-sized manufacturing companies that want to develop in production, competence, product and business development, Sustainable Steel region, which works for development in the steel industry. We have Byggdialog Dalarna, which is a member organization focused on the construction industry and Samarkand 2015 in Ludvika, which works broadly with issues linked to skills supply and High Voltage Valley, where researchers in energy technology are housed. Invest in Dalarna, which works to identify investments in our region in the form of business start-ups and to support our companies in the region on an international market, we currently have Business Sweden, Exportarena Dalarna and the network we have with us at Dalarna Science Park, Enterprice Europe Network.
