Do you have an idea that could make a difference in the future? The“I Have an Idea”competition is now open again—one of northern Sweden’s largest idea competitions. Throughout April, residents of Dalarna can participate and compete to become one of three winners who will get to develop their ideas with the support of business coaching. The first-place winner will also receive a grant of 15,000 kronor for activities that help further develop the idea.
“We know there are many great ideas out there, but sometimes the leap from thought to action can feel daunting. With ‘I Have an Idea,’ we want to give more people the opportunity to test and develop their ideas,” says Gabriella Åström of Dalarna Science Park.
From idea to reality
The competition aims to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Dalarna.
“We need more entrepreneurs who develop smart solutions to real-world problems, and we want them to be able to grow their businesses in Dalarna. This competition could be an important first step,” says Felicia Dakkour, project manager for the competition.
The jury evaluates the competition entries based on how well the idea solves a problem, its feasibility, market potential, and whether it contributes to sustainable development. Ideas do not have to be entirely new; they can just as easily be an improvement on something that already exists or a new way of working.
Past winners inspire
One of the competition’s past winners, Jamila Boccaccio, encourages anyone with an idea to take the plunge.
“You don’t have to have all the answers right from the start. The important thing is to take that first step and dare to believe in your idea; the rest will fall into place,” she says.
The Dalarna Savings Bank Foundation is one of the organizations supporting the competition and is looking forward to this year’s entries. “This competition is important for Dalarna’s development. When more people dare to test their ideas, new opportunities, businesses, and jobs are created. We are really looking forward to reviewing this year’s entries and following their journey forward,” says Kjell Grundström of the Dalarna Savings Bank Foundation.
Jagharenidé.nu is co-funded by the European Union and Region Dalarna.
Facts about "I Have an Idea"
- The contest runs from April 1 to April 30, 2026.
- Open to individuals and businesses in Dalarna (participants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Dalarna).
- Three winners will receive business coaching, and the grand prize winner will receive 15,000 kronor to develop their idea. (The funds must be used for activities that test or develop the idea and may not be paid out as salary or personal compensation.)
- Organized by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with Sparbankstiftelsen Dalarna, Region Dalarna, and the European Regional Development Fund.
- The 2026 jury consists of representatives from Dalarna Science Park and the Central Dalarna Business Incubator.
