Soon it's time again for I have an idea, one of northern Sweden's largest idea competitions. Are you over 18, live in Dalarna and have an idea you want to develop? Then this is a chance you don't want to miss. You are competing for business coaching and SEK 15,000 to take your idea further.
- In addition, all participants receive individual feedback, allowing them to develop their ideas whether they win or not," says Jacob Ode, Dalarna Science Park.
A competition that makes ideas grow
The aim of the I have an idea competition is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. Over the years, more than 1,270 ideas have competed in Dalarna, Västernorrland and Gävleborg, and several have gone on to become successful businesses. In Dalarna, the competition runs from 1-30 April, organized by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with Sparbankstiftelsen Dalarna.
- We need more innovative entrepreneurs to develop business in Dalarna. Many people have been thinking about an idea for a long time but are hesitant to take the plunge. We know that this competition can be crucial for daring to invest, and we have seen several examples of ideas that would never have become reality without it," says Felicia Dakkour, who is project managing the competition together with Jacob Ode.
The jury assesses the entries on several aspects. They look at how well the idea solves a problem or fills a need, whether it is feasible and what market potential it has. Another important factor is how the idea links to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. You don't have to have a completely new and unique idea, it can just as well be an improvement of something existing or a new way of working.
"Believe in yourself and your idea"
One of the competition's previous winners, Jamila Boccaccio, knows what it takes to make the leap from idea to reality. She encourages anyone thinking of entering to believe in their idea and take a chance.
- You don't need to have all the answers from the start, the important thing is to take the first step. Dare to believe in your idea, the rest will fall into place!
Kjell Grundström from Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna is looking forward to this year's competition:
- Last year we received many exciting and innovative entries. This is the third year we are running the competition in Dalarna and we hope that the 2025 competition will be at least as high as previous years.
Facts I have an idea
- Recurring idea competition in several regions of Sweden.
- In Dalarna, the competition is organized by Dalarna Science Park with the support of Sparbankstiftelsen Dalarna, Region Dalarna and the European Regional Development Fund.
- The competition runs from 1-30 April 2025
- The competition is open to individuals and companies, participants must be at least 18 years old and live in Dalarna.
- Three winners will receive business coaching support and the winner will receive SEK 15 000.
- The 2025 jury consists of representatives from NyföretagarCentrum Mellersta Dalarna, Coompanion, ALMI and Dalarna Science Park.
- I have an idea is organized by BizMaker in Västernorrland and Movexum and Sandbacka Science Park in Gävleborg and in Dalarna it is Dalarna Science Park.
