The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Sweden You Should Enter in 2024
The Top 20 Startup Competitions in Sweden You Should Enter in 2024
Sweden is renowned for its vibrant startup ecosystem, nurturing some of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. With strong support from the government, a rich talent pool, and a collaborative entrepreneurial environment, Sweden is an ideal place for startups to thrive. If you’re looking to make your mark in the Swedish startup scene, participating in competitions is a great way to gain visibility, attract investment, and refine your business model. Here are the top 20 startup competitions in Sweden that you should consider entering in 2024.
1. Nordic Startup Awards
What it is: Part of the Global Startup Awards, the Nordic Startup Awards celebrate and recognize the best startups, founders, and ecosystem builders in the Nordic countries, including Sweden.
Why enter: Provides regional exposure, networking opportunities, and recognition from a prestigious platform.
Website: Nordic Startup Awards
2. Venture Cup Sweden
What it is: Venture Cup is a national competition for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas, offering guidance, feedback, and financial support.
Why enter: Offers valuable mentoring, feedback from experts, and the chance to win significant funding.
Website: Venture Cup Sweden
3. Sting Accelerate
What it is: An accelerator program and competition that supports startups in various sectors, providing funding, mentorship, and resources.
Why enter: Provides access to experienced mentors, seed funding, and a network of investors.
4. Stockholm Innovation & Growth (STING) Test Drive
What it is: A program designed to help early-stage startups develop their business ideas and prepare for market entry.
Why enter: Offers structured support, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry experts.
5. Swedish Innovation Award
What it is: An award recognizing innovative startups and entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions to the Swedish economy.
Why enter: Provides national recognition and support for groundbreaking innovations.
6. Sustainergies Cup
What it is: A competition focusing on sustainability and social impact, encouraging startups to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
Why enter: Highlights and supports startups with a strong social and environmental focus.
7. Young Entrepreneurs of Sweden (YEoS)
What it is: YEoS hosts various competitions and events aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in Sweden.
Why enter: Provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and funding for young entrepreneurs.
Website: YEoS
8. Swedish Business Awards
What it is: An annual event that recognizes outstanding business achievements in Sweden, including innovative startups.
Why enter: Offers significant exposure and recognition within the Swedish business community.
Website: Swedish Business Awards
9. Start Tel Aviv Sweden
What it is: A competition that selects one Swedish startup to participate in an international startup event in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Why enter: Provides international exposure and networking opportunities with global startups and investors.
10. Arctic15
What it is: A prominent startup event in the Nordics, including a pitch competition for startups to showcase their innovations.
Why enter: Offers exposure to a broad audience of investors, industry experts, and potential partners.
Website: Arctic15
11. EIT Health Catapult
What it is: A competition for health and biotech startups, providing funding, mentoring, and access to a European network of healthcare innovators.
Why enter: Offers significant support and opportunities for startups in the health and biotech sectors.
Website: EIT Health Catapult
12. Green Innovation Contest
What it is: A competition focused on startups developing sustainable and environmentally friendly innovations.
Why enter: Provides funding, support, and visibility for green startups.
Website: Green Innovation Contest
13. Techstars Startup Weekend Stockholm
What it is: A 54-hour event where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, form teams, and develop a startup over a weekend.
Why enter: Offers an intense and collaborative environment to develop your startup idea and receive feedback.
14. Innovative Sweden
What it is: A national competition that recognizes and supports the most innovative startups in Sweden.
Why enter: Provides significant exposure and support for innovative business ideas.
Website: Innovative Sweden
15. Nordic Cleantech Open
What it is: A competition for cleantech startups in the Nordic region, promoting sustainable technologies and innovations.
Why enter: Offers funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for cleantech startups.
Website: Nordic Cleantech Open
16. Global Impact Challenge Sweden
What it is: Part of Singularity University’s global network, this competition focuses on startups addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
Why enter: Provides international exposure and access to a global network of innovators and investors.
17. Creative Business Cup Sweden
What it is: A competition for creative startups, including sectors like design, media, and entertainment.
Why enter: Highlights and supports startups in the creative industries with funding and networking opportunities.
Website: Creative Business Cup Sweden
18. Startup Sweden Bootcamp
What it is: A program and competition that supports startups with training, mentoring, and exposure to investors.
Why enter: Provides comprehensive support for early-stage startups looking to scale.
19. Impact Startup Accelerator
What it is: An accelerator program and competition for startups with a strong social or environmental impact.
Why enter: Offers funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities for impact-driven startups.
20. Swedish Fintech Awards
What it is: A competition recognizing the most innovative fintech startups in Sweden.
Why enter: Provides visibility and support within the fintech community, along with potential funding opportunities.
Conclusion
Entering startup competitions can be a game-changer for your business, providing not only funding and recognition but also valuable connections and feedback. Sweden’s robust startup ecosystem offers a plethora of opportunities for entrepreneurs to shine. Whether your startup is in tech, health, sustainability, or any other sector, there’s a competition for you. Prepare your pitch, refine your business model, and get ready to take advantage of these exciting opportunities in 2024. Good luck!
Feel free to tailor the details or focus areas based on the latest updates or specific interests relevant to your startup.
