New business idea competition to help students turn their ideas into reality

This is the premiere of the business idea competition Startup Challenge, where students, researchers and doctoral students at University West can compete for SEK 25,000 and help to further develop their ideas. The competition is organized by Innovatum Science Park and University West in collaboration with Skill, which is behind the prize.

- "We know that there are many driven students with innovative business ideas that they want to realize, and PhD students who want to commercialize their research. Our hope is that the competition will inspire them to take the step," says Alexandra Bousiou, Innovation Advisor at University West.

The winner will receive SEK 25,000 in start-up capital, and business development support via Innovatum Science Park's incubator and University West's innovation office.

- "Through our support, we give the winner the conditions to realize the idea, and avoid many of the pitfalls that are common on entrepreneurial journeys. Our business coaches, who themselves have backgrounds as entrepreneurs, provide support," says Eivind Vogel-Rödin, Head of Startup Operations at Innovatum Science Park.

Business ideas in all sectors

The competition, which runs until May 11, is open to business ideas in all types of industries. The important thing is that the solutions presented meet a clear market need, are innovative, have high growth potential, and contribute to sustainable development. You can compete alone or in teams.

- At Skill, we want to create conditions for people to grow and we see supporting this business idea competition as a great opportunity to encourage students and graduates to realize their innovative ideas, says Christian Andersson-Gran, COO at Skill.

Everyone is offered a pitch lecture

The competition will end with a final in Trollhättan at the end of May where the winner will be announced. But before that, anyone at University West who is interested will be offered a pitch lecture with multi-entrepreneur Deborah Lygonis, where they will be given the tools to hone their sales skills.

- A success factor for successfully selling your idea to others is to be able to present it succinctly and powerfully. Deborah, who gives the lecture, has many years of experience in pitching herself and has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs with this, concludes Eivind.