How collaboration and AI can support innovative companies faster

How can Sweden's incubators work together to provide faster and better support to innovative companies - no matter where in the country they are located? This is the core of the NILLA project. Layer Logic is an example of how it can work in practice.

NILLA is a national collaboration to coordinate innovation support in Sweden. By combining the strengths of incubators and science parks, companies will gain faster access to the right skills, contacts and test environments - regardless of geographical location. Gothenburg-based Layer Logic is one of the first companies to be matched into the collaboration - and is already seeing clear results.

- "This is a perfect example of how we work in the project, listening to the needs, involving the right parties and acting quickly. Together we can have a much greater impact than individually," says Emelie Hennström, project manager at Innovatum Science Park.

Pilot project after rapid matching

Layer Logic develops graphene-based biosensors for rapid detection of bacteria, with a particular focus on Listeria in the food and seafood industry. The company had previously been in contact with several actors, including Produktionsänglar in Södertälje and Innovatum Science Park in Trollhättan. When NILLA was launched, a relationship already existed - and the need for collaboration was clear.

- NILLA, with several incubators gathered, felt like a perfect match. We have received both concrete contacts and strategic support," says Ebba Sandbecker, co-founder of Layer Logic.

For Layer Logic, NILLA became a bridge to more contacts - including Innovatum Science Park and Krinova Incubator & Science Park. Through joint support, the company has gained faster access to contacts, knowledge and tools.

From manual matching to AI support

In addition to supporting companies, NILLA is also a methodology development project. The goal is to create an AI-based matching tool where companies can describe their needs - and get recommendations on suitable resources, contacts and testbeds.

- At present, we work manually with what we want the tool to do: to understand the company's next steps and quickly activate the right support. Layer Logic has been an important case to train and further develop that way of working," says Emelie.

NILLAAI to be launched this fall

This fall, the digital tool NILLAAI will be launched, based on the lessons learned and processes tested during the project. The ambition is to make it easier for innovative companies to find the right one quickly - and for more actors in the innovation system to collaborate effectively.

"You do it on your own terms"

For Layer Logic, collaboration in NILLA has already yielded value. Through Produktionsänglar, the company has made contact with a hardware developer in Stockholm, which has led to collaboration. Innovatum Science Park, Krinova Incubator & Science Park and others have opened doors to the blue business community. And through dialog with several incubators, the company has been able to discuss business models, technology development and test environments.

- The best part is that you do it on your own terms. Only opportunities - and lots of commitment. It really feels like everyone wants to help you move forward," says Ebba Sandbecker.

Read more about the NILLA & NillaAI project.