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IdeaToAction programme - Validation of early hardware ideas - by catalyzing the innovation ecosystem

Reference number
Coordinator Ideaction
Funding from Vinnova SEK 7 130 000
Project duration November 2017 - April 2021
Status Completed
Venture 2017-02645-en
Call 2017-02724-en

Important results from the project

The primary goal of the project was to support 130+ private innovators and entrepreneurs to validate their early stage ideas. In order to insure the performance and quality of the project we set sub-goals such as: - Creating a gender equal support. - Addressing the Sustainable Development Goals - Providing hands-on tools to validate ideas and work toward sustainability and circularity. - Setting a new standard for the validation of hardware-enabled ideas. - Establishing the program on the long run.

Expected long term effects

The project supported 135 innovators. In April 2021 40+ of them had started a company and 20+ had launched their product. Some received financial support from Vinnova, banks and investors after the program. The project reached a gender equality rate of 45/55 (45% women - 55% men). The project rose awareness about the SDGs and made participants developing their ideas towards sustainable and circular models. Finally the project has become an ecosystem catalyzer for hardware-enabled early stage ideas and has developed an hands-on approach through rapid prototyping and testing.

Approach and implementation

The project aimed to support innovators in the validation of their idea. To do so we designed a 8 weeks accelerator program providing support in the field of IP, Design, Prototyping, Circularity, Sustainability, etc. During the 3 years period we received 300+ applications and supported 135 individuals spread in 18 batches of 7-8 participants. Coordinating and assessing the project along the way was key to insure and improve the quality. The many expert partners involved tailored their support along the way. ERFA-meetings with Vinnova helped us to reflect and improve the program.

External links

The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.

Last updated 2 June 2021

Reference number 2017-03668