The Maker trip
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Cloudberry Communications AB - Cloudberrry Communications AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 250 000 |
| Project duration | November 2015 - June 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Makerresan was the first Swedish hardware startup and maker delegation to Hong Kong and Shenzhen (the Silicon Valley of hardware). The purpose of the trip was to inspire Swedes to work closer to the ecosystems of producers, entrepreneurs, startups and consumers. That will help Swedes commercialising innovations, get products out and succeed on a global market. After the trip, 99% of the participants found that Makerresan exceeded their expectations and would recommend this to someone else.
Expected results and effects
The overall results include that Asia and hardware manufacturing has become more accessible to Swedish startups and makers. The reputation of Sweden as an innovative and design-oriented country has been strengthen in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Participants got an overview of opportunities including business contacts (VCs, co-working spaces, accelerators etc) who are interested in future cooperation. Makerresan also opened up for closer collaboration between makers and we are looking forward to see more Swedish innovations produced in China on the global market.
Planned approach and implementation
We spent two days in Shenzhen and two days in Hong Kong. The program provided and overview of the ecosystem architecture which included meeting with leaders from the global hw community, connecting with the local hardware community through meet ups, 1-1 meetings and business matching with leading hardware entrepreneurs and venture capitalists and also a guided visit to Huaqianbei the world´s largest electronics market.