Since 1999 Chalmers Innovation has worked with over 200 projects and started more than 130 companies. Over 2,700 business ideas have been evaluated which has led to the contribution of 1.5 billion private investments in start-ups. By 2011, the companies had a total turnover of 558 million SEK and 406 employees which has led Chalmers Innovation to be the Sweden’s leading idea investor and business developer. Encubator is Chalmers’ Venture Creation incubator. Encubator came about as a result of four years of experiences from Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship. The school was founded in 1997 by Mats Lundqvist and Sören Sjölander, at the Department of Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology. The main pedagogy was built upon arranged partnerships between inventors with ideas and students with the drive to become entrepreneurs. Since the start, there has been a dual mission of developing entrepreneurs while creating new ventures. Since 1997 more than 50 new ventures have been formed out of the unique Encubation model. In 2015 Chalmers University of Technology decided to gather forces to strengthen, rationalize and scale up entrepreneurship activities. 300 million SEK of investment capital has been to be provided in over a 10-year period along with financing of the operations to bring forth more newly established companies associated with Chalmers. The objective was for the two world-leading incubators, Encubator and Chalmers Innovation, together with Chalmers invest, to establish a new company. The new company include the two successful incubators featuring different work processes, creating major opportunities for better coordination.

Supporting activities

For growing companies:

One of Europe’s leading Accelerator programs. Accelerate a business idea into future growth company through:

– Business coach

– Seed funding

– Marketing, networks & workshops

For starting companies 
During 10 weeks, the incubator helps to start-up by giving inspiration, individual coaching and feedback.

– Validation of the customer/user need

– Identification (build) of Minimum Viable Product

– Become ready to join the accelerator program

– Create a crisp pitch

For idea givers & innovators
The incubator can match a tech idea with a team of entrepreneurs to commercialize. Idea requirements:

– Owner of technology, know-how

– Innovative / Unique edge

– Global market potential

For researchers
To take an active role in the commercialization process of research results.

- Finance of patent applications

– Expert advice

– Be an active partner support in commercialization

Part of an investment strategy at Chalmers Ventures is to make early-stage investments in companies. When the companies move forward, looking for co-investors to match with start-ups. Chalmers Ventures mainly invest in projects and companies that are currently, was previously, or intend to be a part of programs.

Investment requirements

• To have a clear connection to Gothenburg
• Business/tech is innovative
• New materials, environmental engineering, medical technology or biotechnology