{"id":4808,"date":"2023-11-27T09:05:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T08:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uuinvest.se\/?page_id=4808"},"modified":"2025-04-04T16:32:23","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T14:32:23","slug":"venture-challenge","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uuinvest.se\/en\/venture-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"VentureChallenge"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px” el_class=”page-intro-space”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”team-row”][vc_column width=”1\/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-2 vc_hidden-xs”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”11\/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-10″][vc_custom_heading text=”VentureChallenge – From Science to Society” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23021626″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”page-title ft-fm-hn”][vc_separator border_width=”3″][vc_row_inner el_id=”Stretch row” el_class=”team-row”][vc_column_inner width=”5\/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Apply for up to 500,000 SEK for your research-based business idea. This is a call from Uppsala University Invest in collaboration with Uppsala University Innovation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Call for start-up capital and a start-up package for commercialization<\/h2>\n

By applying for project funding, you have the opportunity to focus on your research area while we provide capital and expertise to develop the company.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-8″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Which research areas can I apply for project funding in?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5145″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n

Life sciences\/health<\/h3>\n

The call aims to support development and commercialisation of innovative research in:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Medical technology<\/li>\n
  • Industrial biotechnology<\/li>\n
  • Pharmaceutical products for evaluating ideas that could lead to the development of new medical treatments, disease prevention, diagnostic methods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    AI and Data<\/h3>\n

    The call aims to support the development and commercialization of applications for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in technology and natural sciences, medicine and pharmacy, as well as humanities and social sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on applications where AI is used to address important societal challenges and enhance Swedish competitiveness. For example:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Treatment of chronic diseases<\/li>\n
    • Combating climate change<\/li>\n
    • AI solutions in language models, for the Swedish language, and within the field of law<\/li>\n
    • Efficiency improvements in the public and private sectors<\/li>\n
    • Increased digital transformation for Swedish industry andi nfrastructure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      Fossil-free energy<\/h3>\n

      The call aims to support development and commercialisation of innovative research in:<\/p>\n

      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      \u2022 Develop products or services consisting of hardware, software, or business models that contribute to accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable systems, including energy conversion, storage, distribution, and production.<\/p>\n

      The project should consider the ongoing infrastructure investments in society, as well as the potential life cycles of the proposed products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1743750009674{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

      Who is VentureChallenge for?<\/h2>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      It is for those who have a clear idea and a solution that is better than those currently available in the specified research areas. Additionally, you should have conducted a \u201cproof of principle\u201d for your concept. Your solution does not need to be packaged as a prototype. Note that the funds go towards development and not research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_single_image image=”5476″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1743750022305{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

      You need to be employed at Uppsala University and have the rights to commercialize your invention. You need to be able to allocate time to the project but do not necessarily need to become the CEO of a future company.<\/p>\n

      Conditions for VentureChallenge<\/h2>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      The project should be scalable and feasible for commercialization. Your project cannot be associated with an already established company. The project funds are intended for clear development steps towards commercialization. Therefore, the funds cannot be used for basic research or applied research without ambitions for commercialization.<\/p>\n

      As an applicant of the call, you should be willing to have UU Invest as a part- ner and co-founder in a future company. If the project leads to the formation of a company, UU Invest will become a minority shareholder in the company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709728344962{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

      What is included in VentureChallenge?<\/h2>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n

      Funding is provided for a maximum of two years, up to 500,000 SEK. This can be combined with other sources of funding and grants. In addition to the initial ownership, UU Invest can provide additional capital upon company formation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1709728360060{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

      In addition to funding, you will receive support with:<\/h2>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
        \n
      • Development of a business strategy<\/li>\n
      • Assistance in negotiations with suppliers, prospective customers or stakeholders<\/li>\n
      • Assistance in finding grants and other funding<\/li>\n
      • Support in team building and finding external advisors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

        \n
        \n
        \n
        \n

        Applicants of VentureChallenge can apply for funding for the following:<\/h2>\n
          \n
        • Salary for applicants, employees, or project consultants at all staffing levels<\/li>\n
        • Operating costs such as consumables, materials, expenses related to trials, etc.<\/li>\n
        • Equipment required for the project<\/li>\n
        • Communication efforts<\/li>\n
        • Conference participation<\/li>\n
        • Travel expenses<\/li>\n
        • Legal and intellectual property rights-related costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n

          In the event of a future company formation, a start-up package is also included, which includes the following:<\/h2>\n

          \u2022 Basic agreements and documents
          \n\u2022 Advisory services for company formation
          \n\u2022 Recruitment of suitable board members
          \n\u2022 Set-up of accounting and reporting<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n

          What criteria are applications evaluated based on?<\/h2>\n

          Evaluation is conducted by the management of UU Invest with the assistance of experts in the specified research areas. The applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:<\/p>\n

          \u2022 Level of innovation and potential impact in the value chain
          \n\u2022 Main applicant\u2019s competencies, qualifications, and research background
          \n\u2022 Co-applicants\u2019 specialized skills and contributions to the project
          \n\u2022 Commercial potential and scalability of the project
          \n\u2022 Potential for protecting the idea, such as through patents<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n

          When can you apply for VentureChallenge?<\/h2>\n

          The application period opens on April 7th, 2025 and closes on May 9th, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5459″ img_size=”full” css=””][vc_column_text el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n

          In which languages can I apply?<\/h2>\n

          Swedish and English.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”single-intro”]<\/p>\n

          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n
          \n

          How does the application process work?<\/h2>\n

          Applications will be evaluated until May 9th. During the evaluation, you will be asked to present your project to UU Invest. Applicants will be notified of the decision on June 9th, 2025. The start date is September 1, 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          [\/vc_column_text]