Helsingborg hosted the national finals in Venture Cup Sweden for the first time in the city’s history. On the 10th of October, the award ceremony where Sweden’s most innovative startups were awarded and celebrated together with the business community, academics and other officials at Clarion Hotel Sea U.
The final attracted more than 300 participants, who attended the award ceremony and speeches. Attendees also had the opportunity to mingle with some of Sweden’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The Mayor of Helsingborg, Christian Orsing, welcomed everyone and highlighted the city’s history as an entrepreneurial driving force for regional development. The event’s keynote speaker was Paulina Brandberg, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life, who shared her insights on entrepreneurship and equality. Zeynep Erdal, Head of Helsingborg Innovation District, was part of the Venture Cup 2024 jury and presented the audience award, which went to Alga Insulation.
The Startup of the Year 2024 winner was SimulAir, whose business idea enables individuals and property owners to avoid the industry standard of forcing people to sleep with bedbugs as part of the eradication process. Venture Cup Sweden CEO Mekhar Sheikh presented this award. The SimulAir team consisted of Maja Åstrand, Simon Lilja, and Sandra Vahdani.
“With its unique innovative solution of attracting both customers and uninvited guests on a global basis, this startup showcases a commitment to improving quality of life and will have a transformative impact in its industry.”
The Helsingborg Innovation District hub Campus Helsingborg, Lund University, represented by Dean Charlotta Johnsson, presented MARELD with the award for Beyond Academics, a business idea that has its ground in the academic world and is transitioning into business.
Winners of Venture Cup Sverige 2024:
- Startup of the year: SimulAir
- Game Changer: Anferra
- Impact Maker: DREV
- Best Traction: AICD.nu
- Beyond Academic: MARELD
- Publikens pris: Alga Insulation
- B3 Indes Award: Beat Vascular Health
The jury comprised some of Sweden’s most successful entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.
On the morning of the finals, Zeynep Erdal introduced the finalists to the Helsingborg Innovation District, followed by a round tour of Oceanhamnen. The finalists had the opportunity to meet the local community and Hubs, Mindpark, HETCH, Parken (City of Helsingborg), Lund University, and RecoLab.
