Watt an Idea connects partners and creates impact across Skellefteå

Northern Sweden is currently one of Europe’s most exciting regions for the green transition. In Skellefteå, new companies, investments and ideas are emerging, not least in the field of future energy solutions.

One initiative that has made a real difference is Watt an Idea, a programme that brings together Skellefteå Kraft and startups with smart solutions. The initiative was launched by Skellefteå Kraft, Skellefteå Science City and EIT InnoEnergy.

“For us, Watt an Idea is about opening doors to new ideas, collaborations and ways of thinking. At Skellefteå Kraft, we have extensive experience and deep expertise, but the programme gave us new perspectives and challenged us to think differently. Our long term goal is to continuously develop and improve our energy system,” says Linda Fransson, Business Developer at Skellefteå Kraft.

A flexible model

The concept behind Watt an Idea began taking shape in 2020 as a three year project called Accelerate Skellefteå. The idea was simple. Companies in the Skellefteå region could describe their challenges, and Skellefteå Science City would help identify young, innovative companies in Sweden and across Europe that could contribute new solutions.

In its final year, 2024, Accelerate evolved into Watt an Idea, tailored specifically to Skellefteå Kraft. Through a more flexible model, challenges could be published on an ongoing basis, allowing companies from across Europe to pitch their ideas.

Skellefteå Science City acted as the matchmaker. The team coordinated the process, promoted the initiative, reviewed applications, interviewed startups and prepared participants ahead of meetings. Through EIT InnoEnergy’s network, the challenges were distributed internationally, generating strong interest. More than 90 startups applied to the various calls during the year.

“Our role was to ensure that the meetings were highly relevant and focused. We prepared both Skellefteå Kraft and the applying companies to make the dialogue as concrete and valuable as possible,” says Anna Mård, CEO of Skellefteå Science City.

Solutions to real challenges

For many startups, Watt an Idea marked their first contact with a Swedish industrial company. For Skellefteå Kraft, it offered an opportunity to explore new developments, test fresh ideas and find solutions to real challenges.

“We see Watt an Idea as a new way of working with innovation. It is about opening the door, testing and learning together. We have gained new contacts, new ideas and a method that we will continue to use going forward,” says Linda Fransson.

For Skellefteå Science City, the final year demonstrated how open innovation can work in practice. As a neutral partner, the organisation was able to build trust and maintain momentum throughout the process.

“Our strength lies in standing between two worlds. We understand the needs of industry and the drive of startups. When we bring those worlds together, real things happen,” says Anna Mård.

Creating impact across Skellefteå

Watt an Idea formally concluded in 2024, but the approach lives on. Skellefteå Kraft continues to apply the insights gained in its ongoing innovation work, and Skellefteå Science City continues to connect companies and ideas that aim to drive the green transition forward.

“When we succeed in creating a match that leads to real collaboration, we have made a difference, not just for the companies involved, but for all of Skellefteå,” says Anna Mård.