Jonas Granström, co-founder of Conifer Vision

How do you really know what’s in the forest—in detail? For forest owners and forestry companies, this is crucial for both financial performance and sustainability. Conifer Vision is developing an analytics platform that uses drone imagery and AI to map every single tree. – “The forest is one of the Earth’s most valuable resources, and we need to get better …” Read more

Sverker Svärdby, founder of Sleipner Robotics

Sleipner Robotics develops unmanned ground vehicles and autonomous systems for environments lacking roads and infrastructure to navigate by. The technology relies on sensors, cameras, and AI-based systems that enable the machines to interpret their surroundings and navigate off-road terrain. Applications include, for example, clearing work, forest planting, or transport operations in mines.

Energy Solution Challenge

Northern Sweden is in the midst of a rapid energy transition. At the same time, the need for new ways to produce, use, and save energy is growing. Now, the Energy Solution Challenge idea competition is launching, where entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators can develop their ideas—and compete for up to 150,000 Swedish kronor in business support. The competition is seeking ideas that can contribute to smarter energy use, … Read more

The Start Local project aims to develop a new business development support program for startups and innovative companies in rural areas.

BizMaker has been granted funding from Interreg Aurora for the international Northborne project. The goal is to develop a new business development support for startups and innovative companies in rural regions such as Västernorrland. Together with Finnish Centria and Nykarleby Innovation Center as well as Coompanion Västernorrland, the project will be developed in a cross-border collaboration between Sweden and Finland. The initiative is based on ... Read more

Linda Bjermqvist, founder of the startup company Concensra.

Domestic violence is one of the most difficult challenges facing society today – yet much of the support currently available focuses on the acute phase. Sundsvall entrepreneur Linda Bjermqvist is now developing Concensra, an anonymous web service designed to provide structured support before, during, and after a breakup. This spring, the tool is being tested at one of the country's women's shelters. A place at ... Read more

Christian Höök and Mathias Kristoferqvist, both foresters and doctoral students at SLU, are the founders of the start-up company EcoVibes.

With new technology, the founders of EcoVibes want to make it easier to measure biodiversity. The solution makes it easier to find and protect rare species, and to choose the right areas for forestry and construction projects early on in the process. Inventorying with sound sensors, or "bugging the forest," is effective, safe, and causes no disturbance to the environment being inventoried. Read more

Drone image of Sundsvall Bay and Stenstan.

Verda Cloud Oy has chosen to establish its first AI center in Sundsvall. The investment represents a significant boost to the business community in Västernorrland and strengthens the region's position in technology and artificial intelligence. The establishment is an important step in a time characterized by geopolitical uncertainty, increased global dependencies, and rapid technological shifts. Building capacity for AI development ... Read more

The team behind the Sundsvall-based startup Permitify

Permitify's digital solution replaces the manual handling of work permits for high-risk jobs. With fresh venture capital behind it, the Sundsvall-based company is ready to ramp up both development and sales. High-risk work in industry requires both risk analysis and work permits, which must be approved by both the client and the contractor. The Sundsvall-based company Permitify has developed a digital platform that provides a better overview, ... Read more

From left: Anna Kollberg, future strategist at BizMaker and head of the RE:DO project, Jenny Samuelsson, museum director at Västernorrlands Museum, Frida Knutsson, CEO of the innovation company.

Cultural and creative industries are an increasingly important driver of the Swedish economy and are highlighted as a key force in the development of sustainable and attractive regions. The Re:Do project has now been given the green light to strengthen cultural and creative entrepreneurs in Västernorrland – and create a more sustainable, innovative, and attractive business community throughout the region. The project is being implemented by BizMaker, Västernorrland's ... Read more

Mats Ullmar will take up his new position as Business Area Manager at BizMaker on March 1, 2026.

Mats Ullmar takes over as the new business area manager for BizMakers Science Park operations. With extensive experience in innovation, business development, and leadership, he will now be tasked with further developing BizMakers' offering and contributing to a stronger and more future-oriented business community in Västernorrland. Mats Ullmar will take up his position on March 1, 2026. "I am driven by creating tangible benefits for companies, ... Read more

Tomas Falkensson has been hired as a business developer for BizMaker, focusing on the business community in Sollefteå and Kramfors.

BizMaker recruits Tomas Falkensson as a new business developer based in Sollefteå and Kramfors. The recruitment is part of Region Västernorrland's extra effort to strengthen local support for companies and individuals with innovative ideas. With Tomas Falkensson on board, BizMaker is strengthening its local offering in Sollefteå and Kramfors. The initiative is aimed at people who want to realize new business ideas, ... Read more