Idea Contest Seeks New Energy Solutions – 150,000 SEK in Business Support for the Winning Idea

Northern Sweden is in the midst of a rapid energy transition. At the same time, there is a growing need for new ways to produce, use, and conserve energy. The Energy Solution Challenge idea competition is now open, giving entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators the opportunity to 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, reduced climate impact, or new technological solutions in the energy sector. These ideas can range from more efficient energy systems to new ways of storing, using, or saving energy.

“The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges of our time. To succeed, we need more new ideas and solutions. With the Energy Solution Challenge, we want to give more people the opportunity to develop their ideas and see what potential they actually have,” says Hampus Lindqvist, business developer at BizMaker.

The Energy Solution Challenge is aimed at entrepreneurs, researchers, students, innovators, and individuals working in the private or public sectors in the counties of Västernorrland, Västerbotten, and Norrbotten who have an idea related to energy and sustainability. Entries will be evaluated by a jury based on criteria such as relevance to the energy transition, climate benefits, feasibility, and business potential.

“Good ideas often emerge long before they get the chance to be tested, and the solutions we’ll need in the future aren’t always available today. That’s why we need more people who dare to challenge the way the energy system works and bring new perspectives to the table,” says Anna Marklund, Chief Project Officer at Skellefteå Science City.

The Energy Solution Challenge is organized by BizMaker, Uminova Innovation, Arctic Business, and Skellefteå Science City, which are collaborating to promote innovation and development related to the green transition in northern Sweden.

The contest is open from March 23 to April 24, 2026.

FACTS ABOUT THE ENERGY SOLUTION CHALLENGE

Purpose:To identify and develop new solutions for the energy transition.
Prizes: Firstprize: 150,000 SEK in business support; second prize: 75,000 SEK in business support; third prize: 25,000 SEK in business support.
Organizers:BizMaker,Uminova Innovation,Arctic Business, andSkellefteå Science City
Funding:The Energy Solution Challenge is funded bythe Swedish Energy Agency. The competition is also co-financed through the project“Innovation Power for Green Transition,” funded by the European Regional Development Fund in collaboration with Region Västerbotten, Piteå Municipality, Skellefteå Municipality, Umeå Municipality, Örnsköldsvik Municipality, RISE, Arctic Business, BizMaker, Uminova Innovation, Piteå Science Park, Skellefteå Science City, Pite Energi, Övik Energi, Skellefteå Kraft, Umeå Energi, Umeå Municipal Enterprises, and Vakin.