About & Contact

Learn about our mission and meet our team.

About Ignite Sweden

Ignite Sweden is a non-profit organization that aims to foster innovation and accelerate commercialization by connecting startups to large companies and public organizations.

Since its inception in 2017, Ignite Sweden has connected over 1,900 startups with 450+ established organizations from both the private and the public sector, resulting in more than 788 collaborations and business opportunities.

Ignite Sweden is a subsidiary of SISP – Swedish Incubators & Science Parks, and was developed and established by the incubators and science parks Kista Science City, Minc, LEAD, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Sting, Things and Uminova Innovation. Ignite Sweden is funded by Vinnova – Sweden’s innovation agency and the private and public sector.

The Ignite Mission

Our core mission is to make it easier for Swedish startups to connect with their first large customer and accelerate their growth. Startups across Sweden —and around the world— have the potential to positively impact the ability of both private and public sectors to innovate. By collaborating, they can address today’s challenges more efficiently and affordably than working independently. However, connecting with each other can often be challenging.

This is where Ignite Sweden comes in. We are a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening connections between our vibrant startup scene, established companies, and public organizations to foster commercial collaborations.

We do this by matching the right startup with the right organization based on an assessment of their specific needs and challenges. We then facilitate their first meeting and provide support to both parties, increasing the likelihood of a successful business partnership.

The Ignite Team

Ignite Sweden is backed by a team of innovation experts located across the country, from Malmö in the south to Umeå in the north. Committed to our mission, they work diligently to ensure startups receive the support necessary to successfully commercialize their solutions.

Maria Olofsson

VP Ecosystem

Elijah Aldana

Head of International Projects

Marit Finch-Westin

Head of Public Sector Partnerships

Arwin Zendehrokh

Project Manager & Key Partner Manager Corporates

Emma Kinell

Project Manager & Key Partner Manager Corporates

Fredrika Germundsson

Project Manager & Key Partner Manager Corporates

Håkan Axelsson

Key Partner Manager Corporates

Mattias Ripoll

Key Partner Manager Corporates

Vanessa Ware

Key Partner Manager Public Sector

Portrait of Yasmine Morrison, Ignite Sweden's Startup Partner Manager.

Yasmine Morrison

Startup Partner Manager (Parental Leave)

Portrait of Francisco Alomia, Startup Support at Ignite Sweden.

Francisco Alomia

Acting Startup Partner Manager

Shara Fägerwall Tawfik

Event & Partner Manager

Michell Hanna

Digital Product Owner & Project Manager

Portrait of Niklas Sikström, Project Manager at Ignite Sweden

Niklas Sikström

Project Manager

Maite Bellón

Communications Manager

The Ignite Coaches

Our coaches are experienced professionals with entrepreneurial backgrounds and deep industry knowledge. They support startups in turning potential into real business by offering tailored guidance on everything from presentation skills to pricing strategies.
Portrait of Carin Lagerstedt, Ignite Sweden Coach

Carin Lagerstedt

Branding & Content Marketing

Christian Malmsten

B2B Sales

Håkan Axelsson

Customer Validation & GoTo Market Strategy

Portrait of Lotte Kylberg, Business Coach at Ignite Sweden

Lotte Kylberg

Strategic Pricing Expert

Marit Finch-Westin

Public Sector Collaborations

Portrait of Sandor Albrecht, Business Coach at Ignite Sweden.

Sandor Albrecht

Innovation Core & Value Creation

The Ignite Board

Our Board consists of representatives from startups, corporates, public entities, and the innovation ecosystem from across the country.

Anders Cronholm

CEO, Blekinge Business Incubator

Isabella Palmgren

CEO, Mimbly

Liam Hardey

CEO, Cellfion

Johan Almesjö

CEO, HBV

Magnus Ahlström

VP Global Innovation, SAAB

Martina Hegestig

Business Operations Manager, LEAD

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