In total, more than 30 incubators have qualified for the national incubator programme for the period 2025 to 2029, of which DigitalWell Ventures is the only one in Värmland.
Vinnova’s decision was preceded by a thorough quality review of DigitalWell Ventures’ processes, network and results. The quality of the companies the incubator supports is also a key factor.
– It feels fantastic to get this quality stamp. It’s a cool context to be part of Sweden’s 30 best tech incubators. It also means that in the long term we can support even more innovators and entrepreneurs who address our major societal challenges, such as how we will cope with future welfare with reduced resources,” says Stefan Skoglund, CEO of DigitalWell Ventures.
DigitalWell Ventures was founded in 2021 as part of DigitalWell Arena. Since the start, around 70 companies have gone through the company’s incubation and acceleration programme. The business has since been transferred to the Inova Foundation in Värmland, to create better conditions and avoid a conflict of interest by representing individual companies.
Strong partnerships have built excellence
Stefan Skoglund sees several key factors in DigitalWell Ventures being able to establish itself so quickly and achieve both national and international interest. Two of these are Region Värmland’s strategy for smart specialisation, with digital health innovation as a priority area, and the collaboration with DigitalWell Arena.
– Despite being a relatively new incubator, we have built up expertise that attracts companies, mentors, investors and resources from all over the country. These resources can now be made available to more people.
At the same time, Stefan Skoglund emphasises that it is not just about the results for the companies in the incubator:
– We also support and develop the innovative power of entrepreneurs, and you have to be humble about the fact that sometimes things take time. The knowledge, networks and entrepreneurial skills they gain through the incubator can make the next idea really take off, creating the conditions for long-term regional growth.
Such a piece of the puzzle was laid early on in the incubator and remains an important foundation for the organisation. In the innovation council, early validation of start-up ideas is carried out by representatives from Karlstad Municipality, Region Värmland, Karlstad University and DigitalWell Arena. Since its inception, more than 400 ideas and companies have been evaluated and given advice and support.
Over time, the incubator has specialised in supporting companies in doing business with the public sector and contributing to societal change. For example, when it comes to solutions aimed at the health sector, knowledge of both procurement and regulatory requirements is crucial to meeting customer needs.
Important interface for the whole ecosystem
Increasing interaction between the public sector and innovative companies is also a high priority for DigitalWell Arena. That’s why Jonas Matthing, Executive Director, is delighted with the incubator’s success and long-term funding.
– They are an important partner, as we closely follow innovative companies and the new solutions that tech can bring. For example, when it comes to managing health data that provides opportunities for better care with AI. To meet the societal challenges we face in terms of health, the public sector is looking for new solutions that can both maintain and develop welfare.