2024 In Review

In 2024, Ignite orchestrated 1,131 one-on-one tailored meetings between startups and more than 130 potential corporate and public customers. At least half of these interactions progressed to further discussions aimed at initiating joint projects, resulting in 105 commercial collaborations between startups, corporates, and public entities throughout the year. This brings the total number of startup partnerships facilitated by Ignite to 710 since the initiative’s inception in 2017.

An impressive 515 startups were matched with potential customers throughout the year, with nearly 50% of them being introduced to potential customers through Ignite for the first time. Notably, 54% of the startups engaged have participated in a Swedish incubator program, reflecting Ignite’s strong partnerships with 33 incubators and science parks nationwide.

The majority of participating startups are driving innovations in the environment and energy sectors (35%), followed by industrial technologies (29.09%) and software/ICT (16.82%), with notable contributions from life sciences (9.09%) and smaller representations in entertainment (3.64%), agriculture (3.64%), and other industries (2.73%).

This year, we also explored the broader impact of our process beyond measurable outcomes. Through interviews led by our Startup Community Manager, Yasmine Morrison, we uncovered how Ignite has created value to startups at every stage of development.

From early technology validation and first customer relationships to market entry opportunities, the Ignite process has also enabled startups to secure reference customers, enhance internal skills, attract investment, expand networks, drive innovation, and gain critical customer and market insights.

“This year, we’ve seen startups validate their innovations faster, access their first customers, and take steps toward scaling internationally. The Ignite process continues to prove its value as a critical bridge between startups and established organizations,” says Yasmine.

Advancing Startup Internationalization

Ignite continues to pave the way for startups to access international markets, achieving significant milestones in its internationalization efforts and reaffirming our commitment to fostering cross-border business opportunities for Swedish startups.

This year, Ignite facilitated matchmakings with corporates representing 17 countries, showcasing its expanding global reach. This included four digital sessions and a record eight in-person matchmakings, featuring delegations to South Korea (twice), Switzerland, France, Canada, Brazil, and, for the first time, Singapore. Additionally, Ignite hosted the third edition of the European AI Startup Matchday in June, connecting corporates with startups featured on the AI Startup Landscape.

The start of 2024 also marked the first matchmaking events of the ScaleAble Project, a 2.5-year initiative funded by the EU’s Central Baltic Interreg Programme. This year, events were held in Norrköping and Stockholm, with another planned for May 2025 in Tallinn. The project aims to foster cross-border collaborations between corporates and scaling companies in Estonia, Finland, and Sweden, promoting regional innovation and growth.

“2024 marked our most impactful year yet in supporting Swedish startups to bring their innovations to the global stage. Facilitating 453 meetings between 245 startups and 65 corporates across 17 countries is astonishing. In 2025 I look forward to building on the basis we have to create even more strategic opportunities for startups to scale internationally,” says Elijah Aldana, Head of International Partnerships.