Voima Ventures, an early-stage investor based in Helsinki and Stockholm, has unveiled a “science challenge” designed for pre-seed and seed stage science-based startups across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The initiative aims to expedite science-driven innovations within the area, addressing urgent global issues through entrepreneurship focused on scientific advancements.
Inka Mero, Founding Partner of Voima Ventures, emphasized the importance of harnessing science-driven entrepreneurship as a rapid response to pressing global challenges. She stated, “Harnessing the power of science-driven entrepreneurship is the quickest way to tackle urgent global problems, and thus we need more ways to accelerate science-based innovation.”
As part of the challenge, 30 companies will be chosen to participate in an online session. During this session, they will receive valuable expert feedback to aid in the commercialization of their ideas, expand their investor networks, and gain access to mentoring and valuable insights.
The challenge will culminate with the selection of the top 8 teams, which will compete in a final round in front of a panel of investors and industry experts. The winning team will receive a €1 million investment in the form of a convertible note, along with ongoing support from Voima Ventures.
Voima Ventures specializes exclusively in science-based and deep tech startups. In June, the firm announced its third fund, totaling €90 million, dedicated to further supporting science-based startups in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Mero emphasized the vital role of science-based innovation in driving new economic growth and building European technology sovereignty. She also highlighted the belief that technology and science-based companies will play a crucial role in the economic growth and talent attraction of the Nordic and Baltic regions. Collaboration and support from all sectors of society are seen as essential to nurture and develop a world-class ecosystem in the region, making it a global hub for science-based deep technology.
