Founders Challenge
Founders Challenge is our annual idea competition where we highlight entrepreneurs who want to make a difference through innovation and sustainability. Each year, we focus on one of the Global Goals
(Agenda 2030).
Founders Challenge 2026
Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow
Applications are open October 2 – November 30, 2026
Final: December 10, 2026
This Year's Theme: SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
As urbanization continues to accelerate, our cities and communities face major challenges – but also tremendous opportunities. In Founders Challenge 2026, we are looking for entrepreneurs and startups with innovative solutions that can help shape the inclusive, climate-smart, and resilient cities and communities of tomorrow. This could involve how we live, build, move around, use our resources, or create safe and inclusive environments. What these ideas share is the ambition to address real societal challenges and create better conditions for people to live and thrive sustainably.
What Are We Looking For?
We are looking for innovative solutions in areas such as mobility, with smarter and more sustainable ways of transporting people and goods; circular economy, where resources are used more efficiently and waste is reduced; sustainable construction and housing, including energy-efficient buildings and new solutions for our living environments; local food production and urban farming; and digital infrastructure and smart cities, where technology can make communities more accessible, inclusive, and efficient.
We also welcome innovations in areas such as safety, accessibility, climate adaptation, and community development. Your solution should be sustainable, scalable, and innovative, with the potential to create meaningful impact and improve the lives of many people.
A partnership for innovation
Founders Challenge is organized in collaboration with partners who share our ambition to support entrepreneurs and innovations that contribute to more sustainable cities and communities. Together with Almi Väst, Boid, and TMC Sweden, Founders Loft brings together knowledge, expertise, networks, and resources to help entrepreneurs develop their solutions, strengthen their businesses, and take the next step.
The Final
On December 10 we invite you to the Founders Challenge Final.
During the evening, entrepreneurs, investors and partners gather for an inspiring networking event where the four finalists pitch their ideas to the jury and audience.
One winner will be announced on site – and will take home a prize worth a total of 100,000 SEK.
The Prize – from idea to next step
The winner of Founders Challenge 2026 will receive up to SEK 100,000 worth of development support, designed to help the team further develop its solution and accelerate the next stage of its business journey.
The support is tailored to the winning startup's needs and includes expertise in business development, product development, sustainability, and growth, provided by Founders Loft and our partners.
What's Included in the Winner's Package:
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Business Development, Finance & AI – with Almi Företagspartner
Approximately 12 hours of expert support in finance and profitability, as well as an AI workshop, tailored to the startup's needs and stage of development.
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Sustainability & Impact – with TMC
12 hours of mentorship with a sustainability expert. The support may focus on sustainable business development, circular solutions, resource efficiency, sustainability goals, impact, and scaling.
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Product & Concept Development – with Boid
Up to 20 hours of expert support to develop and refine your solution – from user experience, product development, and design to the creation of digital or physical prototypes.
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Incubation & Continued Development – with Founders Loft
One year of free incubation, including business development support, access to networks, and guidance to help your startup grow. Startups that meet the eligibility criteria may also have the opportunity to access validation funding to test and develop key aspects of their solution.
Parts of the support package are subject to individual needs and eligibility requirements and will be tailored to the winning startup's circumstances.
Why participate?
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Be part of shaping the sustainable cities and communities of tomorrow.
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As a finalist, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your solution to an experienced jury and a strong network, while connecting with entrepreneurs, partners, and other key players who can support your startup's continued journey.
When you succeed, we and the world succeed. That's what we call #SuccessTogether.
By participating in Founders Challenge, you become part of the solution for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Are You Ready to Take on the Challenge?
Apply between October 2 and November 30, 2026.
Apply with your company's challenge to Founders Challenge 2026
Does your company have a challenge worth solving?
You can now apply to become a Challenge Partner in Founders Challenge 2026.
We are looking for companies ready to open up a concrete and strategic challenge and invite entrepreneurs and startups to co-create innovative solutions together with you.
The challenge should contribute to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – economically, environmentally or socially.
As a Challenge Partner, you help set the direction of the competition, gain access to new perspectives and entrepreneurial drive, and position your organization at the forefront of sustainable innovation.
Do you have a challenge that could become the starting point for new solutions and collaborations?
Apply and let’s create the innovations of tomorrow — together.
Anferra winner of Founders Challenge 2024!
The jury's words: - "With a great idea that addresses a huge problem, the team has developed a solution that is truly circular. A simple and yet scalable innovation, that has both business potential while also creating a sustainable impact. The winning company has a diverse team with high potential and could take a prominent role in the waste management industry. Congratulations Anferra!"
Last year's winner of the Founders Challenge
- Rivus Batteries
Rivus Batteries, the deep-tech company developing organic flow batteries for large-scale energy storage, won last year's Founders Challenge and has since accomplished a lot while participating in the Founders Loft incubator program.
Rivus Batteries, led by Cedrik Wiberg and Andreas Kölling, have had a busy time during their tenure in the incubator. Not only have they raised half a million euros in capital, but they have also expanded their team with highly qualified new recruits, won Vinnova's pitch competition at Techarenan alongside impressive competitors such as Proligreen AB and GREEN14 - and furthermore, they have been selected as one of the 'Most Promising Energy Innovators for 2024' by the Free Electrons program!
