The incubator Founders Loft launches this year’s idea competition: Founders Challenge 2025 – Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

An idea competition initiated by Founders Loft in Gothenburg

Since 2023, we at Founders Loft have had the pleasure of arranging Founders Challenge – an annual competition where we, together with different partners, highlight entrepreneurs and startups who want to make a difference in society. The idea behind the initiative is simple but important: to recognise and support entrepreneurs who use innovation as a driving force for social change. Through Founders Challenge, we want to give them the opportunity to further develop their ideas through business development, networks, and expert support – so their ideas can grow and create meaningful change in society.

Partnerships that strengthen the innovation ecosystem in Gothenburg

Behind this year’s competition are Founders Loft together with two dedicated partners who share our belief in innovation’s role in societal development. Quokka, specialists in product development, design, and technology, offers the winner a development package worth SEK 85,000 – providing practical support within mechanics, electronics, software, UX/UI, and testing. Their expertise gives the winner the opportunity to transform an early-stage idea into a tangible product or solution.

A Working Lab, part of Akademiska Hus, contributes with a workplace in one of Gothenburg’s most inspiring environments, while Founders Loft, as a leading incubator in the Västra Götaland region, provides guidance and access to networks that strengthen the entrepreneurs’ development.

Through this year’s partnership, the winner will receive a prize package worth SEK 100,000 – combining business development, technical expertise, and networks to help ideas grow and scale.

From idea to pitch – how the competition works

When the application period closes, four finalists will be selected from the applicants.

The selection is based on this year’s criteria:

1. The solution should be sustainable, scalable, and innovative — with the potential to improve people’s lives.

2. The idea should address clear societal challenges and be connected to this year’s theme: Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (Agenda 2030 – Goal 9).

3. The focus is on technology-driven solutions — for example automation, robotics, and AI; digital platforms and software; IoT and smart sensors; mechanical and mechatronic products; smart logistics or energy and infrastructure technology.

4. The solution can be product-, software-, or hardware-based — or a combination of these.

The final will take place on 11 December 2025 at Founders Loft in Gothenburg, where the finalists will pitch their ideas to a jury and audience.The winner will receive a prize package valued at SEK 100,000, including the Quokka development check, workspace at A Working Lab, and continued support from Founders Loft.

Previous winners show the way

Last year’s winner (2024), Anferra, originates from Chalmers Ventures and Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship and develops a circular method for metal recycling that reduces waste and strengthens resource efficiency within the industry.Their patented process transforms industrial waste into reusable iron chloride for water purification, while hydrogen gas is released as a by-product.

Jury motivation:

“With a fantastic idea addressing a major problem, the team has developed a solution that is truly circular. A simple yet scalable innovation that combines strong business potential with sustainable impact. The winning company has a diverse team with great potential and could take a prominent role in the waste management industry. Congratulations, Anferra!”

Rivus Batteries (winner 2023) is a deep-tech startup from Gothenburg, founded as a spin-off from Chalmers University of Technology in 2019. The company develops organic electrolytes for flow batteries – a technology that reduces dependence on critical heavy metals and contributes to energy efficiency and the green transition. When they won Founders Challenge, Rivus joined the Founders Loft incubator, and have since taken several important steps forward – including securing international funding and initiating pilot installations.

Jury motivation:

“The winning entry is an excellent example of an organisation driving social change and sustainability through groundbreaking innovation. Their work is deeply rooted in Agenda 2030, where they not only embrace the global goals but also have the potential to translate them into a commercially viable innovation. If the company succeeds in taking the full step from research to commercialisation, it will have a significant impact on society. The winner is an entry full of excitement. Congratulations, Rivus Batteries!”

Both Anferra and Rivus Batteries exemplify what Founders Challenge is all about: entrepreneurs with the courage to create change, and ideas that make a difference for both society and the environment.

A competition that creates change

At Founders Loft, we believe in the power of people and ideas. Since 1999, we have supported entrepreneurs who want to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive society through innovation and entrepreneurship. Founders Challenge is one way for us to continue that mission – to encourage new perspectives, highlight changemakers, and create opportunities for more companies that do good.

Applications for Founders Challenge 2025 are open until 30 November.

Learn more and apply at www.foundersloft.se/founders-challenge

Are you interested in attending the final as part of the audience? Register here: Founders Challenge Final 2025