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Ideate

Start your entrepreneurial journey in Ideate

A program for students at KTH, SSE, GIH and KI.

About the program

Are you curious about entrepreneurship but don't have an idea of your own? Do you have an idea but no team? Then the Ideate program could be for you!

Ideate is a program where students from KTH, KI, GIH and the Stockholm School of Economics get together to form teams and develop business ideas.

You apply as an individual. With the support from KTH Innovation and SSE Business Lab, and inspiration from invited entrepreneurs and mentors, you will create new ideas, form a team and start building.

The program includes sessions and guest lectures at SSE Business Lab and KTH Innovation.

You get:

  • A chance to form a team and try developing an idea together.
  • Learn about business development in five workshops 
  • Get inspired by guest lectures with invited entrepreneurs.
  • Challenge yourself in a pitch session with feedback from an expert jury.
  • Guidance from business coaches from KTH Innovation and SSE Business Lab.
Portrait of Josefina Häkkinen

”Ideate is an amazing opportunity for students to take the first leap into starting a business. You will learn more about the startup journey, but most importantly you will also meet people who have extensive experience in founding companies and like-minded students with different skills and perspectives.” 

- Josefina Häkkinen, co-founder of Revify.

Josefina joined Ideate in 2023, where she co-founded Revify, an app assisting individuals in reducing undesired phone usage and reclaiming ownership of their time. She’s currently studying a MSc in Machine Learning at KTH.

Portrait of Martin Blomqvist

”The Ideate program was a great kickstart to my entrepreneurial journey. In the fight against climate change, merging innovative technology with entrepreneurship isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for swift, significant, and cost-effective solutions. This is what we’re doing with Agteria: creating real value while providing a quicker and more economical path to sustainability."

- Martin Blomqvist, founder of Agteria Biotech .

Martin participated in Ideate as a KTH student in the fall of 2022. After the program, he founded Agteria Biotech with the goal of reducing methane gas emissions from cows. Later, the team joined the KTH Innovation pre-incubator program. In the spring of 2024, they received SEK 15 million in investment from Norrsken Launcher.

Portrait of Karin

"Ideate was instrumental in shaping our founding team, bridging the gap between business and technology. It's an invaluable platform for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking co-founders with complementary skills and aiming to build a solid startup foundation."

- Karin Lindqvist, co-founder of Asent . 

Karin participated in Ideate as a student at the Stockholm School of Economics. She founded Asent together with KTH students René Steeman and Zachary Damasco, and later they joined the KTH Innovation pre-incubator program. Today, René runs the company.

Good to know

Where? In person at the Stockholm School of Economics and KTH Innovation's premises.

Who can apply? Current students at KTH, the Stockholm School of Economics or GIH, or recent graduates (spring 2025). 

What's included in the program? Workshops covering different topics, guest lectures with invited entrepreneurs, and a pitch session with feedback from an expert jury. The teams also have access to business coaching from both KTH Innovation and SSE Business Lab.

Important dates

  • March 5 - Intro Day and Kick-off
  • March 10 - Guest session #1
  • March 12 - Session #1
  • March 17 - Guest session #2
  • March 19 - Session #2
  • March 26 - Pitch Final

FAQ 

Can I apply without an idea or a team?

Absolutely! If you're keen on forming a team and idea during the program, you're an ideal candidate.

What if I can't attend certain workshops?

If you know you'll miss two or more workshops, consider joining the next Ideate instead. 

What happens after the program?

If you bond with a team and an idea, you can seek continued support from KTH Innovation and/or SSE Business Lab. Many graduates have joined the Activate program and KTH Innovation Launch .

Do we have to continue with our team and idea after the program?

No obligation. Whether you form a startup, join another team, or simply make new friends – it's all positive.

How much time do I need to spend on the program?

The weekly sessions last 90–120 minutes. Outside of that, expect 5–10 hours of work weekly for your idea. How much time your team commits to your idea outside of this is entirely up to you.

What will I learn?

The five workshops focus on topics relevant for developing an early-stage idea: team building, creating minimum viable products, problem-solution fit, understanding the competitive landscape, and creating a pitch deck.