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KTH Innovation Launch

This is KTH Innovation Launch

KTH Innovation Launch (formerly known as the pre-incubator program) is a program for passionate teams who want to take their startup project to the next level.

In this program, you will see how far you can get with an experienced team and a creative community behind you.

In KTH Innovation Launch you will get the support you need to create a product or service ready to unveil and to find your first customers.

Application process

Did you apply to KTH Innovation Launch? Here's what happens now!

If you fulfill the criteria for KTH Innovation's support and haven't been in contact with us before, you will get assigned a coach who will contact you for a meeting. 

Selected teams will receive information in week 50. 

The kick-off for KTH Innovation Launch will take place on 16 January, 2025. 

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at innovation@kth.se .

Did you miss the application period?

Remember that you can start developing your idea at any time. You don't need to wait for the next application period.

If you've already begun developing your idea when the application opens, your chances of getting into the program increase. Send us a short description of your idea and we can get started right away. Start developing an idea.

How it works

Together with 10-15 promising teams founded by students, researchers or employees from KTH, you will work to reach your goals, through ups and downs.

To join this program, you should have a prototype, an initial team in place, and the ambition to commit your time and energy for 6-12 months alongside your studies or research*.

To help reach your goals, you’ve got KTH Innovation’s collected experience of supporting thousands of early-stage startup teams, a global network, and full access to KTH Innovation's premises at Teknikringen 1.

Not ready to join the program yet? Contact us and we will help you get there!  

What you get

  • A clear path to follow. Six months of focused work with weekly workshops followed by six months of tailored development. 
  • Grow together with a supportive and creative community of diverse startup teams. 
  • Access to KTH Innovation's coworking space, makerspace and production studio at Teknikringen 1.
  • A large group of people who believe in you and want you to succeed.
  • Invitations to community events and offers from our partners.
  • The opportunity to get a mentor with business experience. .
  • The chance to pitch for investment from KTH Holding  and to participate in KTH Innovation Demo Day.
  • Access to KTH Innovation's support in coaching, funding, patents and agreements, recruitment and much more.

Startups and alumni

Marco Moletta & Sára Nožková

Flox

"When you have a startup, you will make 1000 mistakes. It’s great to have a group of people and a coach who can guide you by asking the right questions. You won’t regret trying!"

- Sára Nožková & Marco Moletta, co-founders of Flox Robotics .

Based on research from KTH, Flox Robotics has developed an AI-based wildlife intelligence service to create a world where humans and wildlife coexist.

Good to know

Program period: 6-12 months, starting in January or August. 

Program content: Weekly workshops on Thursdays 12.00-13.00 during the first 6 months. The final 6 months will be tailored to the needs of the teams in the program.

Cost: The program is free of charge. We take no ownership in your startup. 

Application period: We accept around 10-15 new projects twice a year, with application periods in May/June and October/November. 

Who can apply? Teams where at least 30 % of the members are KTH students, researchers, or employees. 

After the program: After the program you will have taken large steps in the development of your startup project. The overall goal of the program is to find your first customer and to launch your first product or service. You will have increased your knowledge of entrepreneurship and commercialization, and have built your own network. 

The program

In KTH Innovation Launch, you will get the support you need to launch your startup in a year or less. You will get clear steps to follow as you go through three different phases of development.

Phase 1: 

In the first phase, you focus on your future customers and users. You explore the need for your solution and prepare a customer pitch. Weekly workshops and coaching help you reach your goals. 

Phase 2: 

In the second phase, you focus on developing your technical solution, business model and team. You prepare a 10 minute investor pitch, and finish the first half of the program with a pitch event for invited guests. Tailor-made weekly workshops and coaching help you grow.

Phase 3: 

The final phase of the program is based on your individual needs as you work on securing your first customer or pilot customer and to launch your solution. 

Frequently asked questions

How far should I have developed my idea?

To join this program, you should have a prototype, an initial team in place, and the ambition to commit your time and energy for 6-12 months alongside your studies or research.

Do I need to have founded a company?

No, you don't need to have founded a company. If you decide that's something you'll want to do, we can help you!

I'm a researcher at KTH. Can I apply?

Yes, and you'll be in good company! Many research-based teams have joined the program.

Does everyone in the team have to have a KTH connection?

No, we welcome teams with external members, but around 30% of the team need to be active as students, researchers or employees at KTH.

How much time do we need to devote?

During the first half of the program, you will meet at Teknikringen 1 during lunch for one hour workshops. Between each meeting, you will work individually to reach your goals.

What happens if we don't get selected for the program?

You can always try again! Everyone who applies to the program and is eligible for support from KTH Innovation will enter our open support process, where you develop your idea with the help of your business development coach. We will help get you ready so you have a better chance of joining the next batch.