Startups, investors, industry, academia and innovation ecosystem organisations from Sweden and beyond came together in Uppsala as Innovation Night returned for its second edition. With 47 exhibiting companies, investor meetings, workshops, panel discussions and pitches, the event created an arena for new knowledge, connections and collaborations.
On 22 September, central Uppsala was filled with innovation as more than 600 registered participants came together for Innovation Night 2026.
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“Turning an innovation into reality and scaling it is not something you can do alone. It requires strong collaboration between many different stakeholders. The ambition behind Innovation Night is to create a place where these collaborations can begin; between entrepreneurs and investors, between startups and potential customers, and between industry, academia, the public sector and innovation ecosystem organisations. Each has an important role to play in shaping the future,” says Niclas Stjernberg, CEO of UIC.
Startups and innovation at the heart of the event
Startups and growth companies were at the heart of the day. At The Startup Hub, around 40 innovative companies showcased their solutions and met investors, potential customers, partners and fellow entrepreneurs.
The breadth of innovation was significant. Visitors could discover solutions across medtech, AI, life science, cleantech, biodiversity, the future of food, space and defence.
Beyond the exhibition, startups had opportunities to meet investors through both organised investor meetings and the many spontaneous conversations that took place throughout the day.
“Several of the entrepreneurs who attended described the networking as highly relevant and well targeted, with many conversations already leading to concrete next steps. These include potential investments, new customers and new expertise to strengthen their teams,” says Niclas Stjernberg.
When meetings turn into real opportunities
Innovation Night took place across eight venues and 11 stages in central Uppsala, allowing participants to create their own programme based on their interests and needs.
The day featured 23 programme sessions, covering everything from raising capital, internationalisation and intellectual property to defence innovation, AI, the future of food and emerging technologies.
More than 630 people registered for this year’s Innovation Night, with 219 travelling to Uppsala from elsewhere. Visitors from 13 different countries took part in the event. Among those registered were 160 startup representatives, 69 investors, 190 participants from the private sector and 119 representatives from innovation and business support organisations.
The diversity of participants is an important part of Innovation Night. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry and innovation ecosystem organisations, the event creates opportunities for new perspectives, knowledge exchange and connections that can continue to create value long after the event itself.
Disruptor of the Year
Eight startups from different parts of Sweden were selected to compete in this year’s Disruptor of the Year. Following pitches in front of an audience and expert jury, Acorai and Bioelectrix advanced to the evening’s final.
During the Grand Finale Dinner, the two companies took to the stage once again before the audience cast the deciding votes.
Bioelectrix was named Disruptor of the Year 2026 and awarded SEK 100,000, while Acorai received SEK 25,000 as runner-up.
Read the article about Disruptor of the Year 2026 and the winners.
Collaboration behind Innovation Night
Innovation Night brought together inspiration, pitches, conversations, networking and celebration, creating a meeting place for both new ideas and established organisations.
The event is organised by UIC, Uppsala Innovation Centre, together with organisations across Uppsala’s innovation ecosystem: Almi, Connect, Drivhuset, Uppsala University Innovation, Uppsala University Invest, SLU Holding, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Uppsala Municipality, Uppsala Tech, Region Uppsala, STUNS and the Swedish Air Force.
Innovation Night is also made possible with the support of nine sponsors.
For more information
För mer information:
Niclas Stjernberg, vd på UIC
Mobil: 0730-292206
E-post: niclas.stjernberg@uic.se
Vedrana Ilic, Kommunikationsansvarig på UIC
Mobil: 0708-519704
E-post: vedrana.ilic@uic.se