UIC’s annual Spring Celebration brought together nearly 300 guests this year to recognize the region’s most promising startups and fast-growing companies. Prestigious awards were presented to innovative businesses with the potential to create meaningful global impact. Among the highlights, two companies were named UIC Selected, LF Uppsala awarded the Sustainability Prize, Nordea granted Travel Scholarships to two companies, Brann presented the Technology Award, and the Per Bengtsson Scholarship recognized the best team.
Record-Breaking Attendance
UIC’s Spring Celebration reached a new milestone, with over 300 registered guests, including representatives from the business community, startups, investors, students, and key players in the innovation ecosystem.
Representatives from Uppsala Municipality, one of UIC’s owners, attended to support the development of future businesses and celebrate Uppsala Innovation Centre’s achievement earlier this year—securing a spot on the prestigious Financial Times and Statista ranking of Europe’s top incubators.
Awards with a Lasting Impact
This year’s Nordea Travel Scholarship winners are Lea Cares and Cellda. Lea Cares has developed an innovative technology that enables localized release of silicon and calcium, enhancing collagen growth. Cellda has created an advanced image analysis tool for cancer diagnostics. Each company received a 25,000 SEK grant to support their international business expansion. Lea Cares is planning a trip to the prestigious “Cosmetic 360” trade show in Paris to exhibit and present its technology in a global context. Cellda is preparing to attend the “European Congress on Digital Pathology” to showcase its product and the results achieved.
Brann’s Technology Award went to Fisköga, a company developing a unique measurement system for fishing vessels. Their AI-powered system uses computer vision and machine learning to automatically analyze fish catches onboard and report real-time data to stakeholders, ensuring compliance with monitoring regulations.
The LF Uppsala Sustainability Prize was awarded to NitroCapt, whose groundbreaking technology aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. NitroCapt has developed a fossil-free method for producing mineral fertilizers, significantly reducing environmental and climate impact.
The Per Bengtsson Scholarship was awarded to Readily, a company providing rapid and accessible diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases. Their goal is to make diagnostics widely available. Readily was recognized for building a strong, dedicated team with a shared vision and the ability to create a sustainable organization, with continuous growth.
The Next Generation of scaleups – UIC Selected
Two companies, BioCell Analytica and Xertified, were named UIC Selected, an exclusive designation awarded to startups with high innovation potential, driven teams, and strong growth prospects.
- BioCell Analytica is making a significant impact on environmental health with effect-based analysis that detects hazardous pollutants in water, soil, and sediments.
- Xertified is pioneering a new method for securing IoT (Internet of Things) solutions in an increasingly connected world.
Both companies have participated in UIC’s business development programs, from UIC Build and the Accelerator to Swedish Scaleups. As UIC Selected, they will continue their growth journey with support from UIC’s network and expertise.
An Inspiring and Thriving Startup Ecosystem
— It is truly inspiring to see how the startups supported by UIC develop and create solutions that make a real difference in society. This year’s winners demonstrate a broad innovation and entrepreneurial drive, and we are proud to be part of their growth journey. At the same time, there are many more UIC companies making a positive impact every day, even if they are not highlighted in this event, says Vedrana Ilic, Communications Manager at UIC.
She continues:
— I am impressed daily by the companies we meet and want to extend a huge thank you to our partners and the entire innovation ecosystem in Uppsala. Together, we create an environment where entrepreneurs have the best opportunities to succeed. Congratulations to all the winners!“
Strong Industry Partnerships Supporting Innovation
A key factor in UIC’s success is its strong collaboration with external partners from the local business community. These partners contribute expertise in areas such as law, finance, patents, and marketing, providing UIC companies with valuable insights and business support
UIC’s partnerS OFFER EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
Nordea, LF Uppsala, and Brann have been long-term partners of UIC, playing a crucial role in supporting startups and accelerating their growth.