Uppsala Innovation Centre (UIC) is once again included in the Financial Times ranking Europe’s Leading Start-up Hubs 2026. In this year’s list, which includes 180 incubators and accelerators from across Europe, UIC ranks among the four leading incubators in Sweden.
Rankingen, som tas fram av Financial Times i samarbete med Statista, baseras på en oThe ranking, compiled by the Financial Times in collaboration with Statista, is based on a comprehensive analysis of incubators and accelerators across Europe. The assessment considers companies’ growth, investments raised, alumni development over time, and entrepreneurs’ evaluations of the support received.
“Being included once again in the Financial Times ranking shows that our work maintains high quality in a highly competitive European landscape. We work long-term and closely with entrepreneurs, focusing on building sustainable and internationally competitive companies,” says Niclas Stjernberg, CEO of UIC.
In the national comparison, UIC ranks fourth in Sweden. The three highest-ranked incubators are all based in Stockholm, making UIC the highest-ranked incubator outside the capital region.
” Sweden has several very strong incubators, and the competition is intense. Remaining among the leading players in the country is a testament to our team’s expertise and to the strong collaboration in Uppsala”, says Niclas Stjernberg.
Local support – international impact
UIC hFor more than 20 years, UIC has supported knowledge-intensive startups and growth companies with international potential. Through structured business development programs, experienced business coaches, and a strong network of investors and partners, UIC creates the conditions for sustainable growth.
The close collaboration between academia, industry, the public sector, and investors in Uppsala provides companies with a solid foundation to grow – both nationally and internationally.
“Our long-term approach builds competitiveness over time. That is how we lay the foundation for tomorrow’s leading Swedish companies,” says Niclas Stjernberg.
UIC’s broad industry focus – ranging from life science and tech to defense and green industries – combined with strong ties to Uppsala University and SLU, creates an innovation environment where research-based ideas can be transformed into successful companies.
Uppsala strengthens its position as an innovation city
The ranking is not only a recognition of UIC but also a sign of strength for Uppsala as an innovation ecosystem. Collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector enhances opportunities to start and scale companies locally, attract capital, and build teams with international reach.
“I am incredibly proud of the UIC team, the entrepreneurs who drive development forward every day, and all the stakeholders in Uppsala who together build an innovation environment of national excellence. This ranking is a shared achievement,” says Niclas Stjernberg.
UIC’s inclusion in the Financial Times ranking confirms that Uppsala continues to be an environment where innovation is translated into sustainable growth.
See the fulll ist Europe’s leading Startup Hubs, in the Financial Times.