Umeå Science Park and Uminova Innovation

Uminova Innovation is part of Umeå and surrounding region’s successful innovation ecosystem. Operating as a broad spectrum business incubator, it focuses on sectors such as IT, Cleantech, Medtech, Digital health, and Welltech.

Since it was established in 2003, Uminova Innovation has supported more than 150 companies, with more than 600 employees in total and a combined turnover of close to 850 million SEK, in developing their businesses and business ideas. Its activities help reinforce and boost Umeå, Västerbotten, and Northern Sweden as a strong place for growth and development.

Owned by Umeå University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå Municipality and Region Västerbotten, Uminova Innovation supports entrepreneurs of all stages, from idea to building a business, to scaling up and reaching an international market. The team works in close collaboration with PartnerInvest Norr, Northern Light Capital, and Fort Knox to ensure access to venture or owner capital for resident companies.

Business development assistance is delivered in three phases: preincubation, incubation and growth to support companies to keep growing, with the addition of new kinds of competence, international contacts, and help in marketing. Startups are supported using Lean methodology, with quick iterations to minimize waste and maximize learning, and assumptions and hypothesis tested according to the Customer Development Methodology in order to build a solid foundation for new companies.