During the days 16 - 17 March, NEST Sweden arranges a bootcamp where over 40 companies with business ideas in the fashion and textile industry from all over Sweden meet up. Three of these are entrepreneurs and creators. Linn Backman, Karin Björk and Marika Nyman from Umeå. They will spend two intensive days participating in workshops, networking and listening to inspiring lectures.  

• "I feel proud that we have three companies from Umeå participating in NEST bootcamp 2023, a sign that what we do together gives the companies a direction and the will to move forward in a sustainable way," says Mr Kane. Per Vågebrant, coach at eXpression and NEST.  

Linn Backmanwho is one of the participants in the NEST bootcamp, runs RELINNDESIGN where she creates fashion from textile waste materials. She connects textile research with fashion and textile design for a circular transition and a more sustainable and circular fashion.  

• I am excited to participate in NEST with RELINNDESIGN, especially on a platform that highlights fashion and textile issues. I think it will give me an even bigger network, inspiration and the opportunity to contribute with my creativity and knowledge. An opportunity to reach out with my message: Remake Fashion Great Again - to create fashion from textile waste materials, says Linn Backman Hallberg. 

Karin björk who is also participating in the NEST bootcamp, runs the company Design by björk and she designs and sells adaptive fashion for wheelchair users with a focus on function and sustainability.  

• It feels really good to be part of such an event. I look forward to attending the lectures and making new contacts. Of course, I am happy to find new collaborations and get new ideas to develop my company as sustainably as possible," says Karin Björk. 

Marika Nyman she also takes part in the NEST bootcamp. Marika designs expressive and relevant fashion for a slow wardrobe. The starting point is digital design and textile printing based on images, experiences and stories that can invite conversations and unexpected meetings. 

• I'm in the start-up phase with my slow fashion company, so it's the best possible timing to participate in NEST Bootcamp! Not least, I look forward to gaining more industry knowledge, making new contacts and exchanging thoughts and ideas that inspire and develop us all," says Marika Nyman. 

The NEST Bootcamp is the first step in the NEST catapult programme, after which participating entrepreneurs can apply for further business coaching and the chance to participate in the final pitch final where the winner is awarded a scholarship of SEK 75,000 from TEKO.   

Linn Backman, Karin Björk and Marika Nyman are all connected to eXpression Umeå. Linn Backman is currently attending the Cultural Heritage Programme - a programme run by eXpression and RISE in collaboration with Västerbottensmuseum. Karin Björk has been in the incubator and is now an eXpression alumnus. Marika Nyman attended eXpression's pre-incubator programme eXpress in autumn 2022. 

NEST is created by the incubators Borås INK, Sting, X-Plot and eXpression Umeå.