Spring is here, which means that the first eXpress participants of the year have arrived at eXpression Umeå. As usual, a range of creative industries are represented as early stage business ideas are tested and developed until the end of May. Here you can see the list of the 16 aspiring entrepreneurs.
True to form, eXpression Umeå is hosting its first edition of the pre-incubator programme eXpress during Q1 and Q2 - for creators ready to test and validate their business ideas against a potential market.
Despite special times, we have had a good turnout and the group has a number of exciting ideas," says programme manager Oskar Riby.
An inspiring element of the programme is of course the meeting where all participants meet for the first time and get to know each other's ideas - even if this time it is done digitally.
It's always a boost of energy to get started and to share the dreams and challenges of the participants. From previous years, we know that an incredibly important element of the programme is to allow creators to meet across and within industry boundaries. This spring, we feel like we've put together a really good bunch. There is great potential for new collaborations and interesting exchanges," says Oskar Riby, who, together with Emil Hägglund, is responsible for the eXpress programme.
Participants range from landscaping and fashion repurposing to classical music and office carpets.
There are almost as many differences as there are similarities between the participants, which makes it so dynamic and exciting. It's like a jumble of creativity and ideas with one clear common denominator: everyone is faced with creating something new and developing an idea into, hopefully, a sustainable business," says Emil Hägglund.
Here is the list of all expressers for spring 2021:
Anders Ekergård, writer.
Wants to develop offerings in text and literature - for example, the hope is to publish a poetry book. Anders currently runs a blog and is working on a range of texts.
Anna Morén, Björkvodka.
Will develop and produce a high quality vodka flavoured with birch sap.
Anna Sunnefeldt Nyberg, landscape architect.
Wants to offer services in urban agriculture and innovation related to urban and neighbourhood development with a focus on cultivation, climate-smart and circular solutions.
Carolina Carsjö, architect.
New graduate from Umeå School of Architecture who wants to explore the possibility of starting his own small office.
Hampus Hammarberg, Pencyl Media.
Creates logos, business cards, brochures and illustrations. The services are intended for start-ups and associations.
Karin Holmberg, Elin Holmberg Design (Ängsfällan).
Karin is the mother of Elin, who participated in Summer eXpression 2018 with her product Ängsfällan. They are now facing different choices and Karin will use the programme to explore how they can take the company to the next level.
Katarina Paulsson, Gardener in Sikeå.
Through its expertise in gardening, art, design and craftsmanship, wants to create custom and unique environments.
Laura Vidje, ELVA Sustainable.
Now, Laura and Erik Vidje are the latest to appear on the TV programme Husdrömmar, with a (soon to be) newly built runabout house and a wealth of accumulated knowledge in building technology, sustainability and circular principles. They will explore opportunities to share their knowledge through new products and services.
Ludvig Bergqvist, Kasset Studio.
Designer who illustrates and animates for web and print. Also has the ambition to develop sales of products with own prints.
Martin Lundquist & Isidor Nygren, Misjudging production.
Will develop interactive concepts and products for art and stage production as well as web and other digital media.
Miriam Larsson, Style by Miriam.
Slow fashion: upcycled secondhand and reuse. The company will create well-designed clothing and accessories that feel modern using tailoring, embroidery, crochet, digital printing.
Natalie Esseen, Dekko Lab.
The company develops graphics for people/companies working with livestreaming. Primary target audience is seen as influencers/gamers who livestream via Twitch.
Polina Blag, Visual communication for children.
Developing a digital learning platform focusing on visual expression as a form of communication for children. The goal of the idea is to teach children to sort through, orient themselves around and have the ability to be critical in the visual world in an exciting and engaging way.
Saad Abdelaziz, Wisalsson AB
The company has developed a new packaging and "confectionery product". Is in the process of applying for a patent for its solution.
Veronica Janunger, Suitecase Opera.
Suitcase Opera wants to give the audience a great experience with simple means. The performances are therefore made with few soloists, few musicians and few props. So simple that everything almost fits in a suitcase.
" Read more about the express programme here.
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Cover photo: Bea Holmberg
