This year's Innovation Boot Camp brought together over 30 participants who, with the support of business coaches, developed sustainable and technological solutions. The highlight of the weekend was the pitch session where innovative ideas impressed both the expert panel and the audience.

In the bootcamp, we saw how technology and culture can work together to solve societal challenges in a way that is both beautiful and functional. Challenging current solutions and opening up to new ways of thinking is a big reason why we need these kinds of creative meeting places. Many of the ideas have the potential to be developed further," says Frida Wimelius, business coach at eXpression Umeå and jury member

The highlight of the weekend was the pitch session where participants had the chance to impress the audience and a panel of experts. "It was our first pitch, and it was really intense," said Kalliopi Akonidou, one of the participants. And impress they did! From AI-driven innovations to sustainability projects, each idea had the potential to create positive change.

The jury was busy selecting the best ideas. AI Reader, which uses AI to create personalised content, won the award for most innovative idea. StudyZi, which simplifies the search for education with AI, won for best market potential. And the Culture Hub, which promotes co-operation through culture, won for the greatest social impact.

Innovation Boot Camp 2024 was organised by Innovation Office at Umeå University in co-operation with several partners from the Umeå Innovation Support System: A working Lab, Uminova Innovation, SLU Holding, Young entrepreneurship, Venture Cup, eXpression Umeå, Co-companion, Greenhouse and Västerbotten Region.