Innovation and entrepreneurship
Curious about innovation? Got an idea? Or maybe you’ve spotted a challenge you’d love to tackle? Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to UU Innovation!
All students, researchers, and employees at Uppsala University can access full support from us. Our support is completely free, and you can start anytime during your studies.
If you have an idea
UU Innovation is your first stop if you think you’re onto something and want help moving forward. You can start at any time during your studies!
With us, you can:
- Test your idea in a safe environment with experienced guidance.
- Get a personal advisor who helps you focus on the right things at the right time.
- Receive support with contracts and intellectual property to stay in control of your idea.
- Identify relevant funding opportunities.
- Refine your pitch for potential customers or investors.
- Join a programme or get a mentor to give your idea an extra push.
- Connect with our network of investors, business incubators, companies, and public organisations.
If you don’t (yet) have an idea
Not everyone starts with a fully formed idea – and that’s perfectly okay. Maybe you’ve noticed a problem you’d like to solve, or maybe you’re just curious about exploring new skills and perspectives.
Here are a few ways to get inspired:
- Join our events to learn more and meet other creative thinkers.
- Reach out to us with questions or for personal guidance.
Drop-in Thursdays – come and chat with us!
Got an idea, a question, or just curious about what we do? Need advice or support? Stop by – no appointment necessary!
Time: Thursdays, 11:00–13:00
Place: The Segerstedt Building, Floor 0 (entrance from Dag Hammarskjölds väg 7, Uppsala)
What's on?
Watch the pitch competition live!
Students and researchers from across disciplines pitch innovative ideas in just 3 minutes. The winner advances to the Global Finale in Berlin.
Join the audience. Register by 10 September.
The Idea Exploration Programme
The Idea Exploration Programme helps you take the very first steps to develop your idea. Apply today!
Discover, explore, understand
Find your next step
Answer a few questions and discover opportunities, activities and support that match your interests.
Explore your idea
If you think you might be onto something, the Idea Exploration Programme is your launchpad.
Get clear on ownership
Agreements matter when you collaborate – start smart.
Our student support coordinators
Benjamin Hafiz and Carmen Funke are our student support coordinators. They want to encourage students to use their creativity and skills to create new products, services, or solutions to both small and large challenges.
Benjamin Hafiz och Carmen Funke.
Five reasons to give it a try
- Learn valuable skills – no matter the outcome. Whether your idea succeeds or not, you’ll gain experience that benefits your future career.
- Explore entrepreneurship in a safe environment. Uppsala University is the perfect place to experiment – with support, resources, and plenty of talent around you.
- Make a real-world impact. Contribute to sustainability, help tackle societal challenges, or improve everyday life.
- Find your direction. Discover what motivates you and shape your future career path.
- Expand your network. Meet creative, curious, and motivated people you might not otherwise connect with.
DRIVE
DRIVE is UU Innovation’s recognition for students who have managed to create engagement around their idea. This may include a first user, customer, collaboration partner or investor. The focus is on drive and action at an early stage – the first steps of testing an idea beyond the university.
Contact
- Whether you just have a rough concept or have already made progress, reaching out to us is the best first step. We’re here to help – anytime.
- Email UU Innovation
- The UU Innovation team
- Follow us on Instagram