Do you have an idea that solves a real problem?

An idea can be the spark that leads to the next innovation. What could your idea change? Join us and compete in Gävleborg’s biggest idea competition from May 11–31, 2026!

Join the contest!

The greatest opportunities lie in the problems that have not yet been solved.  

Society faces major challenges—and new ideas are needed to solve them. Ideas that not only challenge the status quo, but also address the real needs of people, businesses, and society. Ideas that, given the right conditions, can grow and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Through Gävleborg’s largest idea competition,“I Have an Idea,”we are now seeking ideas— from May 11–31, 2026 —that have the potential to make a real difference for many people, whether economically, socially, or in terms of sustainability. Perhaps you’ve encountered a problem firsthand in your daily life. Perhaps you have a solution that could change the way we produce, design, build, or operate something.  

This competition gives you the chance to explore the potential of your idea and see if it can grow into something bigger. Whether it’s still in its infancy or ready to be shaped into a solution, this is your chance to test it, develop it, and take it to the next level. 

An idea can be the spark that leads to the next innovation. What could your idea change?

"I Have an Idea" is an idea contest organized by Movexum. the municipalities of Gävleborg County, Sandbacka Science Park and Propell are partners. The purpose of the competition is to promote entrepreneurship and generate publicity around growth and new business ventures. We want to encourage people to take the first step toward realizing their ideas, and through the competition, more than 1,100 ideas have been submitted since it was first organized.

Opportunities and Challenges in Gävleborg

Energy transition

– Smart solutions for a sustainable energy system

Ideas that contribute to a sustainable and resilient energy system in Gävleborg. These may include smarter energy use, local production, energy storage, or digital solutions that help businesses and the community use energy more efficiently. The solutions should help reduce climate impact and create a stronger, more sustainable county.

Demographic shifts

 

– Solutions for an attractive and inclusive society

Ideas that address the needs of the future in a society with a changing population. These may involve skills development, integration, lifelong learning, an aging population, or how we create attractive environments in which to live and work—both in urban and rural areas. The solutions should contribute to an inclusive and sustainable society.

Preparedness & Resilience

– Innovations for a safe and resilient society 

Ideas that strengthen society’s ability to manage crises and change. These may relate to cybersecurity, food security, local production, supply chains, or civil preparedness. The solutions should contribute to greater security, resilience, and collaboration in the region.

Other innovative solutions

– Ideas with clear customer value and scalability potential

We are looking for innovative ideas that solve real problems and create value for people, businesses, or society. The idea can be in any field, but it must have the potential to be further developed and make a positive difference—locally, regionally, or in a larger market.

Competition process

I

The competition is open

May 11–31

Describe your idea by answering the questions on the contest form.

w

The jury assesses the entries

AFTER THE COMPETITION HAS ENDED

During the month of the competition, the jury reads all entries. All those handling the entries work under confidentiality.

The winners are announced

June 4, 2026

The awards ceremony will take place on June 4 in Gävle. 

What you can win

First place

Business development support worth up to 30,000 SEK to validate and test the market potential of your idea, as well as a spot in Boost Chamber—Movexum’s business development program for early-stage ideas with innovation potential.

Second and third place

Business development support worth 10,000 SEK to validate and test the market potential of your idea.

“Innovation isn’t just about the future; it’s about how we live, work, and grow today.Many of today’s societal challenges still lack effective solutions, which is why we need new ideas.”

Frida Hedström
Competition Manager, Movexum 

How is my idea assessed?

How innovative is the idea?

Does the product, service, or methodology something new that doesn’t exist today? Is the idea a further development of something that already exists? Is there a new angle?

How sustainable is the idea?

To what extent does the idea take responsibility for its impact on society from a social, economic, or environmental perspective? How does the idea meet people’s needs today without compromising the opportunities of future generations? 

Is there potential for the idea to grow?

Is the product or service scalable and capable of growing in the market?

What value does the idea create for the user?

What benefits can a customer oruser gain from the idea? How does it benefit society, businesses, or individuals? Does the idea address current or future needs?

Are you ready to give your idea a chance?

Enter now!

Frequently asked questions and answers

When is the competition?

The contest runs from May 11 to May 30, 2026.

Who can compete?

The competition is open to both individuals and companies. To compete, you must be at least 18 years old and live in Gävleborg.

What can I win?

First place: Business development support worth30,000 SEK; second and third place: 10,000 SEKto validate and test the market potential of your idea.

Can I submit multiple entries? 

Yes, you can submit as many unique entries as you like.

Is there a risk of someone stealing my idea?

No. Your idea is safe with us. The people handling and evaluating your idea are subject to a confidentiality agreement.

How do I submit my idea?

By describing and submitting your idea via the competition form.

Contact us

Frida Hedström

Competition Manager

frida.hedstrom@movexum.se

Partners

Together for Gävleborg's innovations!

The world needs new ideas to meet the challenges of our time. Movexum, Sandbacka Science Park, and Propell are places where you can develop or bring your business idea to life.

"I Have an Idea in Gävleborg" is made possible through the "Entrepreneurship and Innovation Boost" project, which is funded by Region Gävleborg and the European Regional Development Fund.