Destination Innovation Brought Together the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow in Bergsjön

On November 26, entrepreneurs, future founders, and representatives from Gothenburg’s innovation ecosystem gathered at Rymdporten in Bergsjön for "Destination Innovation: Ideas Beyond the Center". The workshop, the first part of a larger development program, aims to accelerate new innovation and support entrepreneurs from Gothenburg’s high-potential areas, places where ideas and drive are strong, but where access to networks and capital has traditionally been limited.

With more than a dozen sessions, expert speakers, and several networking opportunities, the day equipped participants with both practical tools and strategic insights to move their ideas forward.

This first part of the program began with Destination Invest’s partners: Näringslivsgruppen Göteborg & Co, Advokatfirman Delphi, Almi Väst, Framtidshubben, Drivhuset Göteborg, Unstoppable Momentum, Broman Law Sverige AB, Validicity AB, and Sätila Impact Investment AB.

See all photos HERE

A Comprehensive Program Led by Experienced Experts

The day was opened by Seida Shabanoska, Investment Manager at Destination Invest , who set the tone by sharing the purpose behind the program: to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the innovation ecosystem and to make capital and support more accessible to founders outside the traditional centers.

Seida also introduced the brand-new Destination Innovation Guidebook, she had created specifically for this workshop.

A full-day program followed, offering knowledge and inspiration from key actors within the startup ecosystem:

Gothenburg’s Startup Ecosystem & Business Development

• Victoria Lines, Project Manager at Drivhuset Göteborg, provided an overview of the local innovation system and the support available to entrepreneurs at different stages.

• Sara Andersson, Framtidshubben, showcased how Gothenburgs community hubs support local innovation and inclusion.

• Heléne Öhrvall, Financing and Innovation Advisor at Almi Företagspartner Väst, shared tools and structures for innovative business development.

Growth, Strategy & Brand Building

• Alex Hislop, investor and founder of Unstoppable Momentum, delivered a highly appreciated session on how to build a culture of growth, through strategy, customer insight, and strong brand storytelling.

Role Models Who Inspire

One of the day’s highlights was the panel discussion “From Lövgärdet to Nasdaq: Albert’s Path to Global EdTech Innovation”, featuring Salmans Eskandari and Arta Mandegari, founders of Albert, who shared their journey from idea stage to international listing.

Law, Risk & Intellectual Property

• Måns Persson, Partner and Lawyer at Delphi, together with Emelie Olsson, Associate at Delphi, offered insights into risk management for tech- and innovation-driven startups.

• Karin Broman, CEO and founder of Broman Law Sverige AB, explained three essential IP considerations every startup needs to master.

Meeting Investors

The day concluded with Deborah Lygonis, CEO of Validicity AB, who gave concrete advice on how to craft a compelling pitch and what investors really look for.

The workshop wrapped up with information about part two of the program, followed by an evening networking session where participants connected with experts, advisors, and potential investors.

Our Purpose: Investing in Potential and Empowering Entrepreneurs

Destination Innovation is part of a broader initiative that will culminate in a pitch night in spring 2026. Through this program, Destination Invest and its partners aim to:

• create more role models in Gothenburg’s high-potential areas,

• give entrepreneurs access to the ecosystem, financing, and expertise,

• and accelerate innovations that contribute to long-term economic and social development.

The mission is to highlight and support the potential that already exists, giving more entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, while inspiring others to do the same.

About Destination Invest

Destination Invest is an initiative by Volvo Cars, Stena Fastigheter, the Framtiden Group, and GU Ventures, in collaboration with Business Region Göteborg. They have joined forces to create an investment company aimed at fostering profitable and socially beneficial growth in areas where entrepreneurs struggle to access risk capital.

Destination Invest empowers entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors and the local ecosystem. Our goal is to elevate the next generation of role models from Gothenburg’s high-potential areas, such as Tynnered, Hammarkullen, Lövgärdet, Hjällbo, Biskopsgården, and Bergsjön and provide access to the resources, networks, and support needed to grow.

By investing in these areas, Destination Invest contributes to long-term societal development and economic growth.

Investing in Potential, Empowering Communities.