Pilot project R&D-heavy start-ups in Servicerobotics

Important results from the project

In the absence of suitable public programs, it is difficult for deeptech companies (R & D-intensive companies with products consisting of complex hardware and software) to reach the readiness level required to attract Swedish and European private venture capital. In this project, we have used funds from Vinnova, and through active management and commitment from Robotdalen, ensured that these are used in two selected start-ups in service robotics for R&D that take these companies to a readiness level that allows them to take the next step towards commercialization via venture capital.

Expected long term effects

The project has fulfilled its goals - both companies have taken great strides in the industrialization process, and have also brought in new owners, as well as capital, during the project. Within the project, we have also, through a learning effort by researchers from Örebro University, shown that the described problem has general validity, and that an important part of the solution is that capital from programs the public innovation system is paired with human capital from an innovation environment (a la Robotdalen) which has domain expertise in both technology and commercialization.

Approach and implementation

In this pilot project, Robotdalen has actively invested resources during the project to increase the companies´ human capital. In the case of Beta Robotics, it has been more about being an active sounding board and helping with decisions. Here, Robotdalen has mainly joined with a person who has deep knowledge in business and innovation development. As far as Alfa Robotics is concerned, Robotdalen has worked to attract a broader set of advisors and operatives in the company. The structure and implementation are described in more detail in the attached report "Vinnova pilot project R&D".