Umeå Biotech Incubator granted SEK 14.6 Million in Excellence funding by Vinnova

Umeå Biotech Incubator (UBI) has once again been designated as an excellent incubator by the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova, and has been awarded SEK 14.6 million in excellence funding, ensuring financial support through 2029.
“This confirms that Vinnova has confidence in our work and our ability to help startups thrive,” says Peter Jacobsson, Acting Head of Operations of UBI.

Vinnova’s latest call for applications under the national incubator program — Support for Startups Through Excellent Incubators —covers the period from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2029. The program is designed for established incubators that aim to boost startups' competitiveness by prioritizing sustainability and gender equality in the selection and development of business ideas and companies.

On Tuesday, Vinnova announced its decision to allocate SEK 14.6 million to Umeå Biotech Incubator, which has held the excellence status since 2012.

“We’re happy about this decision. It provides stability for our operations and allows us to continue supporting startups in their growth journeys,” says Peter Jacobsson.

He adds:

“The application process is extensive, and Vinnova has conducted a thorough assessment of our organization. Being reaffirmed as an excellent incubator is a valuable endorsement—not just for us, but for the startups we support. It signals to new entrepreneurs that they can rely on us for high-quality incubation and guidance.”

A National Program Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem
Vinnova launched the national incubator program in 2003 as a pilot initiative. Today, it operates based on two fundamental principles:

Accelerating startup growth through incubators – Incubators provide companies with tailored coaching, mentorship, and access to critical resources such as funding, expertise, customers, partners, and infrastructure.

Enhancing national incubation capabilities: The program fosters collaboration and peer learning among incubators and drives the development of new incubation tools and methodologies.

A Crucial Funding Source for UBI
The Vinnova-funding is a key component of UBI’s financial model. Additionally, UBI receives funding from Umeå University Holding, Region Västerbotten, and Umeå Kommunföretag. The incubator also secures EU funding through Tillväxtverket and the regional initiative Life Science City. Further financial support comes from the Kempestiftelserna and the Erling Persson Family Foundation.

For more info, please contact
Peter Jacobsson, Acting Head of Operations, UBI
peter.jacobsson@ubi.se
+46-73-280 11 15