The innovation government Vinnova wants to see an increasing number of women that are innovators and invites everyone to participate by nominating women for the innovations talents award, to highlight role models that can inspire others. And Umeå Biotech Incubator may very well have found the solution on how to promote and encourage more women to start tech companies, as they have seen the number of women, as owners among their start-ups, tripled.

This was acknowledged during last year’s innovations talents, when Jennie Ekbeck, CEO at Umeå Biotech Incubator, was dubbed Innovations Angle 2015.

“The award has meant a lot, for me personally and for our work within the life science incubator. It is a token of appreciation and has also served as vehicle for reaching others with our offer,” says Jennie Ekbeck.

Jennie Ekbeck is very positive to the fact that Vinnova has chosen to highlight women as innovation talents. Back in 2012, only 12 percent of the business concepts accepted to Umeå Biotech Incubator were owned by women, numbers that have increased significantly. Today 40 percent of the companies are fully or partly owned by women.

“It has become evident in our organization that role models effect the influx of business ideas. I am, at the same time, and to the same degree, head of this incubator and a role model for other women, thus inspiring them in taking the leap,” Jennie Ekbeck reflects.

In order to be able to acknowledge more women, the innovation government Vinnova invites everyone to participate by nominating women for the innovations talents award. Though these awards Vinnova wants to challenge the traditional perception of innovations as a male arena and topic and at the same time highlight women who are innovators. Vinnova means that this an important effort, and points to the fact that equality (between sexes) within innovative environments is an important factor for increased growth rates.
There will be winners in three categories: this year’s innovations talent, This year’s Innovation Talent and This year’s Challenger, and This year’s facilitator. Anyone how wants to can nominate themselves, or someone else. Vinnova is hoping that many are enticed to participate.

The jury who will select Sweden’s innovative women is packed with well-known names

• Agnes Wold, professor in bacteriology, Sahlgrenska academy, Woman of the year 2016 Expressen
• Sven Hagströmer, entrepreneur and professional board member
• Seher Yilmaz, chairperson Rättviseförmedlingen
• Anna Wikland, head of Google Sweden
• Ashkan Pouya, Serendipity
• Charlotte Brogren, Director General of Vinnova
The awards will be presented at Vinnovas day for innovations on January 26, 2017

Source: BiotechUmeå

Photo showing: Carolina Hawranek, Henrik Bergdahl, Jennie Ekbeck, Helén Fält, Pia Keyser, Lisa Lundberg and Ann-Charlotte Aronsson