The final attracted more than 300 participants, who attended the award ceremony and speeches. Attendees also had the opportunity to mingle with some of Sweden’s most prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The Mayor of Helsingborg, Christian Orsing, welcomed everyone and highlighted the city’s history as an entrepreneurial driving force for regional development. The event’s keynote speaker was Paulina Brandberg, Sweden’s Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life, who shared her insights on entrepreneurship and equality. Zeynep Erdal, Head of Helsingborg Innovation District, was part of the Venture Cup 2024 jury and presented the audience award, which went to Alga Insulation.
Campus Helsingborg, Lund University, which is a regional partner of the Venture Cup, also participated in the award ceremony. Rector Charlotta Johnsson, presented the award to MARELD in the category ‘Beyond Academics’, a business idea that starts in the academia and becomes a company.
The Startup of the Year 2024 winner was SimulAir, whose business idea enables individuals and property owners to avoid the industry standard of forcing people to sleep with bedbugs as part of the eradication process. Venture Cup Sweden CEO Mekhar Sheikh presented this award. The SimulAir team consisted of Maja Åstrand, Simon Lilja, and Sandra Vahdani.
“With its unique innovative solution of attracting both customers and uninvited guests on a global basis, this startup showcases a commitment to improving quality of life and will have a transformative impact in its industry.”