Impact Cup 2026

Shape tomorrow's sustainable future

Join Sweden's leading student startup competition for innovative sustainable business ideas.

Our partners

Together we make a difference.

  • Partner — Invest Stockholm
  • Partner — Stockholm University
  • Partner — Södertörn University

Why compete in Impact Cup 2026?

Bring your sustainable business idea to life with our comprehensive support system.

  • Coaching

    Get guidance from our coaches and feedback from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.

  • Funding

    Get the chance to win up to SEK 10,000 in development funding to take your idea to the next level.

  • Network

    Connect with investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs.

Competition criteria

Submitted entries will be assessed against the following main criteria:

  • Impact

    The solution has strong potential to create value and benefit for its target groups.

  • Need

    The solution addresses a relevant and underserved need.

  • Innovation

    The solution is unique and demonstrates a high degree of innovation.

  • Feasibility

    The solution is presented credibly with a realistic implementation plan.

  • Business viability

    The solution demonstrates a business model that is sustainable in the long term.

Prize categories

Each of the following categories will have one winner.

  • Sustainable health

    In this category we seek business ideas that solve a health challenge and contribute to healthier lives — from prevention and treatment to promoting physical and mental wellbeing.

  • Sustainable environment

    In this category we seek business ideas with the potential to solve today’s environmental challenges — for example innovative solutions or processes that enable smarter, more efficient use of resources.

  • Sustainable society

    In this category we seek business ideas that contribute to or sustain a better society through social development — knowledge, inclusion, diversity, equality, or improving opportunities for vulnerable groups.

Who can enter Impact Cup 2026?

Anyone can compete as long as at least one person on the team is an active student at Stockholm University or Södertörn University.

What do I win?

At the finals, the jury selects winners in all three categories (Sustainable Health, Sustainable Environment, and Sustainable Society):

First prize: SEK 10,000 in development funding

This can be used to take your business idea to market by hiring external expertise.

Drivhuset and our partners also offer free advice and coaching to help you develop your ideas further.

“Be willing to push forward, dare to kill your darlings, and dare to ask for help. I'm quite stubborn. When I let go of that a little, I learned so much. I realised the idea is nothing if I can't communicate it or adapt it to a real need.”

— Esther Cole, first prize winner in the Sustainable Society category, Impact Cup 2025

Impact Cup 2026 – Timeline

  • TBD 2026

    Competition opens!

    Impact Cup is open — submit your entry. You can compete with as many ideas as you like!



  • TBD 2026

    Impact Cup 2026 closes

    Impact Cup 2026 closes at 23:59. The exact date will be announced soon.



  • TBD 2026

    Selection

    A screening jury will select the top 9 finalists.



  • TBD 2026

    Sharpen your idea and pitch

    Meet one of our business coaches to refine your idea and pitch ahead of the finals.



  • TBD 2026

    Finals

    The 9 finalists pitch their ideas to the main jury.

Ready to create impact?

Join the next generation of sustainable entrepreneurs and help shape a better future.

Apply