From Ideas to Action: Ukrainian Women Launch Hub Sweden

On August 25, 2026, Drivhuset Norden and Advicera hosted the Demo Day of Ukrainian Women Launch Hub Sweden, concluding a program that supported Ukrainian women in exploring entrepreneurship as a pathway to independence, confidence, and integration in Sweden.

Developed by Drivhuset Norden in close collaboration with Advicera, the project helped participants recognise their strengths, explore self-employment, and turn business ideas into practical concepts.

From First Ideas to Demo Day

Through workshops, mentorship, and networking, participants gained tools to develop and test their ideas. The program drew on the LOOPA Method, developed by Drivhuset in collaboration with Chalmers School of Entrepreneurship, which puts customer needs, testing, and continuous refinement at the centre of business development.

The program received 75 applications, with 50 participants selected and kick-off events held in Stockholm, Malmö, and Växjö.

Demo Day featured pitches, each followed by questions from investors and ecosystem representatives. Afterwards, informal networking allowed participants to connect with fellow founders, entrepreneurs, and innovation partners.

Key Learnings

1. The right business idea starts with the person behind it

Participants brought a wealth of skills, experience, and creativity, but recognising those strengths and translating them into a business idea was not always straightforward. An important part of the support was helping women open up about their expertise, recognise their competence, and choose ideas that matched their abilities. The program included both technology ventures and traditional businesses. What mattered was the fit between the business and the founder’s skills, experience, and ambitions.

2. Ideas need time, testing, and continued support

Not every idea works straight away. Developing a business involves trial and error: testing assumptions, listening to potential customers, and adjusting the approach. Our experience reinforced the value of sustained support. More time to work on an idea, combined with guidance along the way, gives participants greater opportunity to learn from setbacks and build a stronger business concept.

3. Building confidence is part of building a business

Ukrainian women who have come to Sweden have faced profound disruption and uncertainty. Alongside practical business knowledge, participants need support to rebuild confidence in their skills and their ability to contribute in a new environment. Creating space for encouragement, recognition, and peer connection is an essential part of this work. It is also why initiatives like Ukrainian Women Launch Hub Sweden matter: they help women recognise what they can offer and take the next step.

Looking Ahead

The program has concluded, while participants’ business ideas remain at different stages of development. The experience reinforced the importance of combining practical entrepreneurial tools with individual guidance, time, and a supportive community.

We thank the participants for their commitment, the mentors and experts for their guidance, and Drivhuset Norden for the collaboration.

Ukrainian Women Launch Hub Sweden was developed by Drivhuset Norden in close collaboration with Advicera OY. The initiative was made possible through support received by Drivhuset Norden from The Kamprad Family Foundation for Entrepreneurship, Research & Charity.