Growing by Example – Why Pilot Projects Are Essential for Taking Green Solutions Global
Taking a cleantech company from vision to the international market can be a complex journey. Beyond technology and business models, it’s just as much about demonstrating solutions, testing them in real-world settings, and building trust. For Umeå-based Vertisà, a pilot project with property developer Diös in central Umeå became a concrete example of how the company showcases its solutions and builds credibility locally. At the same time, founder Rosario García Gil is setting her sights on international markets – with Tokyo as a potential future destination.
With support from Vinnova, the plant wall was installed in Umeå during the summer of 2023. It is now being monitored across multiple seasons, with hopes of establishing a long-term partnership. For Rosario, founder and CEO of Vertisà AB, it marks an important step forward.
“Having a real-life example in place makes all the difference. You can’t just talk about vertical gardens – people need to see them, experience them, and understand how they work. When a large company shows interest in these types of solutions, others start paying attention,” she says.
Vertisà develops solutions for greener cities – from living walls to integrated systems that support biodiversity and improve urban microclimates. The system can also be adapted to all kinds of climates, including the Nordic region.
Originally founded in Spain, the company has in recent years established itself in Umeå, where Rosario also conducts research at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Faculty of Forest Sciences.
Pilot Projects and New Markets
Several more pilot projects are currently in the works, including ongoing discussions with the Municipality of Örebro and a new Vinnova funding application. At the same time, Rosario continues to explore new markets for Vertisà. During an innovation fair in Barcelona, where she joined the North Sweden Cleantech delegation, she pitched the company to stakeholders from around the world. Finland and Denmark showed particularly strong interest.
“It was incredibly valuable to showcase Vertisà in an international setting – and to connect with other cleantech companies from Sweden. Just starting conversations, exchanging ideas, and realizing you’re not alone makes a big difference,” Rosario says.
The experience also sparked her interest in joining a North Sweden Cleantech delegation to Japan – a market she sees as highly promising for vertical green solutions, especially where traditional and modern architecture intersect. Her vision is to collaborate with architects who integrate green systems directly into building design.
“I know there’s a market there, but I don’t yet know how to start the conversation. That’s why support from networks like North Sweden Cleantech is so important. Navigating international markets alone is tough,” she explains.
Pilot projects are critical when introducing new solutions. For Vertisà, this is how the road to new markets is being built – from a street in Umeå to a growing global green footprint.
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Photo: Vertisà