The Road to International Markets – How Local Innovations Go Global
For nearly a decade, North Sweden Cleantech has been a driving force in strengthening sustainable business ideas and innovations in northern Sweden. From Umeå-based Enduce and its innovative energy-saving shower solutions, to trenchless water and sewage solutions from Inpipe in Vilhelmina – North Sweden Cleantech has helped companies take crucial steps toward international markets. The recipe for success is a combination of regional resources, global networking, and top-tier expertise in green technology.
North Sweden Cleantech is an innovation and export platform supporting business development in the cleantech sector in northern Sweden. With more than 100 companies in environmental technology, renewable energy, and the circular economy in its network, North Sweden Cleantech enables collaboration and innovation. The platform opens doors to new business opportunities while strengthening the region's role as a leader in sustainable growth.
“We started out with a vision to establish northern Sweden as a hub for green innovation and sustainable solutions. Today, we are proud to see how the region’s companies are growing and playing a key role in the global green transition,” says Peter Hedman, Project Manager at North Sweden Cleantech.
Business Networks and Meeting Places That Open Doors
North Sweden Cleantech offers a range of services for companies looking to expand nationally and internationally. Matchmaking, business advisory, and visibility at international events are just a few ways the platform supports companies in the region. Through these efforts, businesses gain access to strong networks, partners, and new markets.
A great example of this was the matchmaking event organized by North Sweden Cleantech during the Nordic Wood Biorefinery Conference (NWBC) in Örnsköldsvik. With over 150 participants, many of them international actors, and 117 pre-booked meetings, the event became a vibrant platform where ideas and contacts were matched with global opportunities.
Matchmaking during Nordic Wood Biorefinery Confrence generated 117 booked meetings.
“We see ourselves as a natural catalyst. Regional meetings in Sweden are important, but this gave us access to a global market – it was unique and incredibly valuable. By connecting local companies with international stakeholders, we help them grow and position northern Sweden as a pioneering region,” explains Helena Näström, International Business Developer at North Sweden Cleantech.
Ten Years of Sustainable Initiatives
Since its launch in 2016, North Sweden Cleantech has played a pivotal role in promoting green growth in northern Sweden. Its work is grounded in the region’s unique strengths – from renewable energy and bio-based resources to cutting-edge technical innovation – that can drive global change.
Inpipe, based in Vilhelmina, exemplifies how North Sweden Cleantech's network can open shortcuts to new markets. The company, which offers trenchless pipe solutions for water and sewage systems, has made significant progress toward establishing operations in India – a journey that began with an invitation from North Sweden Cleantech.
“The real value for us is the network. We’ve received invaluable support. Through North Sweden Cleantech, we discovered the range of resources available – from Business Sweden to Team Sweden initiatives. Instead of fumbling around or taking detours, we had direct access to the right contacts,” says Rolf Näslund, Sales Manager at Inpipe.
Rolf Näslund is Sales Manager at Inpipe
But it is not just about practical support. North Sweden Cleantech has become a strategic sounding board, he adds.
“They know us so well, they often point out opportunities before we even ask. Having them as a source of ideas means we don’t just move faster – we move at all. Much of what we’ve achieved might never have happened otherwise.”
It was also North Sweden Cleantech that invited Inpipe to the World Expo in Barcelona, which marked the beginning of their journey toward the Indian market. There, initial contacts were made with Business Sweden and Andreas Bergéli, which later led to their participation in the India-Sweden Innovations’ Accelerator (ISIA) incubator program.
“One thing really led to another. After 18 intense months in the program, we now have established business contacts in India.”
The path to a new market, however, has required patience.
“India is complex. It took me two years to understand the economic infrastructure – but now I can navigate it. We’ve developed installation equipment that’s ready to ship, and we expect our first liners to be delivered this year,” Rolf says.
Enduce Takes Its First International Steps
Another company supported at the start of its international journey is Umeå-based Enduce. Their innovative floor drain recovers up to 75 percent of the energy from each shower – making it, according to independent tests, the most energy-efficient solution on the market. The team strongly believes in international demand for their solution.
As part of their efforts, Enduce participated in one of Europe’s largest energy trade fairs, E-World Energy & Water in Essen, Germany, in winter 2025. They were supported by North Sweden Cleantech, Enterprise Europe Network, the German-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and the Swedish Energy Agency.
“It was a key trip for establishing ourselves – not just for networking, but also for gaining insights into market conditions, regulations, and available subsidies,” says co-founder Henrik Hagman.
The trip also offered new perspectives – especially after meeting the Dutch delegation, an encounter arranged by North Sweden Cleantech together with Enterprise Europe Network.
“We initially thought Germany would be our first international market, but we realized the Netherlands might be an even better fit. They’re tech-savvy, open-minded, and accounted for half the visitors to our booth.”
Project Plan in the Works for 2025
At the same time, Enduce is clear that growth must happen at the right pace.
“Europe is definitely of interest, but we need to grow step by step. First the Nordics, then perhaps the Netherlands as our first real move abroad. Right now, it’s about getting all certifications in place and starting sales,” Henrik says.
To ensure a structured launch, Enduce is preparing a project plan for international expansion during 2025.
“We can’t afford to be too sequential – this is something we need to work on in parallel already,” Henrik adds.
In spring, Enduce also took part in a webinar on energy recovery from wastewater, hosted through the Bothnia Green Energy project, which is part of North Sweden Cleantech.
“It’s an important forum for knowledge-sharing, and Jenny Åkermark at North Sweden Cleantech was the one coordinating it all. We see it as yet another opportunity to showcase the potential of our solution and spark interest,” Henrik concludes.
Northern Sweden – A Driving Force
North Sweden Cleantech continues to pave the way for sustainable business ideas by supporting companies on their growth journey. Whether it’s about finding the right partners, markets, or investors, the goal is clear: to position northern Sweden as a leading force in cleantech.
“We’ve learned a lot over these ten years, but our mission is far from over. We look forward to continuing to build bridges between the region’s innovations and the global market,” says Peter Hedman.
Through its long-term commitment, North Sweden Cleantech has shown that northern Sweden has both the potential and the power to lead the way in cleantech.
“We see that the companies brave enough to take the step into global markets gain real traction. Our role is to support them every step of the way – from developing ideas to building long-term partnerships,” Peter concludes.
Pictured: Enduce presenting at the E-World Energy & Water trade fair in Germany
Click here to read more about Inpipe!
Click here to read more about Enduce!
Click here to read more about the project, Innovation for Green Transition!