-Based on the evaluation criteria, we have had fruitful discussions in the jury finding this year’s winner. It was essential for us to lift the six finalists. The finalists are great companies and successes. We look forward to presenting the finale winner on Wednesday next week, says Svein Berg CEO at Nordic Innovation.
Nordic Innovation's scale up definition are an annual revenue at minimum of EURO 2 million, personnel of at least 10 people and an annual growth figure of at least 20 % in the past three years.
These are the nominees:
IQM
IQ M- We build quantum computers
IQM is true deep-tech company and a global leader in building quantum computers and integrates the whole quantum value-chain inhouse. The Finnish company was founded in 2018 and has the largest quantum hardware team in Europe with 280 employees consisting of world-class talent from over 48 countries, with offices in Espoo, Munich, Madrid, Paris, Singapore, and Palo Alto. Through their technology, IQM is at the forefront of helping to revolutionizing fields like AI development, cybersecurity, energy and route optimization, and drug research through unparalleled computing capacity.
Kempower
Kempower - DC Fast Charging Solutions
The Finnish powerhouse Kempower is a market leading eletric vehicle (EV) fast-charging technology provider. Their vision is to create the world’s most desired EV charging solutions for everyone, everywhere. They have delivered charging solutions to all 6 continents and over 40 countries, and has in the latest year expanded significantly in the US.
Making EV charging seamless, powerful and fast is key in facilitating the shift over to an electrical fleet and reaching the Paris Agreement on carbon neutrality.
Nofitech
Nofitech - Future RAS solutions
Norwegian fishfarming technologies (Nofitech) is a proprietary provider of world-leading fishfarming technology modules for both for sea water and fresh water. With a team of over 30 employees, Nofitech was founded in 2011 in Trondheim, Norway where they still hold office. Nofitech was a nominated Gazelle by DN in 2023.
The aquaculture industry is key for solving global challenges, such as shifting to sustainable diets and increasing resource efficiency in production and consumption.
Pulpac
The Swedish company Pulpac is setting the new standard for sustainable packaging. Pulpac has invented Dry Molded Fiber, a cutting-edge fiber-based, sustainable packaging. Pulpac has managed to take almost all the water out of that equation, which means cost efficiency and shorter cycle times that can compete with production of single-use plastic.
Founded in 2018, they now employ more than 100 people and hold strong IP portfolio, and helping cut CO2 emissions by more than 80% compared to when using single-use plastics. Their solution helps the packaging industry’s to swiftly transition to more circular ways.
Qred
Flexible financing for your business | Qred Bank
Qred is a Swedish fintech and now bank, who offers flexible financing for small companies that have ambitions to grow. Founded in 2015 in Stockholm by serial entrepreneurs who themselves experienced the difficulties with getting loans at regular banks, Qred has now expanded to 6 markets and has over 220 employs and creates 10 jobs a day.
By helping small business owners get loans and scale, Qred’s offering taps into a social impact dimension crucial for innovation, entrepreneurs and integration.
Virta
The Electric Vehicle Charging Platform | Virta
Founded in Helsinki in 2013, Virta is a global pioneer in developing smart, cloud-based electric vehicle (EV) charging software platform and services. Virta is one of the leading EV charging platforms in Europe and Southeast Asia, present in over 60 countries and with over 400.000 physical instances and an additional 500.000 through roaming - 6% of all public infrastructure EV is connected to Virta. Virta employs over 220 individuals, representing 33 different nationalities, at its Helsinki headquarters and subsidiaries in Berlin, London, Paris, Singapore, Stockholm, and Bucharest. Virta helps to also balance the grid with their technology.
The reduction of road transport CO2 emissions is the fastest impactful way to reach global climate targets, and the wide availability of charging services is one of the biggest factors needed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
