Next Innovation Policy Forum

Program

The program for the Next Innovation Policy Forum is designed to translate strategic ambition into concrete dialogue and action. Throughout the day, a carefully curated set of panels and discussions will bring together policymakers, investors, researchers, and ecosystem leaders to examine the most pressing questions shaping the future of Nordic and European innovation.

Each panel focuses on a distinct theme within innovation policy and governance – from competitiveness and capital formation to system coordination, sustainability, and inclusion. By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, the programme highlights both shared challenges and emerging solutions across the Nordic innovation landscape.

Below, you will find an overview of the panels, participants, and key focus areas that will guide the discussions and set the agenda for the forum.

08.30–09.00: Arrival and registration

09.00–09.10: Forum opening

Opening Remarks – Welcome to Next Innovation Policy Forum

Anna Bergstrand, Vinnova

Stina Lantz, SISP & Sweden Startup Nation

Thomas Andersson, GU Ventures

09.10–09.35: The Nordic Edge: Strengthening Europe’s Excellence and Competitiveness

The Nordic countries have jointly identified strategic technology areas to strengthen regional and European competitiveness – including green and sustainable industry, AI and quantum technologies, clean energy and hydrogen, life science and bioinnovation, and open data-driven innovation ecosystems.

How can these priorities align with the forthcoming European Innovation Act and shape Europe’s next decade of technological sovereignty?

Focus: How can the Nordics accelerate their contribution to Europe’s innovation leadership and strategic sovereignty?

Moderator: Peter Kofler, Danish Entrepreneurs

Confirmed Speakers

Erik Lindblad, General Partner at Inceptions Fund
Karl Christian Agerup, Vice Chair of the Board at NATO Innovation Fund
Simon Schaefer, Co-Founder of EU Inc and President of Allied for Startups
Dr Stephanie Kuku Klingspor, CKO/COO at Conceivable Life Sciences

09.35–09.55: Keynote – Europe’s Innovation Imperative

Michiel Scheffer, President, European Innovation Council

09.55–10.20: Capital and Competitiveness: Scaling Europe’s Innovation

Mobilizing Europe’s private and institutional capital is key to turning innovation into growth. As the Savings and Investment Union takes shape, new frameworks such as the Scaleup Europe Fund are emerging to channel pension assets and venture capital into Europe’s deep tech and scaleup economy.

How can policymakers and investors work together to unlock long-term capital and build a truly integrated investment market?

Focus: Mobilizing Europe’s private and institutional capital for innovation, scaleups, and deep tech transformation.

Moderator: Claes Mikko Nilsen, Principal at Nordic Ninja VC

Confirmed Speakers

Jean-David Malo, Acting Director ERA and Innovation, European Commission
Hedi Mardiso, CEO & Co-Founder, Cachet
Narina Mnatsakanian, Chief Impact Officer, Regeneration VC
Michiel Scheffer, European Innovation Council

10.45–11.10: Energy, Industry and Innovation: Towards a Competitive Green Transition

Europe’s green industrial transition is accelerating, but growing gaps in policy alignment, state aid approaches, and industrial collaboration risk slowing down scale-up and deployment.

How well do current EU instruments, national policies, and collaboration models match the real needs of green startups, scale-ups, and heavy industry?

Focus: Strengthening Europe’s green competitiveness through policy, collaboration, and risk-sharing across energy, transport, and heavy industry.

Moderator: Mimi Billing, Editor at Sifted

Confirmed Speakers

Jessica Persson, Head of VC & M&A, Scania CV
Sofie Vennersten, Director Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, Volvo Group
Agata Hidalgo, Head of Public Affairs and Media Relations, Renaissance Fusion

11.10–11.30: Why Data Matters – The Birth of Sweden Startup Next

Moderator: Mimi Billing, Editor at Sifted

Confirmed Speakers

Sasan Shaba, VP Philanthropy at SISP & Project Manager, SSN
Lisa Ericsson, CEO, KTH Innovation and KTH Venture
Jonathan Ahlbom, AI & Data Lead, Sweden Startup Nation

11.30–11.55: Data and the Future of Innovation-Driven Growth

What governance and market instruments are needed to accelerate the transition and maintain Europe’s competitiveness in the era of innovation-led industrial growth?

Focus: Building industrial strength through data-driven innovation and ecosystem coordination.

Moderator: Stina Lantz

Confirmed Speakers