Linköping Science Park AB, Sweden
"The City as a Testbed- testing green ideas in Linköping"
Testbed Vouchers enable SMEs to test climate-smart innovations in real-life municipal environments. Through fast funding and strong public-private collaboration, companies can validate and scale sustainable solutions that support Linköping's goal of becoming climate neutral by 2030.
Purpose of the solution
Vinnova, the Swedish Innovation Agency, defines a testbed as a physical or virtual environment where companies, academia, or other organizations can work for change, testing, and implementing of new products, services, or processes within selected areas. As a part of the project Climate Neutral City 2030, Linköping municipality offers small to medium-sized enterprises the opportunity to apply for testbed vouchers. The goal of testbed vouchers is to make it possible for companies within the climate and energy sector to test their solutions in a real-world environment together with a municipal-owned company. With the city as a testbed, the possibilities are endless.
Impact
Since its launch, the program has supported over 24 pilot projects, enabling 16 SMEs to test solutions in areas such as energy optimization, circular economy, and smart digital services. These tests have led to measurable outcomes—such as reduced energy use, improved resource efficiency, and the creation of scalable green innovations—while also fostering deeper collaboration between businesses and the public sector. Pitch days, also called "Linköping's dragon’s' den", have been arranged to more easily connect companies with municipal companies and apply for vouchers. The pitch days have been arranged once a year, in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
What is innovative about it?
The program stands out by offering a unique blend of micro-funding, rapid access to municipal infrastructure, and a low-barrier application process. This enables SMEs to test and refine their solutions in real operational environments—often within just weeks. The close partnership between Linköping Science Park, city-owned companies, and startups creates a flexible and efficient innovation ecosystem rarely seen in public-private collaborations. The vouchers actively encourage initiatives that drive society in a sustainable direction. They show that bold, climate-smart ideas are taken seriously, while also strengthening the municipality's connection to the business community. Solutions can range from technical services and products that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions to social innovations that promote awareness, well-being, and climate-friendly behaviours—supporting broader societal transformation.
Who are the main users?
Primarily startups and SMEs developing solutions in energy, sustainability, mobility, and smart city technologies. They are often in early stages and benefit from testing under real conditions before scaling.
Who runs it?
The initiative is coordinated by Linköping Science Park in collaboration with the City of Linköping and its municipal companies. It is part of the broader "Climate Neutral Linköping 2030" strategy and supported by the national Viable Cities innovation program.