The incubation programme has started – here’s a summary of the first days
We have launched the incubation programme with two kick-start days together in Älmhult. Highlights included an innovation workshop with SBAB, a visit from the startup Re:Play, and a session about design thinking with IKEA.
Part of the first cohort to join the incubation programme at Home of the Home Lab.
Published on 23 January 2026.
The two days were designed to welcome the startups, introduce the programme and create strong relationships between participants and the Home of the Home Lab team.
These first two days have given us the chance to set the tone for the entire programme. It’s about creating clarity, trust and energy – and showing the participants that they are not on this journey alone, says Tanja Olsson Öhrn.
Thursday: Community, early-stage innovation with SBAB and tips from another startup
The very first day began with a welcome session and an overview of the days ahead, followed by a session on Why Älmhult & Home of the Home. The morning later continued with an icebreaker and team-building activity to help participants get to know one another.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to innovation methods. The Innovation Workshop – Lean Start-up was led by Sara Lejon and Magnus Hellgren, Innovation Leaders at SBAB, giving participants concrete tools to work iteratively with their ideas.
Later in the day, Stefanos Papamichailidis and Pontus Albinzon from Re:Play shared their experiences from the incubator Företagsfabriken/Växjö Linnaeus Science Park during the session Tips from another startup.
Friday: Design, inspiration and local perspectives with Formhult and IKEA
The second day focuses on design, creativity and inspiration from the local context. After breakfast together, participants have explored Älmhult during an Explore & Connect walk-and-talk, including a visit to local design destination Formhult.
Mid-morning, Samina Jamil, Global Innovation Leader at IKEA Intralogistics Innovation, led a session about design thinking, stimulating interesting discussions about understanding users’ needs and challenges.
The day concludes at the IKEA Museum this afternoon, with a guided tour and mini-workshops led by Karin Behmer Dackander, Learning Developer and Sustainability Leader at IKEA Museum, Jurek Rosenhagen, Learning and Development Generalist at IKEA, and Anthi Triantafyllidi from IKEA Älmhult AB.
Next steps in the programme
With a common starting point and new connections in place, the participants now will continue the first phase of the programme, called Explore and shape.