Researchers and students
Do you have an idea or research with the potential to make a difference? MDU Holding supports innovative research and projects at Mälardalen University. As a co-founder or often the first investor, we act as an enabler and long-term partner. Together with MDU, you gain a partner whose professionalism and brand serve as a mark of quality.
We provide capital, business expertise, and access to networks. Our involvement spans both the early stages of company development and the subsequent growth journey.
We work closely with the university’s innovation office, where students and researchers receive support during the early idea and development phases. When an idea has been validated and is ready for commercialization, we can step in with active ownership, capital, and strategic support.
Mälardalen University's Holding Company
MDU Holding is Mälardalen University's holding company and a state-owned, long-term investor. We invest as a minority shareholder at an early stage, either as a co-founder or investor, and may remain involved for 5 to 15 years. Our role is to support, enable, and contribute to building a strong, independent company. MDU Holding's business model is based on reinvesting returns in new startups, allowing successful companies to help enable the next generation of ventures.
We offer:
- Business support as an active owner, including strategy, team development, and business model development
- Support before incorporation, for example as a co-founder or in the commercialization of patents
- Early-stage capital
- A network of investors, experts, and entrepreneurs
- The possibility of follow-on investment in promising companies
- Experience of investing in research-based startups
- Knowledge and guidance in company building and business development
What we look for:
- Scalable and sustainable business ideas
- Significant market potential
- Innovations with a positive impact on society
- Startups originating from research at MDU
A strong innovation network
MDU Holding is part of the innovation ecosystem in Västmanland and Sörmland, and is also connected nationally through collaboration with other university-affiliated holding companies and innovation environments. This provides access to expertise in patents and intellectual property, market analysis, and business development, as well as people with experience of bringing research to market.