They will decide if researchers’ ideas have business potential

During five intensive summer weeks, 20 selected students from Linköping University will have the chance to work on ten research-based ideas – and investigate whether they meet a customer need. This is part of the Summer Match program led by LEAD. SommarMatchen is popular among LiU students and every year LEAD receives hundreds of applications from students who want to participate in the program. Of this year’s applicants, 20 students have been selected. They are now divided into teams of two and will each analyze a research case from LiU, focusing on identifying customer needs and market potential. “In addition to providing the researchers with valuable market insights, the program contributes to the students’ development and career,” says Magnus Krogh, responsible coach at LEAD. To evaluate the business potential of their ideas, students conduct interviews with potential customers and analyze market needs. The projects span several areas, from ventilation systems for chicken farming to AI-based technology for detecting forest fires. This year we see ideas from virtually all of LiU, and most of them this year have elements of artificial intelligence,” says Magnus Krogh. The research cases have been selected by LEAD in collaboration with LiU Innovation. LEAD guides the students through the entire process with the help of experienced business coaches. The Summer Match has been held every year since 2007 and has over the years led to several ideas being developed into successful startup companies.