Connecting innovation with capital: The power of strategic endorsement

Digiclean Solutions AB, founded in 2024 and headquartered in Borås, Sweden, has developed an innovative sensor technology that offers real-time monitoring and optimisation of process fluids. This breakthrough enables precise adjustments, ensuring efficient use of every drop, and significantly reducing chemical usage and waste generation. The idea is to ensure that we use as few chemicals as possible and instead focus on a sustainable cleaning result to transform into a service-based business model. The startup also generates values regarding traceability for an operation that historically has lacked continuous data tracking. By engaging with the right stakeholders, Digiclean aims to tap into the relevant market industries that would benefit most from their innovative sensor technology, such as those relying on process fluids. These markets would gain value from optimised chemical usage, waste reduction, and sustainable solutions. 

Digiclean was already on an entrepreneurial path, making sincere efforts in developing their business plan. EIT Manufacturing could assist in sharpening and accelerating the developmental journey of the startup by refining their pitch, company structure and understanding the investor and startup ecosystem. The potential of Digiclean was connected to investing in Software Development (Full-stack development, IT security) as well as Data Management (Advanced data storage solutions and development of the platform model), which EITM actively acknowledged and proceeded to broaden these expanding efforts. Aside from that, EITM worked together with Digiclean Solutions AB on building the right network in order to access potential collaborators and investors. This network is essential for identifying strategic partners, such as other companies, research institutions, or experts, who can help advance their technology or contribute to expanding their services. 

Digiclean was facing multi-dimensional challenges emanating from the company structure and staff needs, a lack of investment and access to the industry market. Consequently, the startup received feedback on their current understanding of the startup ecosystem and company logistics, which led to short-term and long-term value for them. EITM helped in reforming the company and improving their pitch, to be better prepared for the events they attended as part of the supporting services.

Consequently, Digiclean received the following services:

• Networking opportunities such as:

  • Being invited to the EIT Manufacturing flagship event, Leading Lights (2025)

  • Pitching at GoWest 2025 in front of potential investors

  • Invitation to Slush (2024)

Such opportunities were very important for the startup's visibility and publicity as they got to pitch in front of a significant number of not only startups but also investors.

• Recommendations for further development of their technology through transformative solutions.  The startup received a tailored business mentoring opportunity, which helped in developing their solution and arranging an optimal company format.

• Introduction to new potential customers/investors in unexplored markets and technologies. EITM created a small circle of investors fit for Digiclean and arranged 1 on 1 meetings for the startup.

• Tailored IP Strategy Recommendations: Culminating in personalised advice for developing an effective intellectual property strategy, preparing the company with the necessary insights and materials for informed strategic decision-making.

The coaching sessions enabled Digiclean to prepare a detailed action plan to validate their business model, develop it further, communicate it to the market and eventually secure a 2M SEK investment. The sessions facilitated several key outcomes:

• A review of the current business model. Understanding the potential of the technology infrastructure and how it can expand within the market.

• Business Development: Sharpen the business case and connect to new markets. The opportunity to validate the already existing technology of Digiclean and develop it further, and eventually pilot it.

• Digiclean benefited from numerous networking opportunities: This included, amongst others, the match-making platform for GoWest, the chance to pitch their product during Leading Lights25, which helped to broaden their network, find potential collaborators and discuss with investors.

• The company was chosen to be a part of the Venture Building programme, where EIT Manufacturing offered them sessions with professional mentors to help develop Digiclean Solutions’ business model.

• Introduction to the EIT Manufacturing’s Accelerator call that helped the company to prepare for the investment committee.

• Collaborative ecosystem partnership funded by EDIH. The company received support to find an investment service, ‘Access to Finance’.

• Since EITM’s involvement, the company has been installing their solutions to customers every week while also executing proof of concept for customers like SKF and Volvo.

• The company has also seen a 95% rate of conversion to paying customers.

• The company signed an agreement with Feminvest for an investment of 2 MSEK.

The coaching process culminated in the presentation of these results in a well-structured and documented report, designed for both internal strategic use and external stakeholders, ensuring Digiclean is well-equipped for future growth and innovation.