The SommarMatchen program helps researchers at Linköping University to understand the market potential of business ideas based on their research results.
Are you a researcher at LiU with a business idea? Apply for SommarMatchen 2026 today!
When brilliant researchers collaborate with driven and curious students, great things happen. SommarMatchen (The Summer Match) has been an annual program since 2007 and is a stepping stone in turning many great ideas into companies where the research can make true impact in the society.
”This program has been an amazing opportunity to get valuable input on customer needs for our business idea. ”
– Erik Telldén, researcher and co-founder of the startup Dubblett.
How it works
Over five intensive summer weeks, two talented students from LiU are matched with your project, acting as your external market scouts who provide key insights and fresh perspectives on your idea. Through interviews with potential users and future customers, the students gather insights into customer pains, willingness to pay, and market dynamics. Their mission is to help you answer key early-stage questions such as:
- Who would actually buy this?
- What problem does it solve for them?
- How big is the potential market?
The work gives you a clearer basis for deciding if, how, and when your research could move toward commercialization.
How you apply (Researcher)
It is quite simple: reach out to us or your innovation advisor at LiU Innovation to discuss your business idea. To be eligible you must be a researcher at LiU and own the rights to the idea. You need to have a clear hypothesis of a business idea and an initial understanding of who the customer might be. While the students receive guidance from experienced business coaches at LEAD throughout SommarMatchen, you need to be available during the program (June and early August) to answer questions that may arise about your idea. If everything checks out you will get a link to a short application form.
How you apply (Student)
SommarMatchen is like no other summer job! It is a great experience that gives you glimpse of exciting new products and services that may be on the market in a few years, thanks to your input. You will be paired with another student and work full time at LEAD in Linköping during weeks 24, 25, 26, 32, and 33. For further details, visit Unitalent that is responsible for the student recruitment. The deadline for applying to SommarMatchen 2026 is February 15.
Summer is coming – join SommarMatchen 2026!