All Silicon Valley Programs

REACH - Incubator Program

 
 

REACH 2025-26

REACH is a Silicon Valley-based, industry-agnostic incubator program designed to boost and de-risk the commercialization phase of Nordic research-based tech projects and spinouts with international ambitions and potential. The program combines hands-on training with expert mentoring and is structured around talks and workshops, potential customer/partner/investor meetings, and business events.

The on-the-job training program runs over six calendar months, including a kickoff Day in Stockholm and two acceleration parts:

  • Kickoff Day & Alumni Seminar – Stockholm, November 4, 2025 (TBC)

  • Part 1: Online Program – November 10 to December 5, 2025

    • Two evening workshops per week

  • Part 2: Silicon Valley Immersion – April 20 to May 1, 2026

  • Ongoing Mentoring – November 2025 to May 2026

    • Online mentoring and team-specific work throughout the program

 How to Apply

 The application process includes two phases:

 1) Submission

  • When: September 3 – October 3, 2025

  • How: Submit by email to paula.salomaa@nordicinnovationhouse.com

  • Format: Max. 10-slide presentation (PDF or PPT)

  • What to include:

    • Project/company overview: Technology/product, customer need, commercial goal, current status, next steps, and team

    • Background: Origin of research/spinout (university/research institute), research funding sources

    • Motivation: Why you want to join REACH, and which two team members would participate

 2) Interview

  • When: September 29 – October 10, 2025

  • Format: 30-minute online meeting

  • Who: The applying team (2 people), REACH Program Director, and a National Team representative

  • What: 10-minute team presentation followed by a 20-minute discussion

 Program Fee

The participation fee is $15,500 per team. This includes all program content for two attendees.

Travel, accommodation, and other expenses are not included.

Questions?

For more information about the program or application process, contact:

How can academic breakthroughs become real-world solutions? What bridges are needed between deep tech research, entrepreneurial talent, and global markets? These were some of the central questions explored at the REACH 10-Year Anniversary Seminar, hosted at Nordic Innovation House in Silicon Valley on April 3, 2025. Read the LinkedIn Article and watch the Recordings

 

IS REACH FOR YOU?

 REACH is designed to boost Research-based start-ups or spin-out projects from the Nordic countries that have:  

  • Active founding team members and strong motivation to participate and engage throughout the program.

  • Unique technology, international ambitions, focus on technologies and solutions that are relevant for the Silicon Valley industries and ecosystem 

  • Clear potential to benefit from REACH participation and Silicon Valley exposure.

  • Commitment of at least two team members, with a minimum of one actively participating in all meetings and in-person activities, including the Palo Alto immersion.

  • Coachability and openness to feedback, including the ability to reflect, adapt, and apply learnings throughout the program.

What does the REACH program offer?  

A way for you to target, accelerate and de-risk the execution of your startup or commercialization project. During the program you will identify, define and validate the path to realizing your technology’s commercial potential, sharpen your value proposition and pitch, and expand your professional network. You will work on your own start-up or project, while learning new ways of working.

The program has three main dimensions:

  • Workshops on various topics and themes for building a startup

  • Mentoring

    • Horizontal – generic startup topics

    • Vertical – specific to your industry/market – each team will get a dedicated “vertical mentor”

  • Meetings with external stakeholders for validation, such as customers, partners, investors and experts.

 What should you expect from the program?

  • Focused high-quality agenda to facilitate your work

  • Access to relevant experts and resources

  • Availability to your needs and assistance to the best of our ability 

 What do we expect from the participants?

  • It is up to you as a participant to make your own luck – i.e. “hustle” to make it happen. You are the one ultimately responsible for your results. 

  • Show up for workshops, mentor meetings and external meeting on time.

  • Push/drive us and the mentors to help you. We are here to support you on your mission.

  • Help and challenge each other.

 What is the right timing for REACH?

Pre- or post-company establishment. Your technology should be validated from a technical perspective. The thrust of the program is customer discovery and validation with a view to set the direction of your startup from a commercial and product perspective. The ideal timing is somewhere in the journey from technology to product. I.e. early is good. 

WHAT DO SOME OF THE ALUMNI SAY?

 Alumni greetings for REACH 10-year anniversary seminar!

 “REACH was instrumental in understanding our target market and starting a pivot towards B2B.”

 “REACH was an immense boost to get the Technology out of the lab and into the markets. Without REACH, there would be no Company, no people employed, and no shareholders’ value created.”

 “Better understanding of the VC and SV tech ecosystem and culture.”

 “REACH is a great program with an awesome team behind - thanks for the opportunity to learn from and experience with REACH and NIH!”

 
ProgramWilliam FerngardNordic Innovation HouseSilicon Valley