Find the Right Sting Program for Your Startup: When Is It the Right Fit?
You want to move faster. Less time wasted, more precision in your next step: product, market, team, capital. That's exactly what Sting's programs are built for, to achieve success faster. But different tracks/ programs solve different problems, and the wrong choice usually isn't about ambition. It's about timing. This guide helps you figure out whether a Sting program is right for you right now, and which program matches where you actually are.
Sting Programs at a Glance
Sting organises its programs along a clear progression: from idea validation, to company building and financing, to investor readiness and speed.
Sting Core
Sting Core is our flagship program that runs for up to 18 months (three 6-month periods) for ambitious tech founders ready to fast-track their startups' growth with purpose and precision. Depending on your needs, you can stay 6, 12 or 18 months. Whether you're building in climate, health, AI, or DeepTech, this is where standout ideas become investable companies. It runs two cohorts per year and covers coaching and business development, go-to-market and growth, team and recruitment, product and IP, investor relations, community access, and co-working space. Teams may also be eligible for investment through Propel Capital.
Sting Race
Fast-track your investor readiness with a focused sprint designed to help you secure your next round, faster and smarter. After 8 weeks, you will get the chance to pitch your idea in front of 100+ investors at one of Sting's private investor events. The hybrid format makes this opportunity accessible if you want to join in from another part of the EU. It's designed to sharpen your business model, pitch, and investor materials, and connect you directly with investors and partners.
Sting Race runs different sector tracks each year. The most recent was Sting Climate Race. Sting Deep Tech Race is coming next. Applications are not yet open. Watch the Sting Race page for updates, and compete for one of 12 seats to gain access to our network and unique Peer-to-Peer learning.
Sting Test Drive
Sting Test Drive is pre-incubation, consisting of hands-on workshops for super-early-stage projects with global potential. We focus on niche areas like Climate & Energy, Health and DeepTech, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with expert coaches. Join us to sharpen your pitch, gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs, and explore growth opportunities with Sting.
Sting Startup Academy
Startup Academy and Startup Academy Science to Business is a free, online, self-paced course designed to take your idea to the next level. It's built on Sting's 20+ years of experience working with founders and is open to anyone, anywhere. It's the perfect setup if you're interested in applying to any of our startup programs.
Open Coaching
Not a program in the traditional sense, but worth knowing about: Open Coaching lets you book a free 20-minute session with one of Sting's startup coaches. A good way to pressure-test whether you're ready to apply.
A Note on Funding: Propel Capital
Propel Capital invests exclusively in Sting companies. Startups in Sting Core may be offered a total investment of 600 000 SEK, with 400 000 SEK provided up front and 200 000 SEK guaranteed as a follow-on investment. To receive potential capital from Propel Capital, startups must first apply to and be accepted into a Sting Core program, where they receive the expert coaching and validation required for investment.
Which Types of Programs Fit Best
Sting Core fits best when you are committed to solving big, urgent problems with global relevance. You have at least two co-founders working 50–100%, with 75% or more of the company owned by the operational team. The strongest teams are mixed-gender, international, and complementary. You have scalable solutions in Climate, Health, DeepTech, or AI that can truly move the needle. Your tech foundations are strong, MVP or prototype stage (TRL 3–6), before commercial launch or recurring revenue. You have a clear market opportunity in a large, growing international space. A Swedish organisation number is required for admission to Sting Core.
Sting Race fits when you have a significant impact in your field. You are raising a pre-seed or seed round within the next 12 months. You have at least two founders (preferably mixed), fully committed and ideally working full-time. You must have an investor pitch deck (draft accepted). You should be located in Sweden or in the EU.
Sting Test Drive fits when you have an idea and are just getting started. You will receive tasks to complete and bring with you to prepare for each of the workshops. To get the most out of it, and out of respect for your peers, it’s essential that you come to all sessions in person and complete the assigned homework. Sting Test Drive gives you the tools, community, and confidence to take the first step from lab to market, to transform your scientific achievements into solutions for real-world problems, and hopefully make a lot of money while making the world a better place.
Sting Startup Academy fits when you're still exploring. You have a spark of an idea but need foundational frameworks before committing to anything structured. It's self-paced and online, so there's no scheduling pressure.
Quick Check: Which Track Matches Your Situation
If you’re not ready to apply to one of our programs yet, you can book a free 20-minute session with a Sting startup coach for advice on how to move forward on your journey.
When Sting Isn't the Right Fit
Sting prioritises scalable solutions in Climate and Energy, DeepTech, Digital Society and AI, or Health and Life Science that can truly move the needle. If your startup falls outside these sectors and you're not yet committed to solving a big, urgent problem with global relevance, Sting isn't the right place yet.
If you're pre-idea, start with Startup Academy, get grounded, then come back.
Sting Core requires a Swedish organisation number and a team. Solo founders and non-Swedish entities aren't eligible, regardless of how strong the concept is. For Sting Race, if you're not actively preparing to raise within 12 months, the sprint format won't land the way it should.
Not sure where you fit? Book a free 20-minute session with a Sting startup coach for advice on how to move forward on your journey.
Ready to Explore?
- Apply to Sting - applications are open
- Book Open Coaching - free 20-minute session with a Sting coach
- Sting Startup Academy - free, self-paced online course
References
- Sting Core - Program overview and structure
- Sting Race - Climate and Health Tech accelerator tracks
- Sting Climate Race - Program description
- Sting Test Drive - Pre-incubation workshops
- Sting Startup Academy - Free online course
- Sting Open Coaching - Free 20-minute sessions
- Sting FAQ - Propel Capital convertible terms
- Sting FAQ - General program questions
- Sting News: Sweden's Energy Future Takes the Stage as Climate Race Returns
- Vinnova: Sting - Excellent Incubation and Acceleration 2025-2029
.webp)
%20Large.jpeg)