Awards
In 2026, several prestigious awards were presented, focusing on entrepreneurship and leadership, including the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award for entrepreneurship, in collaboration with Almi.
Looking ahead to 2027, we will continue to celebrate outstanding achievements in Swedish business. ‘Rising Star of the Year’ returns as a key award that recognises entrepreneurs with strong drive, innovation and a business focus.
Motivation.se will once again be presenting the ‘CEO of the Year’ award, with the aim of highlighting role models and contributing to more values-driven and sustainable leadership.
Welcome to a forum where the business world’s leading figures are celebrated – and the leadership of the future is recognised.
Rising Star of the Year
During the networking event, we are delighted to present the ‘Rising Star of the Year in Entrepreneurship’ award, an honour that recognises an entrepreneur with exceptional potential and vision. The award recognises an individual who, through innovation and business acumen, has achieved impressive results and established themselves as a future leader in the business world. We look forward to rewarding this year’s most promising entrepreneur and inspiring more people to take the leap towards success!
CEO of the Year
The ‘CEO of the Year’ award is presented annually by Motivation.se. As was the case last year, the award ceremony will take place during the networking event on Day 1 of the Meetings & Events conference. The award is presented in four categories: small businesses, medium-sized businesses, large businesses, and the ‘Young CEO of the Year’ category.
Previous winners of the Rising Star of the Year award: Natively
Natively, led by Timothy Lindblom, is a pioneering AI company that is redefining the future of digital business. With a clear vision and a high level of technical innovation, they have quickly established a strong position in the market and demonstrated how AI can create real business value. Timothy and his team have shown courage, a forward-looking approach and a strong belief in their idea – and they deliver
By combining cutting-edge technology, innovative thinking and a clear entrepreneurial drive, Natively is an inspiring role model for the next generation of companies. That is why they are the obvious winner of the Rising Star of the Year 2025 award.
The nominees for Rising Star of the Year 2025 were:
Vegan Delight
“Vegan Delight is a fast-growing concept which, with a clear vision and strong innovation, has positioned itself as the obvious meeting place for the plant-based businesses of the future.”
Storecon
“Storecon is an innovative industry event which, in a short space of time, has generated business value and momentum by bringing together key players in the retail sector to discuss innovation, insights and development.”
AA Logistik
“Through its strong customer focus and high operational precision, AA Logistik has established itself as a reliable and rapidly growing player in the logistics sector. With effective solutions and a clear business drive, the company has created tangible value for its customers and demonstrated sustainable entrepreneurship.”
Moduel
“Moduel is an innovative company which, through modular solutions and a clear vision, has rapidly established itself in a modern and growing market.”
Natively
“Natively is an innovative AI company which, with a clear vision and strong technical expertise, has rapidly carved out a position in the digital business landscape of the future.”
Interview with Storecon, nominated for Rising Star of the Year 🏆
2026-01-22
Ahead of 2026, Stockholm Business Expo is presenting the 2025 Rising Star of the Year award – a prize that recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong drive, innovation and growth – in collaboration with Almi.
Interview with Natively, nominated for Rising Star of the Year 🏆
2026-01-22
Ahead of 2026, Stockholm Business Expo is presenting the 2025 Rising Star of the Year award – a prize that recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong drive, innovation and growth – in collaboration with Almi.
Interview with Moduel, nominated for Rising Star of the Year 🏆
2026-01-22
Ahead of 2026, Stockholm Business Expo is presenting the 2025 Rising Star of the Year award – a prize that recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong drive, innovation and growth – in collaboration with Almi.
Interview with AA Logistik, which has been nominated for the Rising Star of the Year award 🏆
2026-01-22
Ahead of 2026, Stockholm Business Expo is presenting the 2025 Rising Star of the Year award – a prize that recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong drive, innovation and growth – in collaboration with Almi.
Interview with Vegan Delight, nominated for Rising Star of the Year 🏆
2026-01-15
Ahead of 2026, Stockholm Business Expo is presenting the 2025 Rising Star of the Year award – a prize that recognises entrepreneurs who demonstrate strong drive, innovation and growth – in collaboration with Almi.
The performers for the 2026 social event have been booked 🎤 🌟
2025-10-24
The performers for the reception have been booked – and 2026 promises a musical experience brimming with energy, atmosphere and emotion. Taking to the stage are none other than Chris Lindh, a Swedish artist and singer, alongside Anna Landström, an artist, singer, pianist and producer. With their experience, stage presence and passion for music, they create an atmosphere that unites, inspires and turns every break into an experience in its own right.
Nominate for CEO of the Year & Rising Star of the Year 2025 👨💼⭐
2025-09-18
Ahead of 2026, we are presenting the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award in partnership with Almi – a tribute to entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional drive and innovation. At the same time, Motivation.se is presenting the ‘CEO of the Year’ award, which recognises values-driven leaders and role models for a sustainable business community.
Motivation.se and Stockholm Business Expo 2026 continue their successful partnership – the ‘CEO of the Year’ award will be presented at the event
2025-05-19
Following several years of successful collaboration, Motivation.se and Stockholm Business Expo are continuing their joint initiative ahead of the 2026 edition of the Nordic region’s leading business fair. As a media partner, Motivation.se will once again provide inspiration, insights and raise awareness of the importance of leadership in Swedish business, and will host the prestigious ‘CEO of the Year’ awards ceremony directly at the fair.
Prestigious awards were presented to the industry’s leading players at the Business Expo
2025-03-11
Business Expo, Sweden’s leading event for entrepreneurship and the future of business, was held at Kistamässan on 19–20 February. Over two intensive and inspiring days, entrepreneurs and industry leaders came together to explore the latest trends and opportunities for strengthening and developing entrepreneurship in SwedenThe focus was on innovation, digitalisation, sustainable business development, leadership and financing. During the event, several prestigious awards were presented to honour some of the industry’s most prominent figures.
CirChem nominated for Rising Star of the Year!
2025-01-31
Sustainable business models of the future – a journey towards circularity
Running a business is not just about selling products or services – it is about creating something that makes a real difference and driving long-term improvements. For CirChem, one of the biggest challenges has been introducing a circular business model in an industry where linear processes have long been the norm. Challenging established ways of working can sometimes feel like treading water – it takes perseverance and tenacity before you reach that breakthrough where things start to take off.
Bubbi has been nominated for Rising Star of the Year!
2025-01-31
An entrepreneurial journey full of challenges and lessons learnt
Building an innovative business from scratch is a challenge in itself, and for Marin Lundmark, founder of Bubbi, the journey has been full of both setbacks and successes. One of the biggest challenges has been running a company with high ambitions whilst simultaneously dealing with the constant failures that come with innovation. Maintaining her energy and enthusiasm during the more challenging periods has been crucial, and Marin has found strength in surrounding herself with people whose expertise and drive give her energy. Furthermore, activities and relationships outside work have played an important role in creating balance and providing fresh motivation.
Revive Retail has been nominated for Rising Star of the Year!
2025-01-30
Running a business is a journey full of both challenges and rewards – a balancing act that Karin Rehnberg, entrepreneur and co-founder of Revive Retail, knows all too well. Drawing on her experience of building and leading a growing business, she shares her insights into what it takes to succeed in a dynamic and competitive industry.
Antaros Medical has been nominated for Rising Star of the Year!
2025-01-23
From a Camper Van to a Rising Star: Antaros Medical’s Journey to Success.
On 19–20 February, Stockholm Business Expo 2025 will take place at Kistamässan, and Antaros Medical stands out among the nominees for ‘Rising Star of the Year’. With its innovative and pioneering work in the life sciences sector, the company has grown from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognised player. The company’s CEO and one of its four founders, Johannes Hulthe, shares their journey – a story filled with challenges, pride and memorable moments. From a campervan to a rising star: Antaros Medical’s journey to success.
On 19–20 February, Stockholm Business Expo 2025 will take place at Kistamässan, and Antaros Medical stands out among the nominees for ‘Rising Star of the Year’. With an innovative and pioneering business in the life sciences sector, they have gone from humble beginnings to becoming an internationally recognised player. The company’s CEO and one of its four founders, Johannes Hulthe, shares their journey – a story filled with challenges, pride and memorable moments.
Jobbs has been nominated for Rising Star of the Year!
2025-01-23
From vision to reality: How Jobbs is changing the world of unmanned environments
Stockholm Business Expo, which takes place on 19–20 February at Kistamässan, brings together Sweden’s most innovative companies. One of the nominees for Rising Star of the Year is Jobbs, led by its visionary CEO Tobias Engelbrektsson. By combining innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to bring about change, Jobbs has made great strides forward. Tobias shares his journey, which has been filled with both challenges and insights.
