Applications are now available for the Norrsken Impact Accelerator in Stockholm, Sweden, which provides assistance, mentorship, and US$125,000 in investment to selected early-stage entrepreneurs from around the world.

Norrsken, founded in 2016 by Niklas Adalberth, one of the founders of Swedish finance unicorn Klarna, promises to assist entrepreneurs address the world’s toughest challenges. Its ecosystem includes Norrsken House, a co-working space in Stockholm for approximately 350 impact entrepreneurs, the Norrsken Founders Fund, and Norrsken VC.

According to Disrupt Africa, the foundation began operations in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2019, which it plans to utilize as a platform for investment across the East and Central African region, and last year it welcomed 11 African businesses into the inaugural edition of the Norrsken Impact Accelerator.

African companies are being encouraged to apply for the 2022 edition of the accelerator, which is aimed to identify and scale the world’s most promising impact startups. The program comprises an eight-week growth sprint at Norrsken House in Stockholm, as well as coaching from a group of more than 50 entrepreneurs, investors, and unicorn founders. The Norrsken Foundation provides an upfront seed or pre-seed funding of US$125,000 to all entrepreneurs.

“We’re always asking ourselves, ‘Is this startup tackling a real problem?'” We are only interested in business concepts in which profit and impact are actually inextricably linked. According to Funda Sezgi, managing director and co-founder of Norrsken Impact Accelerator, it should be the inverse of “if you buy one pair of shoes, we’ll give away a free pair to Africa.”

“We’re looking for startups that have the potential to make a long-term, generational positive difference in the world while also building successful, rapidly scalable businesses.”

The 20 participating companies have raised more than US$17 million in seed or pre-seed finance since being admitted into the 2021 program.

Applications will be accepted through the end of February. You can apply here.