Alumna Linn Gerhardsson's idea Alarmwear is launched
Linn Gerhardsson's idea to increase safety in outdoor environments was born during her degree project, and even then she came into contact with one of our advisors. Two years later, she is an award-winning entrepreneur about to launch Alarmwear and her own product line. But the road has been challenging and not straightforward.
- It's so cool to see your dream come true. The moment when I got the physical prototype in my hand - what started with a need I felt myself. It's an incredible feeling.
Linn Gerhardsson is a civil engineer specializing in product design. In her degree project, she chose to investigate safety in outdoor environments, and the result was a report and a first product prototype of a running belt with an assault alarm. Through her supervisor Lisa Mujagic, advisor, Linn received advice on idea development. It was also Lisa who suggested the business development program LTU Business Summer - Impact Lab.
The summer program gave Linn the opportunity to verify and broaden her knowledge in business development, but also access to the mentors Johan Bergström and Sandra Uddeskär.
- Through the summer program, I got a lot of new friends and further knowledge that complemented my education: How to make a business plan, how to think about markets, business models and reaching customers, how to raise capital. Getting support from someone with experience was valuable to me, says Linn.
Alarmwear won the Skapa award in 2019, and since then Linn has focused on finding a scalable production process, working on marketing and looking for investors. The plan is to launch Alarmwear's webshop during winter 2020.
- We are so grateful and proud to follow Linn's journey. As in Linn's case, entrepreneurship and innovation is largely about problem solving and perseverance - finding the strength and patience to persevere, change course, make difficult decisions. Behind every launch is a lot of hard work, so we are happy for Linn and look forward to the launch with great excitement," says Lisa Mujagic, Business Developer.
Linn hopes that her story will encourage more students to explore their ideas and shares her top tips:
- Research the market for your idea - the more thoroughly you do this, the better in the long run. Get help from professionals who know about business advice and idea development. Dare to ask for help and accept the help you get where you feel you have knowledge gaps. Finally: Dare to invest - it will be a fun and educational journey and process regardless of what the idea leads to," concludes Linn.
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