The project focuses on the development of and around an existing Swedish test bed in the environmental technology area – LignoCity. The test bed is a unique platform that bridges from research to commercialisation of sustainable processes and products, with a specific focus on lignin from forests and land as raw material. The most important lignin source currently in both Sweden and globally is the pulp mill, which receives large amounts of lignin from the raw material as a by-product. The LignoCity test bed is based on unique new Swedish technology that separates lignin from pulp mills but also opens up for the development of alternative technology. LignoCity thus provides unique opportunities to develop products and various solutions based on lignin as a raw material. Success can create growth through national and international cooperation, which is expected to lead to a) that new SMEs are attracted to the region, b) that it is invested in the region, in the region’s SMEs and c) that knowledge of the possibilities in the region makes SMEs in the region contribute strongly in the development of the bioeconomy of the future based on lignin. By offering a quick way from idea to commercialisation (explains and streamlines the possibilities to test hypotheses), LignoCity improves the ability to switch to a resource- and cost-effective production of different biomaterials, biochemicals and biofuels. Through the test bed we enable (initiating, facilitating, supporting and accelerating) the development of lignin’s various value chains, which are currently undeveloped opportunities with great potential. Goal The overall goal is to shorten the time from idea to market. The project is also expected to contribute to a number of business establishments in Värmland, as well as developing existing SMEs in the region. In addition, a node is created for the development of lignin in various new environmental/carbon dioxide smart solutions. A node that has an international reputation and is expected to give a national head start as lignin’s value chains today are fairly undeveloped. The different sub-goals are: 1) development and implementation of a new approach (from idea to company establishment) that attracts ¿need owners¿, SMF, and in a tailor-made way leads to commercial activities, 2) further development of the infrastructure in connection with the test bed with offices, conference facilities and lab with equipment in place according to the established plan, 3) work according to business plans, including marketing plans, which means that the project has ready and clear offers from LignoCity. Plans and offers are one of the basic prerequisites for a possible continued operation after the end of the project, 4) a ¿Personal Business Network Enabler¿that leads parts of the work, i.e. a senior person with a broad network of contacts within the lignin area who assumes the role of a business developer¿for LignoCity, 5) a long-term plan for how SMEs and start-ups can be supported via different types of Hypotes trials with the help of theses and research students. Implementation of the plan as part of the business, and further development of how this can support and develop existing and future SMEs in the region. 6) an established, active work with selected networks and partners, 7) to ensure that the project attracts the right ideas, the right skills and venture capital