Malmö Residency 2026: A Creative Opportunity in Sweden

The Malmö Residency 2026 offers a unique chance for innovators, creators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and explorers to spend a month in Malmö, Sweden. This coastal city is known for being vibrant, youthful, and forward-thinking. The residency provides time, space, and community support to help individuals start, develop, or complete projects and ideas. Applications are open until June 3, 2026, and the program includes travel, accommodation, workspaces, and deep immersion into Malmö’s creative and business environments.

About the Malmö Residency Program

The Malmö business community collectively hosts this residency, creating a special environment for participants to focus on their work while connecting with local innovators. The program invites people to spend time in Sweden’s third-largest city. The residency will take place in September and October 2026, with a required stay between September 9 and September 20. Only five spots are available for the 2026 group.

Priority Themes for 2026

For its third year, the Malmö Residency is particularly interested in applicants who are enthusiastic about specific themes. These themes reflect Malmö’s identity as a center for experimentation and working across different fields. The priority themes for 2026 include:

Green Transition

This theme focuses on developing regenerative futures. Applicants interested in sustainability and creating systems that can renew themselves are encouraged to apply.

AI and Emerging Technologies

This area looks at how artificial intelligence and new technologies can elevate society, business, and creative work. It’s for those exploring the cutting edge of technological advancement.

Food Innovation

This theme aims to revolutionize food production within city limits. It’s for individuals with ideas about new ways to grow, distribute, or consume food in urban settings.

Cultural & Creative Industries

This includes areas like games, art, dance, music, and more. It’s for those working in or looking to innovate within the broad spectrum of creative fields.

Wise & Digital Cities

This theme focuses on making cities more transparent, democratic, and enjoyable through technology and smart planning. It’s for people interested in urban development and digital solutions.

What the Residency Includes

Participants will receive a complete package of support and resources. This includes travel to and from Malmö, preferably by train. They will also get one month of accommodation and a bicycle for getting around the city. Access to workspaces across Malmö is provided, along with advice from a wide range of experts.

The residency also offers access to event venues, equipment, and guidance on production. Participants can borrow equipment and books, and use material libraries. Industry-grade testbeds are available, as are introductions to Malmö’s startup and game development communities. Opportunities for exhibitions at museums and art spaces are also part of the package. Outdoor experiences, including beaches and access to nature, are encouraged. Participants will also get to experience Malmö’s highly-rated food and beverage scene. The program operates with a philosophy of openness, benefiting from the fresh perspectives of new people.

Why Choose Malmö?

Malmö is a coastal city that is diverse and youthful. It is known for its open culture and experimental spirit. With a population of over 366,000, it is Sweden’s third-largest and fastest-growing major city. Nearly half of its residents are under 35, and people from 187 different nationalities live there.

Key aspects of Malmö include a strong culture of helping others succeed. The city has 39,000 companies, most of which are small or medium-sized. It boasts a lively arts, design, and food scene. Malmö is conveniently located, with Copenhagen Airport just 20 minutes away and Hamburg a 5-hour train ride. The city offers a balance between the ease of a smaller town and the ambition of a large city.

The Region and Academic Environment

The residency is part of the Öresund region, which is home to 4.2 million people and represents the largest job market in the Nordic countries. Several academic institutions are nearby, offering rich opportunities for collaboration and learning. These include Malmö University, which is strong in areas like Interaction Design, Urban Studies, and IoT. Lund University, one of the world’s oldest universities, is also close by. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp is a leader in food, agriculture, and landscape architecture. Additionally, the World Maritime University is a global leader in maritime and ocean research.

Events During the Residency

Participants will be in Malmö during several significant international events. These include the European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV 2026) from September 8-12, The Drop from September 15-16, and EUMAS 2026 from September 21-25. These events provide access to the latest knowledge and networking possibilities.

Available Workspaces

Participants will have access to some of Malmö’s most active co-working spaces and innovation hubs. These include STPLN, Media Evolution, Minc, Djäkne, The Ground, and Form/Design Center. These locations offer environments conducive to work and collaboration.

Visa Information

It is important to note that the residency program cannot assist with visa applications. Applicants who come from countries requiring a visa must obtain the necessary documentation independently.

How to Apply

The deadline for applications is June 3, 2026. The residency is open to applicants from around the world who can commit to the mandatory dates of the program. Interested individuals can apply through the provided link.

Frequently Asked Questions