Access beats ownership.
Just ask the makers.
What does it take to scale physical tech – without VC, grants or hype? Alexander Engl shares lessons from scaling Stockholm Makerspace into a grassroots prototyping hub and building ihopa’s shared hardware networks.
From tool lockers to 1000-member maker labs, this episode is a wake-up call for founders building real stuff in a digital-first world.
While sharing truly is caring, there are still some assets you need to own. IP is one example. Therefor, here's a final reminder to join us next week for our live webinar "Own It or Lose It: How IP Turns Ideas Into Investment" featuring Ola Wassvik (Flatfrog, Lightbringer).
Nordic Hardtech Partners 🤝
Nordic Hardtech is a community for builders of complex tech companies based on physical products. Here are some of our outstanding partners.
- Lightbringer: AI-powered patent platform helping tech companies protect their edge fast, with in-house legal expertise. Join their upcoming IP webinar!
- Recuro: Growth partner for hardtech and deeptech. Strategy, marketing, and scalable business models that drive real traction. Book an intro.
- SISP (Swedish Incubators & Science Parks): The network for 60+ incubators and science parks in Sweden, powering innovation and scaleups across the country. Find yours here.
- The Yard: Gothenburg’s industrial-chic hub for startups. Co-working, community, and serious hardware energy. Explore their memberships.
Nordic Hardtech Podcast 🎧
This week featuring the future of physical tech.
Episode #25: Alexander Engl – How ihopa and Makerspace Enable Hardware for the Masses
“I wish I had discovered Makerspace sooner”
From co-owning power tools to building 3D labs from scratch, Alexander Engl believes the future of hardware is shared, open, and radically local. We spoke to the Stockholm Makerspace board member and ihopa founder about scaling circular models, surviving without public money – and why Sweden needs to get over its unicorn nostalgia.