Stockholm-based Norrsken has released its 2025 Impact/100 list, highlighting 100 companies identified as potential impact unicorns.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Dutch startups on the Impact/100 list. The correct figure is five, not three.

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Stockholm-based Norrsken, a non-profit foundation focused on solving the world’s greatest challenges, has unveiled the 2025 edition of its annual Impact/100 list, a ranking that highlights 100 companies identified as potential impact unicorns.

The companies are tackling global challenges such as climate change, pollution, poverty and mental health.

The Impact/100 is compiled annually through nominations from 50 global venture capital firms and non-profits, including new partners such as Sequoia and Creandum, with the final selection made by Norrsken and a jury.

The Impact/100 aims to spotlight companies whose work has the potential to positively impact one billion people worldwide. This year marks the fourth edition of the initiative.

AI presence is growing

Nearly one-third of the companies on the 2025 list are using artificial intelligence as a core part of their business models. This figure represents a near doubling compared to last year, when 18 companies were identified as AI-driven.

Sara Kappelmark, co-CEO of Norrsken Foundation, says, “It’s clear that founders and investors are increasingly recognising the transformative power of AI to solve problems that actually matter.”

Norrsken recently launched its Prompt What Matters initiative, a €300M commitment to AI solutions addressing global challenges.

Kappelmark adds, “Artificial intelligence is an immensely powerful tool. Yet, so far, we are mainly using it to optimise clicks and automate emails. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what this technology can do.”

“It can help optimise energy systems, accelerate drug discovery, detect diseases and decode biology faster than ever. It can power precision agriculture and dramatically reduce food waste. These are real problems that really matter.”

The selection criteria

To qualify for Impact/100, companies must operate for profit while directly aligning their business model with one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their growth must be tied to demonstrable social or environmental impact, with ventures expected to take on significant risk while using technology or innovation to scale. 

Eligibility also requires proof of traction, either through the launch of a minimum viable product or by raising early-stage funding such as seed or Series A.

Firms that make the list are welcomed into the wider Norrsken network. They receive access to Norrsken Houses in Barcelona, Stockholm, Brussels and Kigali, and will also be featured during Impact/Week 2025, which takes place in Barcelona on 1–2 October 2025.

The 2025 selection was finalised by Norrsken together with a jury that included Niklas Adalberth, founder of Norrsken Foundation; Yewande Adewusi, COO of Alitheia Capital; Daria Saharova, general partner at World Fund; Darja Isaksson, director general of Vinnova; and Cameron McLain, co-founder and managing partner at Giant Ventures.

Only 5 Dutch startups earn a spot

The Impact/100, which began in 2022, featured one startup from the Netherlands (Desolenator) that year. No Dutch startups were included in 2023 or 2024; however, this year, five companies have made the list.

Check them out below!

Nostics

Sector: HealthTech

Nostics develops portable diagnostic devices that use nanotechnology and artificial intelligence to detect bacterial infections within minutes, without the need for laboratory facilities. 

By delivering results directly at the point of care, the company aims to reduce delays in diagnosis, prevent unnecessary treatments, and help address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Cradle

Sector: BioTech

Cradle Bio applies generative AI to design and test proteins more efficiently, reducing the reliance on trial-and-error methods. Its technology supports the development of proteins for applications in medicine, food, and materials, intending to replace traditional industrial processes with bio-based alternatives.

Brineworks

Sector: ClimateTech

Brineworks is developing a seawater-based electrolyser that captures carbon dioxide and produces hydrogen at a lower cost than traditional direct air capture methods. The approach is designed to supply key feedstocks for e-fuel production while addressing the high energy use and expense of existing carbon removal technologies. Recently, the company secured €5M in funding led by SeaX Ventures.

Overstory

Sector: ClimateTech

Overstory uses AI and satellite imagery to map vegetation, enabling utilities to manage risks that cause power outages and wildfires. Its platform helps utilities replace manual, inefficient approaches with data-driven vegetation management.

The company was founded in Amsterdam but is currently headquartered in the US.

Paebbl

Sector: ClimateTech

Nordic-Dutch-based Paebbl turns captured CO2 into building materials that store carbon permanently. Its goal is to create a large-scale carbon removal solution within the next decade.

Paebbl’s process turns captured CO2 into solid materials used in construction. This method stores carbon and replaces part of traditional cement, which normally releases CO2. Unlike regular methods, Paebbl uses CO2 and less energy, helping reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

The full 2025 Impact/100 list is available here.

2025 nomination partners

The 2025 nomination partners for the Impact/100 include AENU, Ananda Impact Ventures, Astralis Foundation, Blue Ashva Capital, Blue Lion Global, Blume Equity, BMW Foundation, Breakthrough Energy, CapitalT, Collaborative Fund, Creandum, DOB Equity, Eka VC, Enza Capital, EQT Foundation, EQT Ventures, Felix Capital, Fifty Years, First Circle Capital, Food Planet Prize, Giant Ventures, Harvard SICI, Katapult VC, and Kiko Ventures. Additional partners include Leaps by Bayer, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Lionheart Ventures, Lumo Labs, MIT Solve, Mudcake, Mustard Seed + Partners, Norrsken Africa Seed, Norrsken Evolve, Norrsken Launcher, Norrsken VC, Norrsken22, Northzone, Obvious Ventures, Pale Blue Dot, Partech, Planet A Ventures, Plural, Prince Daniel Fellowship, Sequoia Capital, Ship2B Foundation, Softbank, Top Tier Impact, Unreasonable Group, Voyager VC, and World Fund. New partners in 2025 are specifically noted as Ananda Impact Ventures, Astralis Foundation, Blue Ashva Capital, Blume Equity, CapitalT, Creandum, DOB Equity, Enza Capital, EQT Ventures, First Circle Capital, Kiko Ventures, Obvious Ventures, Pale Blue Dot, Plural, Sequoia Capital, and Voyager VC.

Brief about Norrsken

Founded by Klarna co-founder Niklas Adalberth, Norrsken is a non-profit ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs working on solutions to global challenges. It connects more than 50,000 founders, investors and partners. 

The organisation operates hubs in Barcelona, Kigali, Brussels and Stockholm, and manages five investment funds: Norrsken VC, Norrsken22, Norrsken Evolve, Norrsken Launcher and Norrsken Africa Seed Fund. Collectively, these funds have raised more than $750M.