HEAT: Winner of The Audience Award in Region South 2022

HEATis the first fair and sustainable Swedish condom brand. The rubber for the condoms is produced in collaboration with small scale farmers in agroforestry systems, to increase the biodiversity as well as the microclimate.We encourage greater protection in the HEAT of the moment with a discreet design, packing the condoms in matchboxes. At the Regional Final in Region South at Malmö City Hall, HEAT got the most votes from the audience and therefore won the Audience Award. 

In Sweden, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing, and the numbers of abortions are among the highest in Western Europe. Which is associated with high costs for the Swedish health care system. The condom is currently the only prophylactic and contraceptive method. However, according to official research, only 30% of Swedes use condoms. Furthermore, the production and packaging of condoms are currently not sustainable. The rubber for the condoms is currently produced in monocultures, which is linked to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and poor working conditions. Besides, the rubber is often mixed with the milk protein case in which has the consequence that those condoms are not vegan. Our research has shown that many Swedes complain about the poor shape and size of the condoms. HEAT are aiming to increase the number of condom usage by improving the size and shape of the condoms. We acknowledge holistic thinking of our three core values of personal and public health, eco-social sustainability and empowerment and equality.

"When I moved in 2019 due to my Master's to Sweden, I figured out that the numbers of STIs, as well as abortions, are insanely high. I looked more into the problem and realized that the numbers are among the highest in the whole of Western Europe. That is mainly due to the problem that only 30% of the Swedes currently are using a condom" says Coline Scharfenberg, founder and CEO of HEAT.

"The key milestones until launching our company HEAT are the registration of an AB as well as ordering the first batch of condoms. Our long-term vision is to decrease the number of STIs as well as unwanted pregnancies through an increase in condom usage. We would also like to include other products in our range, such as sustainable lube or sustainable period products.Thinking even bigger, it would be incredible if through our activism we can encourage more companies that produce different products from rubber to switch to sustainable, small-scale farming with agroforestry systems. We are dreaming of having a big network as we value collaboration over competition" says the team.

At Venture Cup's regional final in region south, SunFeeds won The Audience Award, which is an award where the audience, during the evening, get to vote for their favorite contestant. The contestant with the most votes wins the award. The prize was a Mystery Box, which the guests of the event were able to fill with content of their own choosing. The box was filled to the top. Congratulations HEAT!

Award: The Audience Award Venture Cup South

Idea: HEAT

Team: Coline Scharfenberg, Rita Hjelm, Marielle Scharfenberg och Erin Ruana