Charlotte Stigen, CEO of Sweden-based startup Digiclean Solutions, is on a mission to redefine chemical process management in industrial settings. Through an innovative combination of AI-driven technology and a smart SaaS model, Digiclean helps manufacturers slash chemical use by 60%, paving the way for more sustainable operations.

Turning vision into reality

Charlotte’s journey began in her leadership role at her family’s chemical company. As she scaled the business, she realised that selling more chemicals was not a sustainable model. Meeting with customers, Charlotte observed they struggled with maintenance and chemical usage. She recognised that by focusing on the way chemicals were dosed and maintained, Digiclean could provide real value.

She began developing sensor technology that provided real-time data from the chemical processes. This technology helped customers make more informed, data-driven decisions, ensuring they only used the minimum amount of chemicals necessary. The results were striking: a reduction of up to 60% in chemical use and an increase of over 1000% in the lifespan of cleaning fluids.

Empowering women entrepreneurs

As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated sector, Charlotte acknowledges the challenges she has faced but remains focused on driving change. Her experience in the Venture Building Programme reinforced her belief in the importance of diverse leadership and empowered her to navigate biases.

“The numbers may not always be in your favour, but that’s exactly why we need to change the narrative for women in tech and business.”

She draws attention to the stark gender disparity in venture funding –  only 1.4% of investment going to female entrepreneurs – and calls for collective action to bridge this gap.  Her story serves as both a challenge and an inspiration to address these imbalances, paving the way for women leaders to thrive and enact change.