This worked for me.
First of all give the view controller in your storyboard a Storyboard ID inside the identity inspector. Then use the following example code (ensuring the class, storyboard name and story board ID match those that you are using):
let viewController:
UIViewController = UIStoryboard(
name: "Main", bundle: nil
).instantiateViewControllerWithIdentifier("ViewController") as UIViewController
// .instantiatViewControllerWithIdentifier() returns AnyObject!
// this must be downcast to utilize it
self.presentViewController(viewController, animated: false, completion: nil)
For more details see http://sketchytech.blogspot.com/2012/11/instantiate-view-controller-using.html best wishes