Future-proofing Sweden’s cyber defenses
Future-proofing Sweden’s cyber defenses
As Sweden’s digital infrastructure grows, so do the risks to many critical services. From hospitals and banks to energy grids and transportation systems, cyber threats targeting essential systems are on the rise, posing significant dangers to national security. Yet, despite these risks, some experts argue that Sweden’s current cybersecurity policies are insufficient, leaving many organizations vulnerable.
In a recent article, Kista-based cybersecurity researcher Gazmend Huskaj underscores that many Swedish organizations, large and small, are underprepared for digital threats. Without solid security strategies and frameworks in place, these organizations could face major disruptions from cyberattacks, putting critical services at risk. And these risks are not just theoretical—recent incidents in other countries have shown how devastating such attacks can be.
What steps can Sweden take?
Huskaj points to the importance of a coordinated national response. Strengthening Sweden’s cybersecurity will require more than government action alone. It will involve collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as academia, to create open channels for sharing knowledge and responding swiftly to emerging threats. Key areas to address include:
- Cross-sector collaboration: Open communication between industries, government, and academia is critical to building a robust defense.
- A clear national strategy: Defining Sweden’s approach to both defensive and offensive cybersecurity measures is crucial for long-term security.
- Preparedness at all levels: Ensuring that all organizations, large or small, have strong cybersecurity measures is vital for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
In today’s digital world, a combined cybersecurity effort is essential for protecting Sweden’s future. Kista is becoming a national powerhouse for cybersecurity, where a growing node of companies, actors, and initiatives wants to raise the cybersecurity awareness of Swedish businesses and public sector. RISE Cybersecurity center is leading the way, but also supported by the strong research at the Department of Department of Computer and Systems Sciences at Stockholm University, FOI, and several businesses with competence in the field.
Do you want to get involved in Kista Science City’s cybersecurity initiatives? Reach out tosakarias.strand@kista.com today!
Mycronic expands to Kista, strengthening the local semiconductor ecosystem
Mycronic expands to Kista, strengthening the local semiconductor ecosystem
Mycronic, a global leader in manufacturing equipment for the electronics and semiconductor industries, is relocating its High Flex division to Kista. This division specializes in advanced solutions for flexible production and electronics manufacturing.
With its technology emerging from RnD at KTH (Royal institute of Technology) Mycronic’s arrival will further boost the local semiconductor ecosystem. The move fosters collaboration and innovation. It also brings great value in terms of Mycronics strong focus on sustainability and diversity, all together creating new possibilities for cutting-edge developments in electronics manufacturing.
Their new space in Kista will house offices, production facilities, and storage, supporting Mycronic’s continued growth and technological advancements.
Welcome to Kista, Mycronic!
Next-gen innovators solve real-world needs in Kista
Next-gen innovators solve real-world needs in Kista
This summer, 125 young people from across Stockholm had the opportunity to participate in a program developing their entreprenurial skills. With key activities taking place in Kista, the program gave participants the opportunity to engage with real-world societal issues presented by the City of Stockholm. This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage with youth and connect them with students, businesses, local authorities, and academic institutions in Kista.
Community engagement
The program, run by Rookie Startups, engaged people aged 15-19, giving them the opportunity to go beyond theoretical ideas and work hands-on with challenges directly impacting the city. Collaborating with departments in areas like environmental protection, culture, and urban development, they were tasked with solving practical issues affecting the community.
This partnership enriched the projects with fresh perspectives while offering the youth hands-on experience in addressing public sector challenges. “The collaboration not only helped the participants develop their own skills but also provided these departments with valuable insights from a younger perspective,” notes Emma Roxtröm, project leader at Rookie Startups.
Throughout the program, Rookie Startups provided essential support in terms of resources, guidance, and aligning the program with broader educational goals. This support has been crucial in ensuring the program’s success, helping to prepare the participants for future careers while aligning with the city’s vision of creating a vibrant, innovative community.
The impact of the program
Throughout the program, participants made significant strides, with 97% reporting increased knowledge in social entrepreneurship and concept development, and 91% noting personal growth. “We’re incredibly proud to see how much these young people have developed, both professionally and personally. They’ve gained invaluable experience in entrepreneurship and have developed the confidence to voice their ideas and participate actively in their communities,” says My Ekstrand, CEO of Rookie Startups.
Beyond individual development, the program plays a key role in strengthening community bonds across Stockholm. The 125 participants were employed by all 11 district administrations across the city, with many of them visiting Kista for the first time. “We’re excited to welcome more young people to Kista and introduce them to the wide range of opportunities here, from education to career paths in the tech industry,” says Mikaela Färnqvist of Kista Science City.
Want to help shape the future of Kista? Reach out to learn how your organization can get involved: mikaela.farnqvist@kista.com
Is your business ready to scale globally?
Is your business ready to scale globally?
Sweden offers strong support for early-stage companies focused on commercialising research and technological advancements. However, as businesses grow and prepare to scale into international markets, the range of available support narrows.
Richard Savage, Business Development Specialist at Stream Analyze – a company leveraging edge AI to optimise the management of large automotive fleets – was one of the first companies to join the Scale Hub modules focusing on sales and branding.
“The Scale Hub programme came at exactly the right time for us; it allowed us to stand back and re-evaluate our messaging, our pitch, and our values at the perfect moment in our growth phase. The ScaleHub opportunity appeared just in time for us to run through such important exercises with the right people. I can recommend it highly to anyone lucky enough to receive an invitation to participate.”
To ensure maximum value for participating companies, the programme is modular-based and tailored to meet current, specific needs. Each module is led by carefully selected industry leaders such as Salesonomics, EY Doberman, San Francisco Agency, Potter Clarkson, Synch, TalentX, and others, and consists of half-day workshops that include assignments and follow-up sessions. Furthermore, Scale Hub offers Market Access programmes for the American, British, and German markets that are built on the in-depth modules.
Tatjana Choudhary and Arash Sangari, who are leading the Scale Hub programme, strongly encourage companies to involve both management and team members in the workshops to maximise the benefits. They estimate that participating companies will spend around 25 hours on Scale Hub modules and 20 hours on a Market Access programme.
On 16th October, the British-Swedish Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Kista Science City and the British Embassy in Sweden, will host AccessUK – a kick-off event for Swedish transformative companies interested in exploring the UK market. Learn more about the event here.
The application window for Scale Hub is open until 9th October, with the first modules starting on 17th October. Arash Sangari emphasises that the programme aims to support transformative companies with global ambitions. Applicants should either have a minimum of 10 employees, have achieved 20% annual growth for three consecutive years, or have successfully raised seed capital.
16 Oct: Intro to Access UK – Evening session on the UK market and what to expect in the on-site program happening in May 2025.
17 Oct: Growth Strategy Workshop with Salesonomics – Build a winning sales plan.
22 Oct: Building Business through Brand & Design with EY Doberman – Leverage brand identity as a growth tool.
6 Nov: Sales Roadmap & Positioning with Salesonomics – Develop a sales strategy to stand out in the market.
- 14 Nov: Strategic PR Workshop with San Francisco Agency – Maximize market presence through strategic communications and matchmaking with tech media.
Until 9th of October companies are able to apply for the Scale Hub programme this autumn, with the first modules starting on 17th of October. Arash Sangari emphasizes that the program aims to support transformative companies with global ambitions. Applicants should either have a minimum of 10 employees, have achieved 20% annual growth for three consecutive years, or have successfully raised seed capital.
Read more about Scale Hub!