Strengthen your cybersecurity: few spots left in this autumn’s program for SME

Strengthen your cybersecurity: few spots left in this autumn’s program for SMEs

Is your company ready to tackle increasing digital threats? Join our  Cybersecurity Program, designed to enhance the defences of SMEs, startups and scaleups. This initiative, delivered through Kista Science City and Sweden Secure Tech Hub, offers comprehensive support to fortify your business against cyber risks.

SMEs face growing risks from cyber threats that can disrupt operations, expose sensitive data, and lead to significant financial losses. As digital threats become more sophisticated, it’s crucial for companies to take proactive measures to protect their assets and ensure long-term security. This program provides expert guidance, real-time assessments, and customized training designed to meet the unique needs of SMEs.  

We offer:

  • In-depth needs analysis: Gain a detailed understanding of your company’s cybersecurity framework, identify gaps and areas for improvement. 
  • Expert advice: Get customized guidance to boost both product and organizational security strategies, with insights specific to your industry. 
  • Testing: Validate your systems with real-time security assessments, reducing the risks before committing to larger investments. 
  • Customized training: Upskill your team with sessions tailored to your company’s unique challenges, ensuring your defences are always up to date. 

 Who is this for? 

Companies facing challenges in protecting digital assets, securing products, or mitigating risks tied to technology solutions. We focus on businesses that develop, utilize or integrate technology as a core part of their operations. 

We welcome: 

  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): Companies with 10-250 employees 
  • Growth-focused companies with innovative solutions: Startups and scaleups looking to enhance cybersecurity as they expand or introduce new technological innovations. 

 The deadline to apply is 15 November — Reach out to sakarias.strand@kista.com to sign up! 

SWEDEN SECURE TECH HUB – a national cybersecurity innovation hub. 

Sweden Secure Tech Hub helps small and medium-sized tech companies to create safer digital products and solutions – starting already in the design and development phase. We offer a variety of resources and services, from inspiration and skills development to consulting support, testing opportunities and help finding funding for concrete development initiatives. Much of what we offer is completely free for your company. 

Sweden Secure Tech Hub is a national cybersecurity innovation hub in a collaboration of six of Sweden’s leading science parks in tech and digitalization. Linköping Science Park, Lindholmen Science Park (Gothenburg), Ideon Science Park (Lund), Kista Science Park (Stockholm), Luleå Science Park and Blue Science Park (Karlskrona) 

 

Main contact:

Sakarias Strand
Project Manager, Sweden Secure Tech Hub 

+46 (0) 76 605 69 30 

sakarias.strand@kista.com 


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!