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!
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
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!
5G Ride: paving the way for a better public transport
Four years ago, representatives from the telecoms industry, academia and the public sector teamed up to test a 5G-connected autonomous vehicle for public transport. Today, the project has expanded with new partners and resulted in technical solutions that make autonomous vehicles better in terms of safety and security while efficiently integrated in the transport system.
Back in 2020, Kista Science City, Ericsson, Telia, Keolis and Intel, with financing from Vinnova and Drive Sweden, launched the 5G-connected and autonomous electric minibus 5G Ride on the island of Royal Djurgården in the Swedish capital, Stockholm. Prince Daniel of the Swedish Royal Family was among the dignitaries that attended the official inauguration ceremony. Since then, Scania, KTH, Region Stockholm, T-Engineering, Viscando, Vy and Applied Autonomy have joined the project, putting focus into technical solutions that make autonomous vehicles safe in traffic, secure for passengers and efficiently integrated in the overall transport system.
Subsequent achievements include further developing the Traffic Tower concept from Applied Autonomy using a 5G connection to monitor and manage fleets of self-driving vehicles on public roads, as well as deploying sensors in infrastructure that enhance the traffic perception of self-driving vehicles by sharing real-time traffic data via a low latency reliable 5G network.
Throughout the project, the goal has been to ensure safety and stability for solutions to be implemented in regular traffic, and to make 5G-enabled electric driverless public transport services a reality. Ericsson has contributed with a private 5G network to evaluate how new features in 5G can support the use cases in question. Telia provided connectivity through its public 5G network and a private 5G network at Scania’s test track in Södertälje in collaboration with Ericsson. Intel delivered analytics and processing for onboard AI, while both Scania and Applied Autonomy delivered vehicle and self-driving technology. Viscando provided smart 3D&AI based infrastructure sensors, and KTH conducted research on both 5G network capacity and advanced sensor fusion and driving logics. In addition, Vy Buss has investigated how customers experience safety on board when the bus is driven without a safety driver. Through focus groups, Vy has also investigated how communication between the control tower and the bus worked in an emergency.
On September 26, the Future 5G Ride project will showcase key enablers for autonomous transport in Kista Innovation Park, focusing on safe and inclusive journeys. Visitors can experience a ride in the driverless vehicle and learn about crucial aspects such as robustness, passenger interaction and the ability of 5G to serve various strict application requirements on demand – known as differentiated connectivity.
Lucas Uhlén, Project Manager at Kista Science City, says: “The 5G Ride project unites a diverse consortium of partners, working together to challenge and innovate within autonomous driving and sustainable public transport. Kista Science City continues to play a supportive role in expanding these partnerships, bringing in new collaborators, and ensuring that the technical development of each partner is aligned with the overall goals of the project. By bringing together different perspectives and expertise, we are accelerating innovation and creating scalable solutions for the future of public transport.”
Magnus Leonhardt, Head of Strategy & Innovation, Telia B2B, says: “The 5G Ride project has given us unique insights around the demands on connectivity, and 5G specifically, to enable self-driving vehicles to be deployed safely in public transport. We have also had the opportunity to use our joint capabilities in our 5G-innovation program NorthStar, that we run with Ericsson and that Scania is also part of, to trial key scenarios in the 5G Ride-project. We look forward to continuing this work with customers and partners in public transport and the automotive industry, to allow for the transition to safer, more efficient, and sustainable solutions for public transport.”
Håkan Olofsson, Head of Systems Concepts & Algorithms, Ericsson, says: “5G Ride is a good example of a use case with strict 5G requirements. The project shows that when these strict 5G requirements arise during a journey, 5G capabilities are provided instantly via network APIs, that allow application developers to easily access 5G capabilities such as differentiated connectivity. Ericsson’s network support for differentiated connectivity ensures a reliable network performance, even at times of peak network load.”
Olav Madland, CEO of Applied Autonomy AB, is enthusiastic about scaling these autonomous transport services in Sweden and Europe. He says: “Based on the outcomes of this project, mobility operators can offer passengers a seamless and comfortable experience in driverless vehicles. Our Control Tower, xFlow, leverages integrations with Ericsson and Intel to provide a comprehensive solution for operators.”
AI to detect toxic online communication
Using AI to detect toxic online communication
Safeguarding our communities relies increasingly on our capacity to monitor and interpret the vast data streams across social networks. Lisa Kaati, a docent at Stockholm University, stands out as one of the leaders in this domain. Her work involves identifying patterns of toxic online communication to preempt acts of violence and enhance public safety.
Kaati’s methodology combines sophisticated data science techniques with sharp analytical thinking to uncover complex behavioral patterns that often go unnoticed. Using AI, she filters through enormous datasets to pinpoint potential threats—a task nearly impossible for human analysts alone. However, Kaati emphasizes that AI is a tool to aid human analysts, not replace them. This balanced approach ensures that decisions about potential threats remain nuanced and considerate of complex human behaviors.
Practical impact and innovations
Kaati’s research yields tangible benefits, shaping protocols that may prevent crises. In response to the growing demand for practical solutions based on her research, Kaati co-founded the Mind Intelligence Lab. This initiative turns theoretical insights into practical tools that law enforcement and educational institutions use to identify and mitigate risks. Kaati’s work exemplifies the potential of AI in transforming security practices. Her research contributes significantly to the development of new strategies for managing public safety in urban environments.
Integrating her findings into practical applications showcases how theoretical research can lead to tangible improvements in community resilience.
Looking ahead
As digital communication evolves, the need for alert monitoring of online spaces becomes increasingly important. Researchers like Lisa Kaati are crucial in developing technologies that enhance societal safety. Their work addresses current challenges and anticipates future security needs, providing the actors in our ecosystem with the tools and knowledge needed to adapt and thrive in a changing digital landscape.
Newsletter
News from Kista Science City
Hello and welcome to our newsletter – your go-to source for updates from the Kista Science City community. From inspiring local activities to insights and initiatives that shape a sustainable tomorrow, we’ve got you covered.
This month, we’ll cover reflections and community highlights from MWC 2024, and explore the intersection of defense and innovation in Sweden, where the collaboration between the civil and defense sectors is enhancing national security. We also spotlight the development of digital twin technology, with ongoing projects from MIT, KTH, RISE, and the City of Stockholm. Initiatives driving change in urban planning and sustainability efforts.
Want to share your news or event? We’d love to hear from you!
Happy reading,
Kista Science City
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Mobile world congress 2024
Photo credit: Ericsson
Mobile World Congress
Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024 has wrapped up. The annual world-leading event brings together industry leaders and innovators from across the globe to showcase the cutting edge of mobile technology. This year’s event was rich in innovations, demos, and discussions focusing on what’s on the horizon for mobile connectivity and its impact on our world.
Key takeaways:
5G and beyond: A hot topic of MWC 2024 was on the development and standardization of 6G technology. This included talks on how these advancements would impact various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. Ericsson and Sivers semiconductors were among the many Swedish companies showcasing their technologies and applications of 5G and their move towards 6G.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Artificial intelligence (AI) unsurprisingly remained a central theme at MWC 2024. From optimizing network performance to streamlining operations and personalizing user experiences, we can expect AI to play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the future of mobile technology. During MWC, Intel took to the stage to showcase their latest advancements in the field of AI, demonstrating how their technologies can modernize and help shape the future of network and edge computing.
Sustainability and inclusivity: Many companies demonstrated the potential of innovative technologies to foster more inclusive and sustainable communities worldwide. Ericsson is one of them, highlighting their efforts in driving positive change, ensuring broader access to technology, and moving towards sustainability within the tech sector.
Börje Ekholm, CEO at Ericsson comments, “What we see here is a convergence of trends. We see the AI, we see the cloud, and we see mobility converging. And as I see it, mobile connectivity will be the critical underpinning to scale Cloud and AI very fast. This will put demands on the networks. It will require ubiquitous coverage, high performance, flexible and programable networks.” He adds, “That’s a new era we’re entering, where 5G plays a big role because 5G has new features like speed, latency, quality of service, location. All of that will be used for enterprise digitalization. I think this is exciting.”
The insights from MWC 2024 paint a picture of a future where tech continues to push boundaries. As we move towards a more connected, intelligent, and inclusive world, the innovations showcased during MWC pave the way for an exciting technological journey ahead.
Digital twins and real-world impact
Digital twins & real-wold impact
In a world of rapid tech advancements, Kista’s tech ecosystem spearheads digital twin advancement, with numerous companies and research teams pushing technological boundaries and demonstrating real-world applications across urban development and environmental sustainability.
The mix of digital twin projects underscores the importance of collaboration in driving new tech advancements. Within this ecosystem, a multitude of local research initiatives, and market- and government-driven projects are interconnected through overlapping project and reference groups. Datasets are shared among these projects to enrich the digital twins with diverse perspectives, enhancing their utility and scope, and creating an innovative arena for idea exchange and discoveries. This collaborative environment not only accelerates technological progress but also strengthens Kista’s role in hosting and fostering transformative projects in this field.
The potential of digital twins
A digital twin is a dynamic replica of a physical entity or system, bridging the physical and virtual worlds through data and simulation. This enables businesses and researchers to understand complexities, predict future conditions, and make informed decisions in real time.
Digital twins are applied in areas like urban planning, infrastructure, healthcare and manufacturing, offering unique insights into system performance and environmental impact. Lucas Uhlén, project leader at Kista Science City, highlights the practical benefits of these technologies, saying: ”Just as a shared blueprint guides everyone from plumbers to electricians in a building project, digital twins achieve a similar unity. They bring cross-disciplinary teams onto the same page, ensuring projects evolve smoothly from concept to integration. This approach fosters a common understanding of a challenge and its dependencies, which is vital for aligning diverse expertise and streamlining the development and maintenance of complex solutions.”
Spotlight on digital twin projects
Kista is home to several initiatives that showcase the practical applications and benefits of digital twins. From enhancing urban planning to optimizing environmental sustainability, these projects represent the cutting edge of digital twin solutions:
Digital Vision Kista, a collaborative partnership including the City of Stockholm, KTH, Ericsson, RISE, and Kista Science City, is pioneering the development of a visual 3D model for the Kista area. By integrating data from building plans, environmental sensors, and traffic patterns, this digital twin visualizes traffic flows and infrastructural changes. It offers valuable insights for traffic management and building energy needs throughout various stages of construction and use. The project aims to transform IoT sensor data into actionable insights for municipalities, demonstrating a model for leveraging digital twins in sustainable urban development and aligning with Agenda 2030 objectives.
Project Gemini is a collaboration between MIT and KTH through the Senseable Stockholm Lab, focusing on the impact of traffic flows on emission levels. Through the integration of emission sensors and traffic data, the project seeks to understand and mitigate environmental impacts in urban settings. This initiative illustrates how local synergies and shared data platforms can significantly contribute to developing sustainable urban environments.
Digital Vision Sverige, led by RISE, is an initiative to advance digital twin development across Sweden’s urban planning sector. By integrating data from multiple sources, digital twins offer a comprehensive view of urban landscapes, facilitating better planning, decision-making, and collaboration. This initiative aims to foster a resilient society prepared to face climate change, green transitions, and future crises through informed, data-driven strategies.
Synergies and collaboration
As the exploration and expansion of digital twins continue, Kista emerges as a focal point for this technological progress. Recognized by municipalities, academia, and industry alike as a natural hub for innovation, Kista facilitates a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and the development of testbeds. In doing so, it plays an important role in realizing the potential of digital twins for the benefit of society and people.
Do you want to know more about Kista’s platform for testing and development of digital twins? Reach out to Lucas Uhlén at Kista Science City.