Request for Interest cyber test and validation
New partners Flasheye and Bosch joins testbed for smart traffic systems
Flasheye and Bosch join Kista’s smart traffic systems testbed. These collaborations aim to enhance urban traffic management and safety by leveraging cutting-edge AI and 3D LiDAR technologies. Together with other testbed partners, these companies will help advance the development of intelligent solutions and progress toward smarter and safer cities.
The testbed
The smart traffic systems testbed offers a unique environment for evaluating and advancing innovative traffic management solutions. Here, companies of various sizes, from all across Sweden and beyond, can test and refine their technologies in a real-world urban environment. The site is fully equipped with essential power and high-speed communication infrastructure, ensuring smooth operations and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including the City of Stockholm. It also has a structured process and framework to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations when deploying and testing multi-sensor equipment within the designated urban area.
Flasheye
Flasheye is on a mission to make cities safer with their project, “3D Detection for Safer Cities and Roads.” Utilizing advanced 3D LiDAR technology, they gather real-time data from urban traffic environments. Their high-resolution sensors create a digital representation of the environment, focusing on shapes and movements while safeguarding privacy by only capturing silhouettes and shapes.
“By monitoring traffic flow, identifying objects like slow or stationary vehicles, speeding cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, we can collect valuable data on size, speed, and more,” says Ida Rehnström, Deputy CEO at Flasheye. “This data is crucial for developing solutions that prevent accidents and optimize traffic management in urban environments. By participating in the testbed, we hope to gain valuable experience and contribute to creating a certified solution for smart cities.”
Bosch
Bosch brings their state-of-the-art AI-camera technology to the testbed, offering real-time detection of vehicles and pedestrians. Their edge-based system processes data on-site, reducing reliance on cloud infrastructure and enhancing data privacy. With a focus on real-world conditions, Bosch aims to refine their algorithms for optimal performance. Their proactive engagement with regulatory bodies like The Swedish authority for privacy protection (IMY) ensures their solutions meet the highest privacy standards.
“The testbed provides a unique environment for collaboration,” says Anders Karlsson, PMM, CCTV at Bosch Security Systems. “By working alongside other leading companies, we can establish strategic partnerships, expand our industry network, and ultimately drive progress in integrating our technology seamlessly into existing urban infrastructure. We have already established several short-term collaborations within the testbed”
The future
Looking ahead, Flasheye’s and Bosch’s systems will help enhance urban management, setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency. As these technologies evolve and integrate, they will contribute to a more responsive and adaptive city infrastructure, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and supporting sustainable urban growth. Moreover, the collaboration between Flasheye, Bosch, and other partners in the testbed creates a strong ecosystem of knowledge and technologies.
Curious about our smart traffic systems testbed and how you can get involved? Reach out to explore partnership opportunities, discuss your goals, and learn how our testbed can help you achieve them. Contact Lucas Uhlen.
Insights from our cybersecurity course
SMEs and digital threats
In today’s digital age, cyber threats are a constant concern for businesses of all sizes. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be particularly vulnerable. A recent report by the European DIGITAL SME Alliance found a 57% increase in cyberattacks across Europe, with many targeting smaller firms that may lack both advanced security measures and expertise.
This is where the recently concluded “Basic Cybersecurity” course aimed to make a difference. Offered as part of Sweden Secure Tech Hub, the course empowered participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Throughout the spring, attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of core concepts through workshops, self-study modules, and practical exercises. This included threat identification, security measures, and risk management strategies, helping participants to develop effective defenses for their businesses.
The Cybersecurity course was led by deputy professor of Linköping University, Mikael Asplund, and Sakarias Strand of Kista Science City. Sakarias reflected on the course’s impact and the enthusiasm he saw among participants.
“Participants showed a great eagerness to learn and engaged actively in discussions and exercises. Many of them, who did not primarily work with cybersecurity, were able to connect theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This demonstrates the vital role of cybersecurity training for SMEs, as it links awareness and practice. As cyber risks continue to grow, educational initiatives like this one will be increasingly important in building resilient and secure business environments.”
Reflections from participants
Sadhana Pettersson, Sales Manager at Bouvet, and Jennyca Imner Nicolau, Business support specialist at Abbott Medical are two of the participants. We spoke to them about their experiences and insights gained during the spring.
What motivated you to participate?
Sadhana: “In the IT sector, there’s often a general lack of cybersecurity awareness. When working with clients in consulting services, it can be challenging to navigate situations where the understanding level is lower. This course seemed like a perfect opportunity to bridge that gap.”
Jennyca: “I wanted more insight into cybersecurity in general, but also saw an opportunity to meet others and hear about their needs and challenges. The fact that the course included in-person sessions and offered university credits made it particularly appealing to me.”
How did the course impact your understanding of cybersecurity?
Sadhana: “I think that it provided a deeper understanding of cybersecurity’s complexity. It opened my eyes to how it’s not just an IT issue, but a business concern as well.”
Jennyca: “The course provided tools to identify weak links in process chains, which I can apply in upcoming projects. I now realize that everyone has a responsibility to protect their organization from cyberattacks.”
Was there a particular activity or discussion that stood out to you?
Sadhana: “The threat modeling exercise was very engaging. Although it was a new concept for me, it was incredibly valuable. Learning how threat modeling can be combined with risk analysis provided a powerful tool that I can definitely utilize in the future.”
Jennyca: “The small group discussions were particularly interesting to me. Hearing about other people’s experiences added a lot of value beyond the lectures. Also, reviewing materials before the lectures made the sessions smoother, allowing us to quickly dive into these group discussions. Sakarias was an excellent moderator, guiding discussions in an inclusive and easy-going manner, which was crucial given the varied levels of knowledge among participants.”
Sweden Secure Tech
Sweden Secure Tech Hub is a national collaboration between six of Sweden’s leading science parks focused on enhancing cybersecurity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The hub provides a variety of resources, including educational courses and support for developing secure digital products. By participating in the hub’s programs, businesses can access the latest cybersecurity knowledge and tools, helping them to protect their digital assets and comply with international standards.
For more information and to sign up for upcoming courses, reach out to sakarias.strand@kista.com.
Kistas community inspirerar fler unga till en framtid inom teknik och vetenskap
Under Järvaveckan samlade vi Kistas community för att inspirera fler unga att välja en karriär inom tech och banbrytande teknologier. Köerna ringlade sig till Kistas tält där nyfikna kunde prova på VR-glasögon, regnbågsexperiment och att koda tillsammans med Kodcentrum.
Järva är framtiden – i dubbel bemärkelse. Här hittar du den största andelen unga i Stockholmsområdet, och här bygger vi transformativ teknologi för en hållbar framtid. Därför handlade de flesta diskussionerna och samtalen om vilka karriärsval, studier eller jobb som faktiskt finns att välja på – och hur man närmar sig dem steg för steg.
Vi behöver intressera fler unga till en framtid inom teknik och vetenskap.
En del av det arbetet kan göras genom att koppla samman aktörerna i Kista för att inspirera Järvas unga. Vi gör det tillsammans i ett starkt community. Årets närvaro på Järvaveckan arrangerade vi tillsammans med Kodcentrum, KTH, Rookie Startups, IBM, Ericsson, Stockholms Universitet, Vetenskapens Hus, imagilabs och The Kloud som är Kistas samlade fastighetsbolag.
Flera politiker besökte oss. Särskilt det biträdande finansborgarrådet Anders Österberg och Lawen Redar hängde kvar, löste kodutmaningar och småpratade med arrangörer och besökare.
Ett stort tack till alla som hälsade på i tältet, och ett extra stort tack till alla partners som hjälpte till med allt från experiment till att diskutera drömmar och framtidsplaner.
Arbetet med att öka intresset för teknik och vetenskap genom att stärka och vidga relationen mellan Järva och Kistas näringsliv fortsätter. Vill du vara med? Hör av dig till Mikaela Färnqvist på Kista Science City.
AI and the state of democracy
On May 22, we gathered the Kista Science City community for a deeep dive in artificial intelligence and democracy. Moderated by Binette Seck, this event featured Dr. Heather Ashby, a former US Government Security and Foreign Affairs Specialist. Dr. Ashby shared her expertise on how emerging technologies are reshaping our political landscape and transforming democratic processes and political campaigning.
The impact of AI on elections
In 2024, more than half of the world’s population are heading to the polls. These elections are happening during a perfect storm of new AI tools becoming available. Dr. Ashby highlighted India’s election as an example, noting the unprecedented use of generative AI. This election offers a glimpse into the future of voting processes influenced by AI, with tools generating deep-fake videos, memes, and audio to manipulate public opinion on an never-before-sen scale. This situation creates massive challenges for maintaining fair and transparent elections, demanding attention from policymakers and tech developers alike.
Harnessing AI for positive change
Despite these challenges, AI technologies have the potential to strengthen electoral processes. Several countries are already using AI to enhance democratic engagement. For instance, AI-powered chatbots provide up-to-date information on voting, candidates, and the electoral procedures, helping voters make informed decisions and increasing overall participation in democratic processes. These developments are crucial in countering misinformation and ensuring accurate information reaches the public.
To fully realize the benefits of AI and integrate it responsibly into societies, Dr. Ashby highlighted several important steps:
- Education and empowerment: It is crucial to educate people on what AI is and what it isn’t to dispel myths and fears. Clear and accessible information can help the public understand AI’s capabilities and limitations.
- Transparency and accountability: Regulations like GDPR are vital for ensuring transparency in how AI systems operate. Transparency builds public trust and holds tech companies accountable for their actions.
- Training for officials: Elected officials need adequate training in technology to create effective legislation. Without proper knowledge, the legislative process can fall behind.
- Addressing underlying issues: Tackling challenges like economic disparity, lack of education, and social injustice helps create a stable foundation for the responsible use of AI.
Looking forward: AI and democratic potential
When asked what she looks forward to in the fields of AI and democracy, Dr. Ashby expressed optimism. “I look forward to people, and the power of people, and their ideas. When you get people together to brainstorm and create something different, that’s what gives me hope,” she said, emphasizing the value of collective creativity and collaborative spirit of individuals to drive positive change and innovation. By harnessing the diverse perspectives and talents within society, we can develop AI technologies that not only support democratic values but also enhance them.
The conversation with Dr. Ashby underscored the critical impact of AI on elections and democracy, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. As AI continues to evolve, fostering discussions that balance technological advancements with democratic values remains essential. Stay tuned for more events and insights on this crucial topic.
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.
Civil tech to power up defence
Civil tech to power up defence
With global security challenges on the rise, the integration of new technologies into the defense sector has become a priority for Sweden. Central to this initiative is the effort to bridge the gap between the civil sector’s technological solutions and the defense industry’s specific needs. Sweden’s rich ecosystem of startups and scaleups is increasingly recognized as crucial to strengthening Sweden’s framework as these companies offer groundbreaking innovations and fresh perspectives that help navigate the challenges of modern security threats.
Bridging civil and defence sectors
Shared visions and increased collaboration between the civil and defence sectors are key. There is a pressing need to close the gap that has been widening between these sectors, and actors across the spectrum call for a more integrated approach. The synergy of civil sector innovation and defence expertise safeguards national security.
A tradition of innovation
Sweden’s role as a pioneer in technological innovation is a strategic asset in its defence policy. As security concerns increase, we must ensure that Sweden remains at the forefront of defence technology, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This includes investing in research and development, encouraging cross-sectoral knowledge exchange, and creating an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and be rapidly deployed.
The role of startups and scaleups
Startups and scaleups are essential partners in driving technological advancements in the defence sector. Their agility, innovative approaches, and groundbreaking technologies are critical for enhancing Sweden’s defence capabilities, making their involvement essential for the nation’s security framework. To boost this involvement, there is a need for supportive frameworks that facilitate these partnerships, including funding mechanisms, regulatory support, and platforms for collaboration.
Insights from the Swedish Minister for Defence
At a recent event on Defense and Innovation, Swedish Minister for Defence, Pål Jonson, stressed the critical need for innovative solutions amidst growing security challenges in Sweden and Europe. Jonson acknowledged the civil sector’s significant role and potential in enhancing Sweden’s defence through technology and innovation. He also emphasized the government’s desire for more coordinated efforts in innovation and for lowering the barriers for new companies to contribute to the defence sector.
The event brought together a mix of cutting-edge startups and scaleups, and decision-makers to explore the potential of civil sector innovations in meeting defence needs.
The minister directly addressed startups and scaleups: “I’m here today because I need your help. We want to work more with you, and we need to make this journey together to make Sweden safer, now and in the future” the minister stressed.
Partnering for a secure future
Collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to security are vital for tech companies and the defence sector alike. By embracing these principles, Sweden and Europe can navigate modern security challenges, ensuring a safer tomorrow.
This discussion underscores a collective ambition to not only address current security challenges but also work proactively to prepare for the future. Central to these efforts is the role of startups and scaleups, whose groundbreaking innovations are key to driving Sweden’s technological advancements in defence.
However, this requires an ecosystem that supports innovation and new partnerships, ensuring accessible funding, supportive policies, and platforms that foster cross-sectoral collaborations. The way forward is marked by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to national and global security.
New funding and collaboration opportunities
Sweden and Europe are responding to the need for defense innovation by introducing several key funding and collaboration opportunities. These efforts aim to engage startups and scaleups, empowering them to bring innovative solutions to the defense sector. By focusing on these companies, the goal is to make the defense industry more dynamic and responsive to evolving security needs.
Some of these initiatives are:
European Defence Fund (EDF)
A European Commission initiative, aimed to support collaborative defence projects. It focuses on funding the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at various stages, from research to market deployment.
NATO Innovation Fund (NIF)
Aimed at enhancing NATO’s innovation ecosystem, NIF supports deep tech innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It facilitates the commercialization of technologies vital for the Alliance’s security by addressing the funding gap in the market.
DIANA (NATO)
An acceleration program and network of test centers connecting startups with end users, scientists, and integrators to promote the development of dual-use deep tech solutions for NATO.
Säkerhets- och försvarsföretagen (SOFF)
A trade association for the security and defence industry in Sweden. SOFF works to improve market access and trade opportunities for companies within the sector, fostering a competitive business environment.
SME-D
As a network and knowledge hub, SME-D promotes collaboration, competence development, and experience exchange. Its goal is to enhance the competitiveness of its members and ensure the continuous supply of skills in the industry.