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
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.
Computer and System Architecture meetups
The CaSA meetups: Building bridges in computer and system architecture
The Computer and System Architecture (CaSA) Meetup series has emerged as a key hub for bridging minds in the field. Organized by Jonas Svennebring, Jakob Engblom, and Magnus Karlsson, this initiative is gearing up for its third gathering in Kista this March. The Meetup series stands out not just for its focus on deep technical discussions, but for its commitment to fostering a community spirit where ideas and innovations thrive.
Inspiration and objectives
Jonas Svennebring, Principal Engineer at Intel Corporation and one of the founding members, shared the origins of the CaSA Meetup series:
– The inspiration comes from a popular Linux conference in Paris called Kernel Recipes where a limited number of participants gather in a relaxed setting to talk about tech and eat good food. We liked all aspects of this and thought it would be great to have something similar locally. A smaller, regular event near work seemed perfect for us.
CaSA Meetup is about bringing together like-minded individuals to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and, importantly, enjoy good company. Svennebring points out that while the organizers are all employed at Intel, CaSA is a personal initiative driven by a shared passion for technology. The meetups serve as a platform to step out of one’s technological niche and explore the dynamic landscape of innovations within computer and system architecture.
The format
The format of CaSA Meetups is designed to maximize interaction and engagement. Svennebring explains:
– What we have tried so far, and that seems to work very well, is starting with two presentations of about 30 minutes each, followed by a break for networking and snacks. This setup naturally encourages participants to discuss the presentations just witnessed and build upon them. We then rejoin for a Q&A session with the presenters. Having had time to break the ice, participants often engaged in lively discussions. The underlying idea is to help attendees meet, form new connections, and exchange ideas. While presentations are crucial, the discussions they spark are equally significant.
The CaSA Meetups have proven to be an effective platform for lively discussions, with attendees keen to return for more. This enthusiasm underscores the success of the event’s format, which is curated by Jonas and the organizing team. Their focus is on fostering an environment that encourages open dialogue and collaboration among professionals from both industry and academia. By managing the size of the meetups, they ensure each event remains a place for meaningful engagement, preserving the series’ blend of intimacy and interactivity.
The Kista spirit
Choosing Kista as the venue for CaSA Meetups was a natural decision for the organizers. Apart from its accessibility and the organizers’ professional ties to the area, Svennebring highlights Kista’s vibrant tech ecosystem as a key aspect right from the start.
– There was never any doubt that we would go for Kista. There’s so much interesting tech development going on in the area, and we already have strong connections to companies and innovators here. Our collaboration with Kista Science City has been crucial for getting started. Working with Mikaela Färnqvist has been very smooth. It’s also nice to be able to hold the meeting high up in the Kista Science Tower (thanks Vasakronan!). It really adds a special atmosphere to the meetings.
Join CaSA Meetup #3 in March!
On March 13, the CaSA community will meet again, this time to delve into the theme of RISC-V. “We have two really exciting speakers, so it promises to be an engaging session. This area has received a lot of attention in recent years but also presents significant challenges. As always, we look forward to the enjoyable discussions over drinks and snacks that have become the trademark of our meetups!” says Svennebring.
📅 March 13
🕒 17:00 – 21:00
📍 Kista
Are you interested in the cutting edge of computer and system architecture? CaSA Meetup #3 in March is your opportunity to join a community of like-minded individuals who are all about sharing knowledge, sparking innovative discussions, and building connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Don’t miss out – Sign up today! >> Computer and Systems Architecture meetup – Kista Science City
Bringing ideas to life in Kista
Do you have an idea for an event or a community initiative that could enrich the Kista ecosystem? Kista Science City offers support to turn your vision into reality. Reach out to us, and let’s make it happen together!
Applied Autonomy establishes Swedish hub
Applied Autonomy establishes Swedish hub
Applied Autonomy, known for innovative work in autonomous transportation, has chosen Kista as a strategic hub for their Swedish operations. This decision marks an important step in the Norwegian company’s expansion and commitment to grow within the Swedish market.
Swedish base
Choosing Kista as a Swedish hub reflects Applied Autonomy’s commitment to being closer to key partners and to becoming part of the dynamic tech landscape in the area. CEO Olov Medland shares his perspective on this strategic decision:
– Kista’s unique combination of technological expertise and collaborative culture made it an ideal choice for us. We are excited about being part of this tech community, contributing to and benefiting from the synergies it offers.
Applied Autonomy is positioned to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of urban transport in Stockholm and Sweden. The company is enthusiastic about sharing its insights and experiences in autonomous transport and collaborating with other companies and innovators in this field. “The possibilities are endless, and we’re eager to explore them,” says Medland.
5G Ride
Applied Autonomy has recently joined the 5G Ride project. Central to their contribution is the xFlow® platform, an innovative solution that ensures a seamless link between vehicles, operators, and end-users, thereby enabling safe and efficient transport. Medland emphasizes the importance of this project:
– Joining 5G Ride was a natural decision for us. The project aligns perfectly with our capabilities, including xFlow®, and our commitment to shaping the future of autonomous transportation. Our participation in this innovative project is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how our technology can be integrated into existing urban transport systems, enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall user experience.
Internship opportunities
Internship opportunities
The collaboration between academia and industry creates a rich environment for learning and innovation. As 2024 approaches, many ocompanies and organizations in Kista are welcoming interns across a variety of technological fields. These internships provide students with the opportunity to work with experienced professionals, apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, and contribute to meaningful projects. This is an ideal chance for students from diverse backgrounds to gain valuable experience and advance their academic and professional journeys.
Explore these opportunities and find a project that aligns with your interests and career goals:
RISE Research Institute of Sweden
At RISE, interns can delve into a range of projects within the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analysis. From exploring the security of ultra-efficient UWB networks to unlocking the future of energy-efficient IoT and analyzing nationwide cellular network traffic, RISE offers a platform for interns to engage with key technological advancements.
For detailed information on all available projects, visit RISE’s internship page.
PandionAI
PandionAI invites interns to contribute to the development of AlertSat’s geospatial support. This project offers an opportunity to work on enhancing the user interface and data flow within the AlertSat Portal, a crucial tool for decision-making based on satellite data.
Munters
Munters is seeking a Master Thesis Student within its Controls & Connectivity team. The selected candidate will work on creating sustainable climate solutions, focusing on areas like control systems, automation, and IoT.
FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency)
FOI in Kista is looking for interns to work on diverse projects ranging from virtual gamma spectroscopic labs to defense analysis and underwater network localization. With a broad spectrum of opportunities in areas like software development, data analysis, and policy research, FOI’s internships meet the needs of a variety of interests and skills.
For detailed information on all available projects, visit FOI’s internship offerings for 2024
Excillum
Excillum offers three distinctive Master’s thesis projects. These include exploring thermal drifts in x-ray sources, understanding the limits of diamond endurance under electron beams, and developing high-resolution x-ray laminography for imaging layered components. Each project at Excillum is a blend of practical experimentation and theoretical exploration.
KTH:s verksamhet koncentreras till tre campus
KTH:s verksamhet koncentreras till tre campus
KTH:s styrelse har idag tagit beslutet att pga ekonomiska skäl koncentrera sin verksamhet till tre campus och därigenom lämna Kista.
Kista Science City respekterar beslutet men ser att det är tråkigt att man väljer att lämna ett så starkt ekosystem i en tid när Sverige behöver kraftsamla kring utvecklingen av ny teknik och lösningar för hållbarhet.
KTH är idag en viktig del av Kista och starkt bidragande till områdets utveckling. KTH:s avsikt är dock att arbeta vidare med partner på plats i Kista, utveckla nya modeller för samarbeten och gemensamma utvecklingssatsningar.
I nuvarande omlokaliseringsplan ingår inte Elektrumlaboratoriet, som är ett av Stockholms viktigaste forskningslaboratorier och drivs i dag av KTH/RISE.
Hur flytten ska gå till och mer detaljerade planer om när kommer utarbetas under 2024.
Mer information på KTH’s intranät.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week
Reflecting on Welcome Week 2023, an initiative for connecting companies and students in the vibrant tech scene of Kista Science City.
As an annual highlight in Kista’s tech calendar, Welcome Week brings together academic life and professional opportunities. The week offers a unique platform for local companies to showcase their work and to network with the next generation of talent. Both newcomers and returning students have seized the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the community that they are becoming a part of.
Welcome week includes a range of collaborative activities, from industry-focused seminars to casual networking lunches and interactive tech demos. Students gain valuable insights into the diverse career paths and opportunities that Kista’s ecosystem offers beyond academia, enriching the educational journey with real-world perspectives.
Mikaela Färnqvist, Community Manager at Kista Science City, shares her thoughts on the week:
”Welcome week is all about bringing people together. During these events, we see key players from the tech industry meet and connect with the students here in Kista. I’m really looking forward to seeing what new opportunities will come from the meetings.”
Welcome Week is an annual, collaborative effort involving several Kista businesses and academia centers, including and DISK / Stockholm University, IN-sektionen / KTH, Ericsson, Fujitsu, and IBM.
For companies, this event provides a great opportunity for connections with students, not just during Welcome Week, but also year-round.
Reach out to Mikaela if you want to participate in next event.
Celebrating Kista All Stars
Celebrating Kista All Stars
Throughout this year, many innovators and companies from Kista has received esteemed awards and made it to prestigious lists. To celebrate their achievements, we’re presenting Kista All Stars.
Kista All Stars highlights the dedication, courage and hard work of these individuals and organizations. It also reflects the rich and diverse talent we have among us in Kista. From pioneering technological advancements to innovative startups and leaders driving sustainability, education and community engagement. These contributions pave the way for a brighter future.
In further celebration of the Kista All Stars, Kista Science City hosted a special lunch event. This gathering provided an opportunity for participants to engage with the vast variety of backgrounds within the Kista community, exchange knowledge, and foster collaborations.
Full list of Kista All Stars below.
KISTA ALL STARS
Binette Seck * Changers Hub/Changers Tech * Obama Leader 2023