Semiconductor Arena
Image credit: TeraSi
Semiconductor Arena: A new platform for Sweden’s growing chip sector
The challenge
The global demand for semiconductors is rising fast. Across Europe, countries are investing to secure supply, build capacity, and reduce reliance on external producers. The goal: to strengthen Europe’s resilience in a technology that powers nearly all modern systems.
In Sweden, the need to boost domestic production and innovation efforts has become increasingly clear since the COVID-19 pandemic. When global supply chains were disrupted, Swedish companies felt the impact immediately. That period exposed structural gaps — from limited infrastructure and restricted access to production facilities, to weak links between industry, academia, and research. Looking ahead, the sector also faces a generational shift, making it critical to attract new talent and pass on expertise.
In Kista, targeted efforts are now being made to close these gaps and build a stronger, more connected semiconductor ecosystem.
Semiconductor Arena
Led by Kista Science City, KTH, RISE and STING, Semiconductor Arena is a new platform for advancing Sweden’s chip capabilities. By offering shared resources and meeting places for startups, researchers, and established companies alike, the Arena supports new innovation constellations and helps accelerate the path from research to commercialization.
A key ambition is to make Electrum Laboratory a more open and social hub for the industry. It will serve as a space for showcasing innovation, networking, and deep technical collaboration — a neutral platform for students, innovators, and leading players to meet, learn, and build together.
The Arena also supports broader outreach. That includes raising awareness of semiconductors and their societal relevance — and attracting new talent through matchmaking events, student fairs, and shared learning opportunities.
Planned activities for fall 2025 include:
- Thesis fair
- Startup coaching by Sting
- Onboarding early-stage companies to the Electrum lab environment
“Semiconductor Arena is about creating value today while laying the foundation for long-term competitiveness,” says Karin Bengtsson, CEO of Kista Science City. “The first step is to reach out to the semiconductor community to shape the platform together – by the industry, for the industry.”
A national centre
Kista’s position as a national semiconductor hub is central to this initiative. The area already hosts Sweden’s competence center for semiconductors and one of the EU’s pilot lines, operated by KTH through the EU Chips JU programme. Together, these assets create a unique environment of advanced infrastructure, world-class research, and deep industry expertise.
Building on these strengths, KTH is now expanding its activities at Electrum, including the launch of a new pilot line for power semiconductors. The goal is to accelerate production, support talent development, and strengthen Sweden’s role in building strategic capacity in the EU.
Do you want to get involved? Reach out to karin.bengtsson@kista.com
ESA Phi-Lab Sweden opens new pathways for AI innovation in space
Sweden is taking a bigger leap into space innovation. Through ESA Phi-Lab Sweden — a new national initiative led by RISE — the country is joining the European Space Agency’s (ESA) innovation network with a sharp focus on AI and edge learning in space systems. Backed by Vinnova and ESA, the lab will accelerate the commercial use of AI technologies across a range of space-related applications — from Earth observation and data analysis to AI-enabled autonomy in space systems.
The programme is coordinated by Kista-based Tobias Edman, Director of ESA Phi-Lab Sweden and Unit Manager for Data Platforms and Systems at RISE.
Tobias Edman, Director of ESA Phi-Lab Sweden
From research to real-world innovation
ESA Phi-Lab Sweden is part of a growing European network that brings advanced technologies from research labs to market-ready solutions. With a total budget of €5.2 million, the programme will run for six years. During the first four years, RISE will launch open calls and award seed funding for early-stage projects in collaboration with Vinnova.
“The lab will put Sweden in a European focus for the analysis of space data on space platforms,” says Tobias Edman. “There is huge potential in more efficient analyses for Earth observation, but also for autonomous systems and exploration of the space environment.”
The initiative is run in partnership with KTH, the Swedish Institute of Space Physics (IRF), and the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). It also ties into Sweden’s wider space data ecosystem — including the Swedish Space Data Lab, a national innovation environment that gives companies access to the Digital Earth Sweden platform and development tools.
Space as a testbed
The programme invites collaboration with companies — from startups to established developers — working with AI, data analysis or edge computing to develop and test solutions for space environments.
“We want to collaborate with both hardware and software developers,” says Edman. “There’s great potential in working with traditional space companies, as well as with software firms developing AI models for data analysis on space platforms. For startups aiming to demonstrate their capabilities in a space environment, ESA Phi-Lab Sweden is a powerful enabler. They’ll be able to access funding, testing facilities, and expert assistance to support development.”
These efforts are also supported by RISE’s national network of testbeds and demo environments, where companies can test and adapt their technologies under real-world conditions.
New opportunities for tech companies
The space sector is increasingly shaped by data, AI, and automation — areas where Sweden, and technology clusters like Kista, have strong capabilities. ESA Phi-Lab Sweden creates a new path for companies to explore space-related development without needing to come from the traditional aerospace industry.
For the many cutting-edge companies in Kista, the programme presents an opportunity to connect with national efforts and explore how their expertise in AI and edge computing could find applications beyond Earth.
Learn more and explore how to get involved
Empowering the next generation of tech
Some of the key partners of the STEM-Initiative at the kick-of on April 14 2025. Anders Österberg – Acting Mayor of Stockholm, Anders Österlund – Head of employer branding and people experience, Ericsson Sweden and Magnus Breitholtz – Senior advisor to the president of Stckholm University and Chairman of Vetenskapens Hus.
Swedish version below / Svensk version finns nedan
Kista Science City is working together with KTH, Stockholm University, the City of Stockholm, and the local Kista ecosystem in addressing the growing shortage in STEM related competencies. Our goal is to collaborate across, and strengthen, the entire chain—from primary and secondary education to higher education. If we don’t act now, Sweden’s role as a leading nation in innovation and engineering is at risk.
One of the key partners of the STEM-Initiative at the kick-of on April 14 2025. Mikael Lindström – Deputy President of KTH.
This initiative is a long-term investment in tomorrow’s talent, helping them understand and make the most of their opportunities. We do so by highlighting inspiring stories and examples from both academia and industry. Järva, with its large proportion of young people and its proximity to Kista, is the perfect location for our preliminary study. Here, we will gather examples of good practices and develop methods to boost the implementation of Sweden’s national STEM strategy.
“We want to create an inclusive environment where everyone can help shape the future of technology. This isn’t just about encouraging STEM studies—it’s about offering pathways to a meaningful career in tech. Through purposeful collaboration focused on our youth, we are creating better opportunities for the entire sector,” says Karin Bengtsson, CEO of Kista Science City.
Access to talent is a crucial issue for Swedish growth and European resilience in an increasingly turbulent world. We have several tech-intensive sectors that are growing while also undergoing a generational shift, where existing expertise must be replaced with new talent. Here lies the challenge of attracting fresh talent and facilitating knowledge transfer as early as possible.
We invite both established players and new visionaries to join us in shaping the future of technology. Together, we can create a robust, innovative sector where tomorrow’s challenges are met with the right skills and passion.
Our first activity is the Tech Day where 120 students from grades 7–8 meet inspiring industry leaders and tech entrepreneurs in Kista on May 15. Your company could easily become a part of this movement by e.g. participating in a workshop, joining the students for lunch or hosting an Inspiring company visit.
To know more about how this might work, please contact Project Mananger nellie.strand (at) kista.com
Some of the key partners of the STEM-Initiative at the kick-of on April 14 2025. Fredrik Boström – Superintendent Järva, City of Stockholm and Anders Österlund – Head of employer branding and people experience, Ericsson Sweden.
Kraftsamling för nästa tech-generation
Kista Science City arbetar tillsammans med KTH, Stockholms Universitet, staden och det lokala ekosystemet i Kista för att möta den växande kompetensbristen inom teknik. Syftet är att samverka inom och stärka hela kedjan från grund- och gymnasieskolan till universitet och högskola. Om vi inte agerar nu står Sveriges roll som framstående innovations- och ingenjörsnation på spel.
Initiativet är en långsiktig satsning där vi gemensamt investerar i framtidens talanger och hjälper dem att både förstå och ta vara på sina möjligheter. Genom att lyfta fram inspirerande exempel från både akademin och näringslivet visar vi att passion och engagemang finns här – oavsett var en bor. Järva, med sin stora andel unga och närhet till Kista, utgör en idealisk plats för vår förstudie. Här samlar vi exempel på effektiva insatser och utvecklar metoder som stärker implementeringen av Sveriges nationella STEM-strategi.
”Vi vill skapa en inkluderande miljö där alla kan vara med och forma framtidens tekniska landskap. Detta handlar inte bara om att uppmuntra STEM-studier, utan också om att erbjuda vägar till en meningsfull karriär inom tech. Genom ett målmedvetet samarbete kring våra unga skapar vi bättre möjligheter för hela sektorn,” säger Karin Bengtsson, VD på Kista Science City.
God tillgång till kompetens är en ödesfråga för svensk tillväxt och europeisk motståndskraft i en alltmer turbulent samtid. Vi har flera teknikintensiva sektorer som växer och samtidigt genomgår generationsskiften där befintlig kompetens behöver ersättas. Här finns det både en utmaning i att attrahera ny talang och i att möjliggöra kunskapsöverföringen på bästa sätt tidigt.
Vi bjuder in både etablerade aktörer och nya visionärer att vara med och forma framtiden för teknik. Tillsammans kan vi skapa en robust, innovativ sektor där framtidens utmaningar möts med rätt kompetens och engagemang.
Som ett första steg i denna satsning ordnar vi Techdagen den 15 maj. Då välkomnar vi 120 elever från årskurs sju och åtta till Kista, för att möta näringslivet och bli inspirerade. Genom att exempelvis delta i en workshop, luncha med eleverna eller stå som värd för en inspirationsträff kan ditt företag kan enkelt bli en del av detta.
Vill du veta mer om hur det skulle kunna gå till, skriv till projektledare nellie.strand (at) kista.com
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.