New business opportunities above the clouds
Together with Cassini matchmaking, we recently hosted the Cassini Space event “Exploring the EUSpace ecosystem”, showcasing the top EU space startups and scaleups from Sweden and Europe, as well as local space and non-space companies. The event highlighted the rapidly expanding field of space technology and the numerous opportunities it presents.
During half a day, we provided a dynamic platform for startups to showcase their innovative ideas, alongside presentations from leading space companies exploring the industry’s latest trends.
Tomas Jonsson, from the EU DGDEFIS (European Commission Defence Industry and Space) , shared insights into the European space ecosystem, a panel discussion on new business opportunities in the space industry, featured experts such as William Johansson, from the Swedish Space Corporation, Ted Elvhage from Rymdkapital, and Hannes Eder, from KTH Innovation. Finally, Fredrik Sjöberg shared OHB Swedens’ experience of the growing market of space. “We have been building satellites for a long time and have the competence. Now we also need to find new colleagues as the market expands”, Fredrik explained.
Engaging pitches from startups as: HyImpulse, Ntention, ReOrbit, SuperAnnotate, Forsway, Ecaps AB, Neutron Star Systems, Vimotek AB, AcTLAbS, Dreamwaves, Pythom Space and Hybrid-Airplane Technologies GmbH demonstrated a wide range of creative ideas emerging in the industry.
Another highlight of the day was the matchmaking session, offering opportunities for one-on-one meetings between startups, corporates, and investors, laying the foundation for new partnerships shaping the future of space tech.
Karin Bengtsson, CEO of Kista Science City expressed her enthusiasm saying, “We are thrilled to witness the energy and passion from this vibrant space tech cluster in Kista, and fully committed to continuously support the growth of this innovative sector in our community. Through events like Cassini matchmaking, we actively enable new collaborations and partnerships, driving the advancement of future tech and laying the ground for a tomorrow that is sustainable and filled with possibilities.”
The event was a joint effort between Kista Science City, CASSINI Matchmaking, and the City of Stockholm. CASSINI Matchmaking is an initiative by the European Commission aimed at accelerating the growth of the European space industry.
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.”
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.
