Innovation and Defence: NATO Innovation Fund in Kista
How can innovation help build resilience in an unpredictable world? For the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), the answer lies in cross-sectoral collaboration—connecting the brightest minds in tech with defence stakeholders to tackle evolving security challenges. This mission brought NIF to Kista Science City where some of the country’s leading deep-tech companies took center stage.
NIF: Investing in resilience
The NATO Innovation Fund is the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund, backed by 24 member nations and equipped with €1 billion to deploy over 15 years. Its mission: to support early-stage European tech companies developing solutions that strengthen resilience and security across the Alliance.
Sweden, NATO’s newest member state and home to one of Europe’s most established venture ecosystems, was a natural choice for this engagement. “Sweden has had great success in innovation and scaling companies globally,” said Patrick Schneider-Sikorsky of NATO Innovation Fund. “The frameworks here make it an exceptional place to do business. We look to invest in early-stage, breakthrough solutions, and Sweden offers outstanding potential for innovation.”
Patrick Schneider-Sakorzky, Partner at Nato Innovation Fund
Pioneering tech on display
Kista was one of only two stops on NIF’s Sweden tour, chosen for its strong ecosystem of deep-tech companies. The visit was part of their broader strategy to identify and invest in dual-use technologies—solutions with applications in both civilian and defence settings. These technologies are key to addressing modern security challenges, from safeguarding critical infrastructure to enhancing resilience against cyber threats.
During the event, 10 Stockholm-based companies presented their solutions. These included technologies in autonomous systems, energy solutions, advanced materials, and next-gen communication technologies. Here’s how three of these companies are driving innovation that could support security and resilience efforts:
Ovzon: Resilient satellite communications
Ovzon presented its advanced satellite system, designed to ensure secure communication in contested environments and enabling multi-domain operations. With features like GPS-denial resilience, ultra-mobile terminals and full sovereign control, Ovzon’s technology supports NATO Innovation Fund’s mission to enhance resilience and build next-generation communication systems. “Secure, reliable communication is critical for defence operations, and our technology addresses those needs, already today in the most demanding environments,” said Per Wahlberg, Deputy CEO of Ovzon.
Papershell: Next-gen lightweight materials
Papershell introduced its biogenic material that is lighter than aluminum, stronger than plastic, and 100% fossil-free. With automated, flexible production in Sweden, it can rapidly scale for applications across industries, ranging from automotive to drone manufacturing. The company’s innovation aligns with NATO Innovation Fund’s focus
on resource sustainment for defence and civil needs. “By using locally sourced input materials, we create a 100% biogenic, fossil carbon-free alternative—proving that sustainability and resilience go hand in hand,” said Anders Breitholtz, CEO of Papershell.
As the company scales production, its goal is to provide one of the market’s cheapest load-bearing materials, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional composites. This would help member nations reduce reliance on foreign-subsidized materials while significantly cutting emissions.
TeraSi: Compact and secure connectivity solutions
TeraSi showcased its RF modules, capable of securely transferring large volumes of data, even on moving platforms like drones. The compact design and efficiency of this technology directly support NATO Innovation Fund’s goal of advancing secure, deployable communication systems for defence operations. “Connectivity is vital for protecting critical assets, and our solutions make it possible to securely transfer data across domains,” said James Campion, CEO of TeraSi.
With ambitions to enable seamless data transfer across air, space, and terrestrial networks, TeraSi is paving the way for fiber-like connectivity in dynamic environments. Read Dagens Industri’s interview with CEO James Campion to learn more about the company’s advancements (subscription required).
Key takeaways from the event
NATO Innovation Fund’s visit to Kista Science City underscored an important shift: private sector innovation is now a driving force in modern security and defence. As security threats evolve, so must the solutions, and effective collaboration between innovators and defence stakeholders is essential to staying ahead. Here’s what we know:
- Sweden’s NATO membership is unlocking opportunities for its tech industry. Since joining the Alliance in March 2024, Swedish tech companies have new pathways to contribute on a global scale—not only in security and defence but also in strengthening international partnerships and knowledge-sharing across borders.
- Bridging private-sector innovation with defence needs is essential. As security challenges evolve, so does the need for cutting-edge solutions—many of which now emerge from the private sector. Stronger collaboration between startups, investors, and defence stakeholders ensures that these innovations are developed, scaled, and deployed where they can have the greatest impact.
- Adaptable technology is key to building resilience in an unpredictable world. Modern security threats are increasingly complex, spanning cyber risks, physical vulnerabilities, and shifting global tensions. To stay ahead, defence and security systems must integrate flexible, dual-use technologies that can evolve alongside emerging challenges.
Our commitment
Sweden’s innovation ecosystem is becoming increasingly connected to the international defence landscape, and Kista Science City is part of that process. We work closely with tech innovators, investors, and global defence stakeholders—helping companies navigate regulatory landscapes, secure funding, and build strategic partnerships that drive meaningful impact.
Do you want to get involved? Reach out to sakarias.strand@kista.com to explore opportunities for collaboration!
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!