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The new semiconductor landscape 

As digitalization accelerates, semiconductors become ever more crucial. This article explores the expanding microchip industry in Europe, Sweden’s central role in this growth, and how Kista-based institutions are driving advancements in this dynamic field. 

Semiconductors are the technological cornerstone of modern society. These micro components power everything from mobile phones and vehicles to IoT and defense technologies. They are also vital for advancing energy-efficient systems that support the global shift towards a sustainable future. As digital demands grow, so does the need for these electronic building blocks. 

Europe’s challenges and Sweden’s response

Recognizing the need for growth, the European Union is now taking decisive steps to strengthen its semiconductor industries. Accounting for just 10% of the global microchip market, the recently initiated European Chips Act is set to boost Europe’s production and enhance technological competitiveness and resilience in the sector. 

Within this ambitious framework, Sweden is emerging as a key contributor. Aligned with the European goals, the country’s national strategy aims not only to revitalize its own semiconductor production but also to effectively contribute to Europe’s technological independence. In the midst of this national and international push in microchip technology stands Kista Science City. 

Mikael Östling, professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, highlights the importance of these efforts:

– The initiative creates a need to educate thousands of engineers and retrain already working professionals. KTH is well-equipped for this, with a strong tradition of research and education in the semiconductor field. However, success also requires collaboration between universities and new startups. With its strong innovation environment, lab infrastructure, and companies in the semiconductor field, Kista has an opportunity to take a strong position in this development.

Local innovation and global impact

Kista’s mix of established companies, agile startups, and academic institutions fosters an environment where semiconductor research and development thrive. The area is home to several key players driving advancements in this field, and at the forefront of these tech ventures are KTH Royal Institute of Technology and the Electrum laboratory. The individual as well as collaborative efforts of these institutions significantly contribute to the microchip evolution, in KIsta as well as on the global stage. 

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

KTH is a dynamic and multifaceted force in semiconductor research. With a broad spectrum of activities, spanning both theoretical and applied aspects, they range from developing new semiconductor materials and technologies to enhancing the efficiency and performance of existing ones. These advancements are not limited to technical aspects but also include exploring sustainable practices in semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with Sweden’s commitment to sustainable practices and, not least, UN’s Sustainable Development goals. 

The Electrum laboratory

Electrum is a world-renowned laboratory with state-of-the-art facilities that serves as a center for international semiconductor research and innovation. Here, industry professionals and researchers within areas like micro and nanofabrication are provided with the resources to experiment with and refine semiconductor technologies. Electrum’s dedicated efforts ensure that the semiconductors produced meet the highest standards of performance while also being sustainable and cost-effective. 

The fusion of research and innovation

The collaboration between KTH and Electrum Lab exemplifies a crucial bridge between academic research and industrial application. This partnership stands as a successful model of academia-industry collaboration, blending KTH’s theoretical insights and Electrum’s practical applications. Together, they not only facilitate the transfer of knowledge from the lab to the market but also ensure that innovations in semiconductor technology are both pioneering and relevant to current industry needs. 

Looking ahead

It is the synergy of academic expertise and industrial pragmatism that positions Kista as a leader in the semiconductor field. Institutions like KTH and the Electrum laboratory are not just contributing to the local tech ecosystem; they are playing a vital role in elevating Europe’s position in the global semiconductor industry. Their efforts underline the importance of strategic partnerships and a collaborative approach in driving technological progress. 

As Kista continues to be a hotbed for semiconductor research and innovation, it establishes its place as a key player in shaping the future of technology both in Sweden and across Europe. 

Space tech is rapidly transforming our world, extending its reach beyond the cosmos to tackle pressing challenges on Earth.

One key area of impact is climate change, where space-based solutions can provide unprecedented data and insights to help us monitor and analyze changes in the atmosphere. Space technology is also opening new doors for business, enabling the development of new services and markets that were previously unimagined.

Get On Top Of™ Space Tech

At  Get On Top Of™ Space Tech, arranged by THINGS and Kista Science City, experts from various Stockholm-based companies came together to share their insights on the rapidly evolving sector. This forum highlighted the enormous investments that are currently being made in space tech research and development, and how these are fueling cross-industrial innovation. Topics ranged from the current state and challenges of space technology to what the future holds and the opportunities that this development presents for businesses and society at large.

At the event, Christer Andersson, Chief Vision Officer and Co-Founder of PandionAI, emphasized the economic impact of space data:

– The value derived from space data, especially satellite data, is immense and serves as a driving force for the economy. The ability to anticipate and mitigate issues, such as avoiding floods and reducing uncertainty in supply chains, showcases the transformative power of space technology in addressing real-world challenges.

As the discussion explored the broader implications of space technology, it also highlighted Sweden’s strategic role in this expanding field. Per Wahlberg, Founder and Deputy CEO of Ovzon, said:

– With a growing focus on space as the new domain, Sweden finds itself well-positioned at the forefront, thanks in no small part to contributions from Swedish corporations.

Swedish deep tech company Exeger has made a significant move in sustainable energy, launching their state-of-the-art factory, Stockholm II, in Kista. This facility is one of the largest solar cell factories in Europe. Aiming to set a new European standard for sustainable solar cell production, Stockholm II leverages renewable energy sources and utilizes eco-friendly infrastructure and materials.

Unique technology

Exeger’s solar technology is unique in its ability to convert any kind of light into electrical power. This makes it ideal for a wide range of applications, including self-charging headphones, speakers, and IoT devices. The opening of Stockholm II is a significant milestone for Exeger and the solar industry as whole. The factory has the potential to produce up to 2.5 million square meters of solar cells annually.In addition to its impressive production capacity, what truly makes Stockholm II stand out is its dedication to environmental sustainability. From day one, the facility operates entirely on renewable energy, ensuring zero toxic emissions. Notably, Exeger’s eco-friendly approach is further demonstrated by their choice to repurpose an existing building into this manufacturing site.

Settling in Kista

Located in Kista Science City, Stockholm II benefits from the area’s status as a leading tech cluster. Kista’s dynamic environment, which is deeply rooted in technology and sustainability, provides the perfect backdrop for Exeger’s bold ambitions.  The new location promotes technological innovation but also fosters partnerships, driving the company’s vision forward. Giovanni Fili, CEO and Founder of Exeger, shares his enthusiasm:

–  Producing at this scale, with world-leading companies as customers, will make Powerfoyle the new standard for sustainability and convenience in electronics. To put it into perspective, if the whole Stockholm II production was dedicated to remote control solar cells, that could substitute over one billion batteries, having a huge impact on the environment.

The Future Ahead

With the establishment of their new factory, Exeger isn’t just strengthening their standing in the global solar industry; they significantly boost Kista’s renowned ecosystem of cutting-edge tech innovation and sustainability-focused initiatives.

Welcome Exeger!

The Kista tech scene just received a significant addition. Accurate, renowned for their expertise in connection technologies, electronics, and electromechanics, has made a strategic decision to set up their operations in the heart of our community.

Within their part of the tech industry, Accurate have emerged as Nordic pioneers.
Originally focused on designing state-of-the-art connection technologies – unique solutions in electronics and electromechanics for demanding environments, their range of services has grown significantly over the years.

For Accurate, the decision to move to Kista was more than just geographical. It was a strategic move to further their work with AI technology and IT security, as well as to tap into the areas deep pool of talent.

SweWIN: Advancing wireless communications

Kista has been a driving force in the development of wireless communication for many years and this tradition continues with the launch of the new competence center Swedish Wireless Innovation Network (SweWIN). SweWIN is a major tech initiative dedicated to leading innovation in wireless communication and sensing, with a strong focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and fostering collaboration in the field.

Vinnova boosts Sweden’s innovation pace with a 387 million kronor investment in eleven new competence centers. One of these centers, SweWIN, will be located here in Kista Science City. As global competition in wireless tech intensifies, the center aims to be a key force in enabling Sweden’s commitment to lead, innovate, and foster collaborative platforms in this area. Central to their mission, SweWIN focuses on both promoting energy efficiency and championing the use of sustainable materials in the development of new solutions.

The initiative is led by Emil Björnson, professor in Wireless Communication at KTH. With years of experience and a notable track record in the field, Emil’s expertise and leadership are integral to shaping SweWIN’s vision. He reflects on the journey ahead:

Kista Science City has a strong background in the field of wireless communications, and this aligns well with SweWIN’s goals. The history of innovative research and collaborative environments in the area made it a prime location for this initiative, according to Emil:

– If there’s anywhere that research within wireless communication should be conducted, it’s in Kista. There are numerous cutting-edge companies and startups right here, and there’s a drive for networking and tech advancement that fits perfectly with what we’re aiming for. I’m really excited to see what new innovations and partnerships will emerge.

In addition to KTH, the center will also have the participation of RISE, Ericsson, Saab, ABB, BeammWave, CellMax Technologies, and Northern Waves.

Welcome to Kista, SweWIN!