At a time of rapid development and growing climate challenges, Vinnova Director General Darja Isaksson emphasises that the future is something we shape – not wait for.

In the run-up to Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025, Vinnova wants to mobilise Sweden’s innovation system to take the next decisive step – towards global leadership, scalable solutions and collaboration that strengthen both Europe and Sweden’s competitiveness.

What do you from Vinnova particularly want to contribute during this year’s Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag?

– In a time of geopolitical turmoil, disruptive technology and escalating climate uncertainty, we need to remind ourselves that the future is not just happening – it is being shaped. By our choices, our ability to work together and our innovative power. We want to inspire collaboration that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness – and Sweden’s role as an enabler. Not just in technology, but in ways of working that drive system innovation,” says Darja Isaksson.

With one year to go until the elections, what issues should be high on the political agenda from an innovation perspective?

– Europe needs to close the innovation gap and accelerate the transition. Sweden can and should take a leading position in this. We need leadership that takes responsibility for the future, stronger conditions for new innovative companies to grow in Sweden, and access to expertise, technology, testing infrastructure and the ability to take risks together.

Why is it important to bring together business, the public sector, academia and civil society as Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025 do?

– System change requires system participation. The major challenges we face – from security of supply to climate change adaptation – cannot be solved in silos. They require co-creation between different competences, mandates and drivers. Science Week and Innovation Riksdag are not just arenas for inspiration – they are platforms for an ecosystem that gathers power. When we come together across sectoral boundaries, we can build trust, share goals and coordinate resources – accelerating innovation that might otherwise get stuck in fragmentation or inertia.

What do you see as the most crucial actions to strengthen Sweden’s innovation capacity in the coming years?

– Sweden has a lot to build on, but also a lot to gain from getting to the next level. Initiatives that are particularly important now are: clusters of excellence with global ambition, strengthened support systems and long-term innovation programmes. By building on what we have and daring to take ambitious next steps, we choose to proactively shape the future role of Sweden and Europe in the world.

The programme for Science Week & Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025 is now released – time to start planning your experience 7-9 October in Södertälje!

Discover over 50 sessions and take part in inspiring meetings and conversations where innovation meets industry, society and the skills needs of the future.

Want to make the most of the days?
Get a Community Pass! This is your ticket to the full programme of exclusive sessions, dinner and gala events and valuable networking opportunities.

This year’s themes focus on crucial issues for the future

Discover the programme here. Secure your ticket today!

Find out more about Science Week & Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025.

Themes for this year’s programme

About the programme
The full programme for Science Week and Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2025 will be released before the summer and will include around 60 events, ranging from interactive workshops to in-depth policy seminars. Several sessions will be exclusive to participants with Community Passes.

Book your place today!
Take advantage of special Early Bird rates on Community Passes and secure your ticket today. There are also participant passes and group tickets to choose from. Book here.

Last week, SISP participated in Latitude59 in Tallinn – the Baltic’s leading tech and startup conference. The event offered an inspiring meeting between startups, investors, decision makers and innovation promoters from across the region.

In attendance from SISP were Ellinor Bokedal, Filip Tideman and Katarina Bennich – all with important perspectives on how we together strengthen the Swedish and Nordic innovation ecosystem. Ellinor Bokedal participated in a panel on how we build a stronger deeptech ecosystem in the Nordic region – together with representatives from Startup Estonia, European Innovation Council, Nordic Science Investments and Creative Destruction Lab. The conversation highlighted the importance of taking research-based innovations to market through collaboration, programmes and structures.

During two days, in conjunction with Latitude59, an international matchmaking was conducted as part of the EU-funded project ScaleAble – in which Ignite Sweden was involved. Together with Norrköping Science Park and Tehnopol, startups from Sweden, Finland and Estonia were connected with companies and organisations with concrete needs in dual use and securetech. A clear example of how we can work together to remove barriers to startup growth and pave the way for new business opportunities.

We are deeply impressed by Estonia as a startup country – something Sweden has a lot to inspire from.
Many thanks to Latitude59, Startup Estonia and all participants for a powerful meeting place for the future of innovation!

To jointly strengthen the innovation systems, both locally and nationally, around 50 business developers from all over the country gathered at CampX by Volvo Group in Gothenburg, when SISP invited to the spring network meeting.

Participants learnt about each other’s current challenges and opportunities, presentations by CampX by Volvo Group, LabLab.ai, FTMO and Forest Business Accelerator – as well as insights from the latest InkRapp report.

– “Two rewarding days together with business developers from all over Sweden where we jointly discussed how we can strengthen the innovation power in Sweden and the local ecosystems together. It was especially nice to welcome the network to CampX by Volvo Group this time, where we as an industrial partner had the opportunity to show how we can contribute to the innovation ecosystems both locally and internationally, says Kajsa Karlsson, Senior Innovation Manager in the CampX by Volvo Group innovation team.

– “Once again, we are struck by the diversity and strength of the Swedish ecosystem. There are so many good things being done with great diversity – both in terms of industry, geography and target groups,” says Jonas Michanek, VP Incubation at SISP.

On 13-14 March 2025, Europe’s major deeptech event will take place in Paris. Team Sweden Tech* is organising a joint event and we hope that together we will fill it with Swedish deeptech companies.

What is the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit?
It is the largest deeptech event in Europe, bringing together startups, investors, industry and deeptech ecosystems from around the world. Find out more about the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit here; Global Summit – Hello Tomorrow

Why is it relevant to be there?
The Hello Tomorrow Global Summit brings together thousands of attendees to learn about the latest in deeptech through stage programmes, side events, matchmaking and investor meetings, and exhibitions. Deeptech startups and scaleups are at the forefront of revolutionising industries and solving global challenges. Leveraging cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, life sciences, sustainable food, nanotechnology, biotechnology, these companies are developing radical solutions that can change the world with disruptive innovations. But the path from idea to market is both long and complex.

For the second year in a row, the government initiative Team Sweden Tech is coordinating a joint stand and marketing of travelling deeptech startups and scaleups. This is done to jointly gather strength, learn and enable Swedish deeptech companies to be visible to a global audience and meet potential investors. Ecosystem players are of course also welcome to meet at the stand and tell stakeholders about the Swedish deeptech ecosystem, but will not be marketed.

Vinnova’s website provides in-depth reports on deeptech and strategic technologies.

What should I do to be visible in the Sweden Show?
Applications to participate in the 2025 Sweden Show are now closed.

10 of the most relevant companies will be selected by representatives from this year’s working group – for the opportunity to attend and pitch to investors and international deeptech players at Team Sweden Tech’s pre-event at the Swedish Embassy on 11 March at 17-20. Swedish ecosystem actors and deeptech intermediaries who attended the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit are also invited to fill out the form to receive a special invitation to the embassy reception, subject to availability.

How much does it cost?
It is free of charge for confirmed Swedish startups to be visible in and use the Team Sweden Tech booth at the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, but accompanying companies are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and participant tickets to the conference.

Discount on tickets
Participating startups, scaleups and ecosystem actors have the opportunity to get a 15% discount on the ticket price to Hello Tomorrow Global Summit through Team Sweden Tech. Email moa.persdotter@vinnova.se for more information.

Contact Moa Persdotter
Moa Persdotter, Programme Manager Acceleration of deeptech companies and
gender equality expert – Vinnova: moa.persdotter@vinnova.se
Sasan Shaba, VP Philanthropy and International Collaboration – SISP: sasan.shaba@sisp.se

*Team Sweden Tech
Team Sweden Tech is based on Team Sweden, which is a joint initiative from Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Institute and Business Sweden. Team Sweden Tech aims to organise Sweden-synchronised activities at international tech events.

This year’s working group for the joint Sweden event at Hello Tomorrow includes Vinnova, the Swedish Institute, Business Sweden, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Embassy in Paris, Almi and SISP.

Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag and Science Week 2025 will take place in Södertälje on 7-9 October and together will be bigger than ever before. The aim is to discuss Sweden’s competitiveness and what is needed to remain a leading innovation country. Together we will focus on innovation and take the temperature of Sweden’s innovation policy – what is happening, what will happen and what needs to happen?

The 2025 merger will bring the entire Swedish innovation ecosystem under one roof. Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP) and Södertälje Science Park are organising this together to rally the forces ahead of the elections, which are only a year away in October. It will be a unique opportunity in 2025. From 2026 onwards, they will again be held as separate events.

As in previous years, Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag is aimed at actors working to promote, strengthen and develop innovation and business, and Science Week is aimed at a broad target group with an interest in sustainability and innovation.

Continued focus on sustainable production and skills supply
Combining Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag with Science Week in 2025 will create even better conditions for an event that can make a difference. There will be a continued focus on important future issues such as sustainable production and skills supply, but also a focus on gathering strength ahead of the election. The event will highlight concrete examples of current initiatives and future opportunities, as well as how Sweden can take a leading role in Europe’s innovation cooperation.

– “Combining Science Week with Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag is a fantastic step forward. It gives us a unique opportunity to gather the most innovative and forward-looking actors in Sweden under one roof,” says Robert Kingfors, CEO of Södertälje Science Park.

– We look forward to creating an event that not only inspires but also drives real change in sustainability and innovation.

One year to the election
The theme is “One year to the election”, where Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag and Science Week focus on Sweden’s innovation policy and take stock of the current situation.

– In fact, in October 2025, the elections are barely a year away. Unfortunately, we see that Sweden is lagging behind in innovation compared to our European neighbours. We look forward to welcoming national politicians to Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag and Science Week to jointly set the direction for Sweden’s future innovation policy,” says Stina Lantz, CEO of Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP).

Registration will open in spring 2025. If you are interested, you can already leave your email address to receive advance information about when registration opens. Submit your expression of interest here.

GoWest 2025 will bring together investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts to build relationships and create opportunities for future collaborations and investments. We spoke to Sofia Hjelmberg, Event Director at GoWest and Head of Investor Relations at GU Ventures, about what participants can expect from this year’s edition.

Karlatornet and a customised experience for each participant
“The most striking feature is of course that GoWest 2025 takes place in Karlatornet, a landmark that clearly signals Gothenburg’s forward-looking spirit,” says Sofia Hjelmberg. In addition to the new environment, the programme this year has an even broader content with parallel activities that allow participants to create an experience based on their own interests and needs. There is a choice of panel discussions, workshops and a variety of meeting formats, providing a flexible and versatile conference experience.

Technology trends in focus – from quantum technology to AI and cybersecurity
“Right now we see several trends that are attracting a lot of interest such as AI, cybersecurity and dual-use technologies. Also quantum technology which is a new area will be explored,” says Sofia. These areas, which play a crucial role in the future technology landscape, will feature in this year’s programme. Participants can look forward to panels and workshops with leading experts in these fields, discussing the opportunities and challenges of technology in a rapidly changing world.

A unique meeting place for long-term relationships and business co-operation
GoWest differs from other forums in the Nordic region and internationally in its strong focus on networking and relationship building. “We want participants to feel that GoWest offers something unique, that they leave having made many contacts and having relevant meetings ahead,” says Sofia. With a well-planned agenda that combines pre-booked meetings with inspiring content and fruitful discussions, an atmosphere is created where effective meetings become possible.

Startups that make a difference
The GoWest pitch categories are carefully selected to highlight innovations with the potential to create positive change, both for the planet and society. “Our six pitch categories focus on categorising all technologies and sectors based on high transformative potential,” explains Sofia. GoWest prioritises startups whose ideas and products can make a lasting impact and contribute to a sustainable future.

Deep Tech Investor Day – a day for deeper insights and new connections
As part of GoWest, the Deep Tech Investor Day is also organised, a day dedicated exclusively to investors. “We want to create a meeting place to strengthen relationships and make new contacts and broaden our networks in deep tech,” says Sofia. This day gives investors the opportunity to deepen their relationships, which helps to develop and deepen the entire innovation and investment climate.

Success stories emerging
The fact that GoWest creates value is confirmed by the many companies that return year after year. “We know today that several startups have secured capital through meetings at GoWest, and it’s always gratifying to see them come back,” says Sofia. The loyalty of the participants shows that the forum has succeeded in attracting the right people and creating an environment that provides tangible value.

Ready to take your place in the Nordic region’s top startup scene
For those seeking capital, partnerships or new perspectives, GoWest is a forum not to be missed. By combining an exclusive environment with carefully selected content, the goal is to create a platform where the companies and investors of the future can meet, develop and together create a sustainable future.

Find out more about GoWest and secure your place today.

If you are a member of SISP, contact ellinor.bokedal@sisp.se for the discount code.

Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2024, which took place between 13 and 15 May, in the two Norrbotten cities of Boden and Luleå, became a significant platform to discuss and promote the green transition. Focusing on innovation and the role of the ecosystem in that transformation, the conference brought together 330 participants from across Sweden’s innovation communities, including representatives from academia, politics and business.

“We hope for a changed image of Northern Sweden where we now lead the green transition and where Sweden’s innovation ecosystem contributes to more strong startups and scaleups in, among other things, tech and social innovations”, says Sara Json Lindmark, Executive Director Luleå Science Park, after the conference.

SIR24 focused on three main themes that shaped the different sessions and discussions:

1. green re-industrialisation

How can technology and AI drive the green transition? What is the role of industry in this process and how can Sweden become a global leader by integrating advanced technologies and sustainable industrial practices? Within this theme, we heard from role models such as H2 Green Steel and Hybrit, who were shown as examples for future initiatives. Both highlighted the challenges and opportunities of combining traditional industry with modern technology to create a sustainable future.

Henrik Henriksson, CEO of H2 Green Steel, shared his company’s journey and their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by producing green steel.

“This is happening here and now. First we will produce green hydrogen and then green iron and green steel.”

“This is happening here and now. Sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, and I think we have a Swedish record for environmental permit testing. We are building a blueprint in Boden that can then be copied in other parts of the world. Our technology itself is not really that innovative, but rather the innovation lies in the business model. In 714 days (according to 15 May 2025, ed SISP) we will start the production process. First we will produce green hydrogen and then green iron and green steel,” said Henrik Henriksson.

2. Innovation and Entrepreneurship

How can innovation help shape the sustainable societies of the future? The discussions highlighted how startups and scaleups play a crucial role in creating sustainable solutions and business models. Participants gained insights into how to protect and support Swedish innovations in a global market. Sessions ranged from funding and support structures to the latest technological breakthroughs and how to put them into practice.

Daniel Vencu Velasquez Castro (S)*, Member of the Swedish Parliament and the Committee on Enterprise and Industry, highlighted the importance of investing in innovation, from research to commercialised companies.

“Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag gave hope for the future, everyone who attended is working on exciting ideas that will strengthen Swedish competitiveness and ensure that we emerge victorious from the many crises we see ahead.”

“The Swedish Innovation Riksdag gave me hope for the future, everyone who attended is working on exciting ideas that will strengthen Swedish competitiveness and ensure that we emerge victorious from the many crises we face. It made me realise how important policy support for Sweden’s innovation system is, and that we need to work together to overcome these tough times together. Next year, I hope more politicians will join us to gain insight into the great work being done by our science parks and incubators. With one year to go until the elections, I hope we will focus on the 2026 elections and what is at stake if we don’t invest in research and innovation,” said Mr Vencu Velasquez Castro.

3. Towards a Sustainable Future

How can we meet global challenges and ensure a successful transition? This theme highlighted concrete examples and discussions focussing on collaboration and networking as key factors to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Discussions emphasised the importance of integrating societal transitions into both local and national strategies.

An important part of this is talent attraction, and conference participants heard from Chana Svensson, who moved to northern Sweden from Florida and started working on recruitment in a groundbreaking way.

“The Swedish government is asleep when it comes to international talent attraction”

“You Swedes need to stop being so ordinary. You need to dare to stand out and do things differently. Otherwise, how will you manage to recruit the skills needed to achieve the green transition? The Swedish government is asleep when it comes to these issues,” said Chana Svensson.

Shared vision for the sustainable transition

Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2024 was not only an SISP annual conference, but also a milestone in Sweden’s work towards a green and sustainable future. With Boden and Luleå hosting this event, it clearly demonstrated how northern Sweden can lead the way in the global transition, and how collaboration and innovation are key to achieving our common sustainability goals. The two cities have become central hubs for the green societal transition in northern Sweden, which was clearly demonstrated during the days. With extensive investments totalling SEK 1400 billion in renewable energy, electrification and green steel, these regions are expected to attract 100 000 new inhabitants by 2035 and create tens of thousands of new jobs. This rapid development, which would normally take decades, is now happening in just a few years.

“I cannot emphasise enough the common conclusion of SIR 24, the green transition may have started in the North, but we are doing it together for Sweden AB”, says Thomas Fägerman, CEO Boden Business Park.

At a time when many countries are investing heavily in sustainability and green technology, Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2024 showed how Sweden can join forces to play a leading role on the global stage. By focussing on good examples, clear goals and cooperation across borders, Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag 2024 helped to set out a common vision for driving the sustainable transition forward, across the country.

“Next year we look forward to even greater political support”

“It’s fantastic that we managed to gather so many key players from all over Sweden for these days in Boden/Luleå. The event sold out a month beforehand, which is proof of how important a meeting place Sweden’s Innovation Riksdag actually is. Next year, we look forward to even greater support from politics,” concludes Stina Lantz, CEO SISP.

– All parliamentary parties were invited to the Swedish Innovation Riksdag 2024

On 21-22 March, Europe’s big deeptech event takes place in Paris. Team Sweden Tech* is organising a joint Sweden stand (free of charge for your startups and scaleups) and we hope that together we will fill it with Swedish deeptech companies. SISP and Ignite are coordinating the Swedish ecosystem’s presence and we are very much looking forward to travelling to Paris with you and your companies!

Participating companies and the programme of Team Sweden Tech at Hello Tomorrow Global Summit 2024 >>

What is the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit?
It is the largest deeptech event in Europe, bringing together startups, investors, industry and ecosystems from around the world.

Why is it relevant to be there?
At the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, thousands of participants will gather to learn about the latest in deeptech through a stage programme, side events, matchmaking and investor meetings, and an exhibition. For the first time, the government initiative Team Sweden Tech brings together a delegation to enable Swedish deeptech companies to be seen in front of a global audience through a joint exhibition stand. Ecosystem players are of course also welcome to join, but without a stand.

How much does it cost?
It is free for Swedish startups to participate in the Team Sweden Tech booth at the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit, but accompanying companies are responsible for travel, accommodation and participant tickets to the conference. As a Swedish participant, whether you are a startup, scaleup or ecosystem player, you have a 20% discount on the entrance ticket (regular price €407-€539) and we also recommend a joint Swedish hotel to maximise the opportunity for good networking. Discount code and hotel info available upon registration.

How to register?
The deadline for startups to register was 14 March.

Discount on tickets
Participating startups, scaleups and ecosystem actors receive a 20% discount on the ticket price to the Hello Tomorrow Global Summit through SISP and Ignite. Email Shara Fägerwall Tawfik shara.fagerwall.tawfik@sisp.se to get access to the booking link with discount.

Hotel accommodation
We recommend staying at Holiday Inn Express Paris – Canal de la Villette, an IHG Hotel – 68 Quai de la Seine.

Contact details
Shara Fägerwall Tawik, Event Manager: shara@ignitesweden.org
Elijah Aldana, Startup Community Manager: elijah.aldana@ignitesweden.org

*Team Sweden Tech
Team Sweden Tech is an initiative from Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Institute and Business Sweden, with the aim of organising Sweden-synchronised activities at international tech events.