To better connect civilian solutions with the needs of the defence sector, several of Sweden’s leading innovation environments are joining forces in TACTIC, an initiative that has received SEK 35 million in funding, including support from the EU.
Small, fast-moving technology companies create solutions important for Sweden’s security, but it is often difficult for their technology to reach the defence market. To bridge this gap, existing innovation environments will be used to help these companies grow and adapt their products and business models to meet defence requirements.
Kista Science City, Sting, LEAD, Ideon Science Park and Uppsala Innovation Centre have collectively been granted SEK 35 million in financing from multiple sources including EU funds. The project aims to establish a national structure to accelerate the development of dual-use technology — solutions suitable for both civilian and military applications.
“Sweden has enormous civilian innovation capacity, but technical solutions rarely make their way into defence. By joining forces across regions we can help companies navigate everything from innovation support to regulatory demands and become business-ready for the defence market,” says Karin Bengtsson, CEO of Kista Science City.
The organizations participating in TACTIC represent some of Sweden’s strongest innovation environments for deep tech. Through new working methods, tailored support and specialized environments, the initiative will help Swedish technology companies enter the defence market and secure concrete contracts.
About Kista Science City
Kista Science City AB is a platform that accelerates open innovation, business development and commercialization of research. Its focus areas include cybersecurity, defence technology, semiconductors and space technology. The organization creates conditions for effective collaboration between industry, academia, research institutes and public actors. Kista Science City AB is owned by Stiftelsen Electrum.
About Ideon
Ideon Science Park is Scania’s leading tech and deep tech science park and Sweden’s first science park, founded in 1983 in Lund. Ideon brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, companies and the public sector to turn research and innovation into sustainable solutions and growing businesses. Through business development, incubation and accelerator programs, networks and strategic partnerships, Ideon strengthens innovation within areas such as defence, dual use, new space, energy, cybersecurity and advanced technology.
About LEAD
LEAD is one of Sweden’s top business incubators, helping entrepreneurs build companies faster and with greater confidence. LEAD serves entrepreneurs with innovative ventures that have growth potential. Its success tools are built on a structured and quality-assured business development methodology supported by close and engaged business coaching. LEAD is owned by LiU Holding and additionally financed by the municipalities of Norrköping and Linköping as well as Vinnova.
About Sting
Sting is one of Europe’s leading startup ecosystems and has, since 2002, supported over 500 companies with coaching, networks and investments — taking ventures from idea to international growth. Through qualified, tailored business development support, Sting helps founding teams build innovative growth companies that address major societal challenges. Sting focuses primarily on Climate & Energy, Digital & AI, Resilience & Security and Health & Life Science. Sting is an independent, non-profit organization owned by Stiftelsen Electrum.
About UIC
UIC, founded in 1999, is one of Sweden’s leading business incubators and accelerators. UIC offers startups and growth companies across industries tailored business development support, financing, knowledge and networks to help them scale. The goal is to establish more innovative companies, accelerate time to market and reduce early-stage risks.
UIC’s model combines business development programs adapted to different growth phases with a network of experienced business coaches from industry who guide participating companies. UIC is jointly owned by STUNS, Uppsala Municipality, SLU Holding and UU Invest and is part of Vinnova’s incubation support program, Excellence.
About TACTIC
TACTIC will establish an operational regional structure in the Stockholm region that connects civilian innovation environments, technology companies and total defence actors to accelerate the development of dual-use technologies. By coordinating the efforts of Kista Science City, Sting, LEAD, Ideon and UIC, the project will create a model that gives companies access to needs-driven dialogues, business development, test and demonstration environments and international collaborations.
By the end of the project, at least 80 small and medium-sized enterprises will have received support related to dual-use technologies. At least 10 innovation processes between companies and defence stakeholders will have been completed, and at least 10 international partnerships will have been initiated.
The aim is to establish a long-term collaborative structure between civilian innovation environments and defence actors. The outcome will strengthen the Stockholm region’s industrial capacity and contribute to increased technological resilience and competitiveness.