New partnership to boost Sweden’s dual-use sector

A new partnership and a newly established industry award aim to strengthen the position of Swedish industrial companies in the field of dual-use technology.

- Dual-use refers to technologies that enhance both civilian society and defence capabilities simultaneously, said Robert Limmergård, Secretary General of the Swedish Security and Defence Industry Association (SOFF), in a press release.

Innovatum Science Park and the Swedish Security and Defence Industry Association (SOFF) have entered into a partnership to provide companies with a clearer pathway into the defence and security market.

The initiative comes against a backdrop of increased demand for new technologies, enhanced preparedness, and more resilient value chains.

- We are seeing a clear rise in interest in dual-use technologies applicable in both civilian and defence contexts. At the same time, many companies lack access to the right networks. Through our partnership with SOFF, we can shorten that distance and give our companies better conditions to navigate the market and bring their solutions forward, said Frida Finnman, Head of Incubation & Acceleration at Innovatum Science Park.

The partnership means that companies in Innovatum Science Park’s incubator and accelerator programmes will gain access to SOFF’s networks and international platforms, including connections with established firms in the defence and security sector.

At the same time, Teknikföretagen and SOFF have selected three finalists for the new Swedish Dual Use Award, which aims to highlight companies offering solutions for both civilian and military applications.

A total of 49 entries were assessed based on criteria such as technological maturity, societal benefit, and export potential.

- We are encouraged by the strong interest and the number of nominations. This reflects the innovative capacity and entrepreneurial drive that characterise Swedish technology companies. Taken together, the entries demonstrate the breadth of Swedish dual-use innovation and how advanced technologies can be translated into solutions that strengthen industrial competitiveness, job creation, and societal security, said Pia Sandvik, CEO of Teknikföretagen.

The three finalists are GAIM Professional, Sectra Communications, and Serstech. The winner will be announced on 7 May in connection with the annual general meeting of Teknikföretagen and SOFF in Stockholm.