Driving Sweden’s semiconductor innovation – from research to real-world innovation
Kista’s semiconductor ecosystem is built on strong academic and industrial foundations. At KTH Royal Institute of Technology, research spans from nanoscale silicon and germanium devices to wide-bandgap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), as well as spin-based and flexible electronics. The Electrum Laboratory, jointly operated by KTH and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden and part of the national Myfab network, offers one of Europe’s leading university cleanrooms — enabling both advanced research and small-scale production.
KTH, along with Chalmers and Lund University, also hosts Sweden’s pilot line for Wide Bandgap Semiconductors through the EU Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), a critical national asset supporting Europe’s ambition to strengthen semiconductor capacity and sovereignty. Through this initiative, researchers develop next-generation technologies and train future engineers in an environment closely linked to industry needs. There is also a strong Nordic collaboration axis linked to this work. Finland contributes complementary pilot lines within the Chips Joint Undertaking — including SiPFab (Tampere University), which advances system-level packaging and integration, and WIBASE (VTT), which focuses on wide bandgap semiconductor technologies.
RISE complements these efforts with deep expertise in power electronics including SiC and GaN epitaxy, high power device and module design and micro- and nanofabrication for scale-up and industrialization. Together, these organisations form a research infrastructure that is open to collaboration and closely connected to European initiatives.
Semiconductor Arena
Semiconductor Arena plays a central role in strengthening Sweden’s position in the global semiconductor landscape. As a regional innovation node in Kista-Stockholm, it connects industry, academia and startups through joint initiatives focused on innovation, competence development and commercialisation. The Arena also bridges regional strengths with national and European efforts, aligning with the Swedish Chips Competence Centre (SCCC), Semicon Sweden and the EU Chips Joint Undertaking.
By mapping capabilities, facilitating partnerships and promoting participation in European pilot lines and research programmes, Semiconductor Arena ensures that the region’s expertise in design, testing and packaging is visible internationally. These activities directly support Sweden’s niche production strategy and contribute to Europe’s goal of building a more resilient semiconductor ecosystem.
Semiconductor Arena is co-funded by the European Union and Region Stockholm and run by Kista Science City, KTH, RISE and Sting.
Industry at every stage of the value chain
The Kista-Stockholm region brings together strong research with a wide range of companies active in semiconductors. Global and multinational players — such as Ericsson, STMicroelectronics, Infineon Technologies, NXP Semiconductors, Microchip Technology, Altera, Cadence and Onsemi — provide strong links to the international semiconductor supply chain.
Alongside these are a number of specialised innovators, including Sivers Semiconductors (5G, 6G and photonics), IRNova (infrared detectors), Excillum (X-ray sources), TeraSi (RF systems), Proximion (optoelectronics) and Ascilion (microneedle technology). Together, they highlight Kista’s strength in sensing, photonics and other advanced semiconductor-related technologies.
The region is also home to advanced manufacturing and production capabilities. Silex Microsystems operates one of the world’s leading MEMS foundries, while companies such as Mycronic (electronics production equipment), Midsummer (thin-film solar technology), Coherent (laser and photonics systems) and Kisab Semi (SiC materials) demonstrate broad competence in production technology, equipment and semiconductor materials.
Supporting this commercial layer are incubators and accelerators such as STING. Through its Test Drive and Core, programmes, STING helps early-stage deeptech teams validate ideas, meet investors and move from research to market. Downstream, major industrial manufacturers like Scania and Saab demonstrate how Swedish industry applies these technologies in advanced control and transport systems.
Future growth and collaboration
With a strong foundation of research, infrastructure and industry, Semiconductor Arena is expanding its work to strengthen the region’s semiconductor competitiveness. Current initiatives include new industry courses to build professional skills, an extended Test Drive programme for early startups, and ongoing mapping of Sweden’s semiconductor capabilities — laying the groundwork for future investments and international partnerships.
Another priority is developing the talent pipeline. Future activities will emphasise inclusion and diversity, engage students from different backgrounds and strengthen STEM outreach — broadening representation within the network and creating clear career pathways for future engineers and entrepreneurs.
Together, these efforts make Kista-Stockholm a driving force in Sweden’s semiconductor future — connecting research, innovation and industry to strengthen the country’s role in Europe’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.