Accelerating defense innovation
A national initiative connecting military end-users with cutting-edge civilian technology.
We bring together Sweden’s most capable innovation environments to accelerate capability development and strengthen defence readiness, resilience, and operational effectiveness — from idea to implementation.
A structured gateway to civilian innovation
We help defence actors find, validate, and implement civilian technologies with strategic relevance. Our platform supports the entire process — from challenge definition to operational pilots, including:
Targeted matchmaking and open innovation challenges
Startup and scaleup coaching for dual-use development
Access to defence related funding programmes
We work with defence needs that can’t wait. And technologies that are ready to move.
For entrepreneurs, integrators & ens users of future defense technologies
Startups & scaleups
Get access to coaching, funding pathways, and industry opportunities in the defence sector.
Governmental organisations & integrators
Identify and access relevant technologies and connect with startups and strategic partners through a guided process.
Sweden’s most advanced deep tech ecosystem
Bridging defence needs and fast-moving technologies takes more than good intent — it demands infrastructure, experience, and networks that span sectors.
Rooted in Sweden’s strongest deep tech ecosystem, we bring defence needs and technological capabilities closer together by combining early-stage innovation with institutional reach.
This initiative is led by four organisations with long-standing expertise in development, entrepreneurship, and public-sector collaboration:
Kista Science City
Kista Science City brings together companies, researchers and public actors to accelerate innovation with real-world impact. With long-standing experience in coordinating national programmes and test environments, they provide the infrastructure that connects civil innovation with defence needs. They are also a founding partner of Ignite Sweden and co-leads an EDIH in cybersecurity.
Sting
Since 2002, Sting has supported nearly 500 startups from idea to international scale. As one of Europe’s leading accelerators, it provides tailored support in business development, fundraising, sales, growth, IP, and networking. Focus areas include Climate & Energy, Health & Life Science, Digital & AI, and DeepTech, with strong links to RISE Europe, Deeptech Alliance, and CASSINI.
THINGS
THINGS connects deep tech startups with industry to turn innovation into practical results. Through events, scouting and long-term collaboration formats, they help new technologies in fields like IoT, AI and connected systems reach real-world deployment. Their work strengthens the ties between startups and large companies — with growing relevance for the defence sector.
Get in touch
Whether you’re scouting for innovation, looking to enter the defence sector, or want to shape Sweden’s next generation of capabilities — we’re ready to connect.