Kista Science City is launching a unique pilot project together with the Swedish Armed Forces' Cyber Defense to increase Sweden's digital resilience. Through a targeted challenge, they are now looking for startups and technology companies that can automate the work of mapping complex IT systems to support defense.
Sweden's digital infrastructure are put to the test every day. In a heightened security environment, it is no longer enough to rely solely on traditional procurement processes. Staying ahead requires access to the groundbreaking technology being developed in civilian environments.
In a new collaboration with Kista Science City The Swedish Armed Forces' cyber defense is breaking new ground by inviting smaller, fast-moving technology companies to contribute directly to the nation's defense. The aim is to create a modern bridge between military needs and civilian solutions. Instead of developing everything within the authorities' own walls, they want to take advantage of the innovative power of startups and companies operating in cybersecurity.
– We have extensive experience working side by side with the most advanced deep-tech companies in Sweden. This allows us to identify potential where others only see complexity. Through this initiative, we open the door for civilian innovators to contribute directly to the country's cyber defense, and we do so with a speed and precision that traditional processes simply cannot handle. It is precisely in these types of interfaces that Kista Science City has its strength, says Zakaria Beach, program manager for cybersecurity and defense at Kista Science City.
The very core of the collaboration is a challenge called “Analysis of system defensibility”. The Swedish Armed Forces” cyber defense is looking for tools that can perform a ”digital terrain analysis”, that is, automatically map complex networks. By mapping the properties of a system, one can plan and prioritize defense measures.
A strong defense of Sweden and our allies in the cyber domain requires that we constantly keep pace with technological developments. Collaborating with civilian innovators and understanding the digital terrain is a strategic necessity for building the cyber defense of the future, says the colonel Thomas Hoglund, Head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Cyber Defense.
The challenge is aimed at technology companies and startups with deep expertise in cybersecurity and network analysis. The application period runs until March 20, 2026, after which a selection process will begin to identify the most promising solutions. These companies will be invited to tailored matchmaking meetings and demo days in Stockholm in the spring of 2026. The goal is to identify solutions that can lead to paid pilot projects and long-term collaborations
About Kista Science City
City Kista Science City AB is an arena that accelerates open innovation, business development and commercialization of research. We do this with a focus on cybersecurity, among other things, defense technology, semiconductors and space technology. We create the conditions for effective collaboration between business, academia, research institutes and public actors. Kista Science City AB owned by the Electrum Foundation.
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