Interim report January–September 2025
In the third quarter, RISE brings together industry around biotechnology and sustainable manufacturing, takes AI into space and launches new offerings that support market introduction. RISE continues to develop in areas and technologies that are strategically important for Sweden.
After a strong first half of the year, we saw a slowdown in the economy in the third quarter. However, for the period January–September, the Group's net sales showed a positive trend compared with the previous year and a significantly better result. Our work on operational excellence continues.
It is important for Sweden to have a strong research institute. 96 per cent of the decision-makers surveyed in RISE's 2025 brand survey agree wholeheartedly with this. The fact that awareness of RISE now stands at 75 per cent clearly shows that we have an important role to play for industry and society. The need for RISE has never been greater.
That is why the European Commission's strategy for research and technology infrastructures was welcome news. It is of great importance to companies and public sector actors that depend on technology infrastructures to accelerate new innovative solutions. The support proposed in connection with the strategy will contribute to increased access to infrastructures in areas of strategic importance to Europe.
Cutting-edge applied research
The European Commission's annual report on innovation, the European Innovation Scoreboard, presented in July, showed that Sweden has regained its position as the strongest innovation country in the EU. As Sweden's research institute, RISE plays a key role and continuously invests in new cutting-edge expertise, technology infrastructure and collaboration that contribute to the competitiveness of Swedish companies.
In the third quarter, new steps were taken in areas such as biotechnology and AI for space. These are areas that are important for Sweden's position as a country of innovation.
At RISE's technology infrastructure in Örnsköldsvik, industry and financiers gathered to discuss the potential of biotechnology for the food and feed industry. In Stockholm, the new ESA Phi-Lab Sweden initiative was launched, coordinated by RISE, which will support industrial players seeking to use AI in space.
Another area with great potential is quantum technology. We are therefore very proud to now be part of the Strategic Advisory Board for the EU initiative Quantum Technology FET Flagship, which aims to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technology.
Increased focus on security
RISE's technical infrastructures are continuously developed in line with our customers' needs. One example is the stricter security requirements that follow increased connectivity. RISE's facility for testing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless communication is the largest of its kind in the Nordic region. The EMC facility is now certified according to the automotive industry's common security standard TISAX, which means that, together with the previously certified technology infrastructures AstaZero and the battery safety lab, it constitutes a comprehensive offering that meets the automotive industry's growing need for secure, reliable and high-performance test environments.
As cyber threats and the need for robust total defence increase, quality-assured solutions for security and fire protection are becoming increasingly important. We are now expanding our certification services in accordance with the standards of the Swedish Anti-Theft Association and the Swedish Fire Protection Association. This strengthens the opportunities for independent and quality-assured certification for the entire security market.
From idea to innovation and entry into the market
As an accredited body, RISE offers a comprehensive range of verification and certification services. A new development in this area is that RISE is now accredited for the verification of sustainability declarations. Many organisations are facing increased demands to demonstrate their sustainability work, and the new service is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises.
For a small company to take its idea, scale it up and enter the market, it needs a partner with both expertise and the ability to test and verify. RISE is that partner.
One example of this is the PINNForm project, in which AirForestry, STILFOLD and RISE are developing a new AI-supported method for manufacturing metal components for drones used in forestry and emergency preparedness. This interim report also tells the story of the Swedish company Enduce, which has now commercialised its shower innovation with type approval.
These are two of many examples of how RISE is working with customers and partners to promote Swedish innovation and increase competitiveness.