Northern Sweden promotes sustainable innovation at World Expo 2025

The delegation comprised representatives from the region, North Sweden Cleantech, RISE, and several companies, including Aleva Sverige AB, Stunder Sverige AB, EduTechSmart AB, Hikki AB, Holma-Helsinglands AB, Boreal Orchards AB, and Valigent AB. Together, they showcased Northern Sweden's innovative strength on the international stage, creating opportunities for new collaborations and business deals.

New research and innovation opportunities

The delegation visited Keihanna Science City, an internationally recognised hub for research and innovation, where they met with ATR (Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International) and the Keihanna Global Innovation Ecosystem. The companies presented their activities and initiated discussions on future collaborations.

The visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RISE Processum AB and ATR, marking an important step towards long-term research and innovation exchange. The agreement also opens up opportunities for start-ups in northern Sweden to participate in Keihanna's international accelerator programme, providing them with valuable experience and connections on a global scale.

Northern Sweden in the Nordic Pavilion

At the World Expo exhibition area's Nordic Pavilion, companies were given the chance to showcase their solutions and network with Japanese stakeholders. Entitled 'Northern Sweden – Driving Sustainable Development through Innovation in Cleantech, Healthcare, and Design', the event organised by Region Västerbotten and North Sweden Cleantech combined panel discussions, company presentations, and musical performances by Sara Ainnak and Johan Wållberg. Together, these elements created an inspiring platform for networking and exchanging ideas.

“Presenting our business in the Nordic Pavilion gave us direct contact with potential partners and new ideas for collaboration,” said Per Enoksson of Hikki AB.

Results and next steps

The week in Osaka produced clear and tangible results. The delegation established new international contacts and collaborations in research, innovation and business. Signing the MoU between RISE Processum AB and ATR was an important step towards long-term research exchange, enabling Swedish start-ups from northern Sweden to participate in international accelerator programmes. At the same time, the trip raised the profile of northern Sweden and its companies in the context of international sustainability issues.

‘This MoU is a significant step towards long-term research exchange that could greatly impact the region,’ says Karin Johnson at RISE Processum AB.

These new contacts, collaborations and experiences lay the foundation for continued development and new business opportunities in northern Sweden. At the same time, the region's role as a driving force in the green transition is being strengthened.

The delegation trip was organised by North Sweden Cleantech through the Innovation Power for Green Transition project, financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Region Västerbotten, Piteå Municipality, Skellefteå Municipality, Umeå Municipality, and the following companies: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Arctic Business, BizMaker, Uminova Innovation, Piteå Science Park, Skellefteå Science City, PiteEnergi, Övik Energi AB, Skellefteå Kraft, Umeå Energi AB,  Umeå municipal companies and Vakin.