What's the thing about Gothenburg?

Exploring the tech trends of Gothenburg

As we move through 2024, it's clear that technology is continuing to reshape our lives.

Interestingly, the rapid pace of tech development in Gothenburg is now setting the city at the forefront of global innovation, with increased recognition as a tech leader.

Let's delve into some of the key tech trends in Gothenburg shaping industries and driving societal changes.

Gothenburg trending as a tech leader

It is interesting to me how a simple sentence in a popular movie or series can sometimes capture the worldwide impression of a person, a company, or an entire country.

For decades now, Sweden has often been casually mentioned in movies and series, which has led to its perception in a particular way worldwide. Or is it the way Sweden is being portrayed that is being transferred into how the country is being viewed through movies? Who knows.

But what is evident is that Stockholm is often popularly mentioned. Recently, however, there was an interesting shift in the discourse when a tech leader in the popular Max (former HBO) series Succession was portrayed as a successful entrepreneur and investor from Gothenburg, in particular.

In the series, which is said to be based on the real-life media mogul family Murdoch, the character Shiv Roy says: "You are about to purchase one of the most prized cultural assets and political communication channels in America, and you need to prepare the ground. Otherwise, your many f-ng enemies will portray you as some jerk-off coder from Gothenburg. Okey?" As to this, the Mattson character responds with: "... I am a jerk-off coder from Gothenburg".

The character Lukas Matsson in Succession, played by Alexander Skarsgård, is said to be inspired by real-life tech CEOs, particularly Daniel Ek of Spotify, with his Scandinavian (Swedish) background and media ambitions. Comparisons have also been drawn to Elon Musk for his social media antics and Peter Thiel for his involvement in psychedelics.

But is there some truth in portraying Gothenburg as a tech leader?

Well, there sure is, according to statements and facts from Invest in Gothenburg, stating that 33% of Sweden’s private sector R&D investments are made in the region. It is said that Gothenburg boasts the highest number of engineers and natural scientists in Sweden’s metropolitan areas.

And some may say Gothenburg’s strength in collaborational initiatives is key to the city’s success, as partnerships between industries, academia, and startups fuel innovation in the region.

As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2024, one thing is clear: Gothenburg’s role on the global tech stage is only set to grow, as highlighted by Invest in Gothenburg.

Let's have a closer look at six trending tech areas in Gothenburg:

1. AI and its expanding influence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains the most transformative force in technology today. What was once the realm of science fiction has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether enhancing vehicle safety, streamlining logistics, or analyzing complex medical data, AI is embedded in almost every industry.

Take Smart Eye, a pioneer in driver monitoring systems, now found in vehicles like the Polestar 3. Or Kognic, whose AI-driven solutions are ensuring the safety of self-driving cars. The city also boasts the presence of AI Sweden, a national initiative housed at Lindholmen Science Park, making Gothenburg a nerve center for AI research and collaboration.

AI startups here are thriving, with companies like Einride and Irisity using artificial intelligence to transform industries like logistics and surveillance. And let’s not forget about Chalmers University, whose research and technical talent are pushing Gothenburg’s AI capabilities to new heights. The region is rich in AI expertise, with heavyweights like Volvo, Spotify, and Zenseact all tapping into this growing resource.

2. Health tech: Revolutionizing healthcare

The convergence of technology and healthcare is another area where Gothenburg is making significant strides.

While the world is racing to innovate in healthcare, Gothenburg is already sprinting ahead. The city's potent mix of advanced medical research, cutting-edge AI, and its deep-rooted life sciences industry make it the perfect breeding ground for health tech breakthroughs.

Sahlgrenska University Hospital, one of Europe’s largest, and AstraZeneca are pillars of Gothenburg’s healthcare landscape, driving innovations in areas like precision medicine. These advancements are transforming everything from surgery simulations to AI-driven diagnostic tools. Companies like Surgical Science are training the next generation of surgeons through virtual simulations, and startups like Visiba Group are revolutionizing patient care with their e-health platforms.

Here, medical technology is converging with digital prowess, creating a health tech ecosystem that’s poised to improve healthcare worldwide — while keeping costs under control.

3. Digital twins: Simulating the future

The concept of digital twins — virtual replicas of physical objects — is gaining traction, particularly in smart cities and manufacturing.

Gothenburg is no stranger to innovation, but its work on digital twins might just be its most futuristic leap yet. The city has taken data from its infrastructure — streets, buildings, green spaces—and created a digital replica that can be used to simulate and plan urban development in real time. From energy consumption to traffic management, Gothenburg’s digital twin covers an impressive 800 square kilometers.

This technology isn't just reserved for urban planning, though. It’s increasingly used in healthcare, where medical twins — digital replicas of human organs — are aiding in complex surgeries. Gothenburg’s expertise in areas like medical imaging and 3D visualization is laying the foundation for some truly life-saving innovations.

In a world where data is king, Gothenburg’s work on digital twins is positioning the city at the forefront of smart city development and digital transformation.

4. Deep tech and quantum computing: Solving big challenges

Deep tech, encompassing groundbreaking innovations in areas like quantum computing, is another domain where Gothenburg excels.

Quantum computing may still sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but in Gothenburg, it’s becoming a reality. Chalmers University is leading the charge with a SEK 1 billion investment to build Sweden’s first quantum computer, capable of solving problems that even today’s supercomputers can’t touch.

This new frontier promises to revolutionize everything from material science to climate research, and Gothenburg is poised to be a central player. Companies like Scalinq and Low Noise Factory are already developing key components for quantum technology, and major corporations like AstraZeneca, Saab, and Volvo Group are eager to explore quantum's possibilities.

It’s not just hype—the groundwork being laid in Gothenburg could lead to breakthroughs in everything from advanced AI to new drugs and materials, setting the stage for a quantum leap in global tech innovation.

5. The future of connectivity: 6G

While most of the world is still exploring the capabilities of 5G, Gothenburg is already preparing for the next revolution in connectivity — 6G. Expected to roll out around 2030, 6G will bring data speeds up to 1,000 times faster than 5G, with significantly reduced latency. In simpler terms, it will make today's real-time communication look like dial-up internet by comparison.

But it’s not just about speed. 6G promises to integrate AI-powered capabilities that will allow for real-time holographic meetings, smart energy grids, and seamless autonomous driving. This development is driven by companies like Ericsson and the innovation efforts at Chalmers University, which are key players in the EU’s Hexa-X initiative, paving the way for 6G’s arrival.

Moreover, Gothenburg’s historic expertise in radio communication and antenna technology, honed by companies like Saab and Ericsson, positions the city at the forefront of this transformation. The potential applications of 6G are staggering, from enabling AI-driven Internet of Things (IoT) systems to powering global connectivity via satellite links.

6. The future of logistics

Picture a world where goods move effortlessly through city streets, delivered by fleets of autonomous, zero-emission vehicles. In Gothenburg, this vision of the future is rapidly becoming a reality.

Gothenburg’s thriving tech environment is driving a revolution in logistics, where transportation is increasingly controlled by intelligent software and AI. Companies like Einride are pioneering the use of electric, self-driving trucks to streamline goods transportation, reducing both environmental impact and operational costs. These autonomous fleets are monitored and optimized via cloud-based platforms, ensuring goods are delivered efficiently without human intervention.

Also, startups like WirelessCar provide innovative cloud services to help companies manage fleets precisely. This combination of cutting-edge software and sustainable vehicle development has attracted global tech leaders such as Nvidia and Luminar, further boosting Gothenburg’s growing reputation as a hub for smart logistics solutions.

What's next?

As these trends illustrate, Gothenburg is not just keeping pace with the global tech landscape — it’s also shaping it.

The city has become a focal point for significant technological advancements, from AI to health tech, digital twins, deep tech, and quantum computing. Its industrial heritage, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit make it a fertile ground for innovations to impact the world.

This dynamic environment encourages businesses to stay ahead of the curve, adopting new technologies and strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For global brands and companies looking to leverage tech trends, look at what Gothenburg offers.