The future of the Swedish space industry in focus at GoWest

How can Sweden ensure its competitiveness when private actors, capital, politicians, and entrepreneurs are jointly shaping a new space economy? This question will be the focus when the space industry takes center stage at GoWest, the Nordic region's leading meeting place for venture capital and growth companies.

On January 28–29, investors, startups, and decision-makers from across the Nordic region will gather in Gothenburg for GoWest – Nordic Venture Capital Forum. In the program item The Future of the Swedish Space Industry, leading players will meet to discuss how Sweden can strengthen its position in a rapidly growing space sector. Behind the initiative is Space Sweden, a national initiative focusing on commercialization in the space industry.

"The fact that space issues feature prominently at a forum such as GoWest is clear evidence that space is no longer a niche area, but rather a strategic industry of the future where innovation, capital, and social benefits converge," says John-Erik Hassel at Innovatum Science Park, one of the four ESA BIC incubators behind Space Sweden.

Security issues are changing the game

New commercial players, rapid technological development, and increasingly close interaction between civil and defense-related applications are changing the playing field for the space industry. What does this mean for Sweden's role, competitiveness, and future opportunities? And what kind of collaboration is needed? This will be discussed in a panel featuring Ernesto Gutiérrez from the Swedish National Space Board and Aaron Dinardi from Space West, among others.

The issue will also be raised from a start-up perspective when Monava and co-founder Alexander Hebbe take the stage. Monava develops acoustic sensor technology for both civilian and defense-related applications. The technology was originally developed to detect avalanches and landslides using satellite data from space, but is now used to identify drones that are not visible on radar. Monava currently collaborates with several defense forces.  

“When security issues and defense are linked to space to a greater extent than before, we must create conditions for collaboration throughout the value chain. Sweden’s goal is to shape developments in space and security and to be competitive internationally, and GoWest is an obvious arena for advancing that work,” concludes John-Erik.

Time: January 28, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Location: Conference room "Teatern" (ground floor) at Quality Hotel 11, opposite Eriksbergshallen.
Registration: No pre-registration required. The program item is open to participants with a conference ticket and is part of GoWest.