Innovations in hot IT area to be led from Uppsala University

This week, Vinnova has decided on which five new programs to be established within the national initiative on strategic innovation areas (SIO): endemic diseases, internet of things, electronic components and systems, the material graphene, as well as new bio-based materials, products and services. Uppsala University’s application regarding the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) was one of five to gain approval from the assessors.

‘IT research in this area is very strong at Uppsala University and we’re pleased to now play a central role when it comes to spur on the process of innovation in Sweden. I know that many have worked hard for this and rejoice in the success of the researchers’, says Eva Åkesson, Vice-Chancellor of Uppsala University.

Staffan Truvé, CTO of Recorded Future and Chairman of the steering group which led the work with the application:

‘The Internet of Things offers tremendous opportunities for innovation, both for Swedish industry and the public sector. The fact that Vinnova is now investing heavily in this area also shows that there is an understanding of the importance of cooperation between different branches of industry in order to make the technology the change agent it can be’, he says.

The area is strongly expansive, both within research and entrepreneurship. There are already a number of applications in the private sphere, and more are under development. It is no longer an unreasonable thought to have a cell phone send a warning about a water leak in the summer cottage, a boat adrift or a smoke detector gone off at home. There are countless of possible uses, also within industrial manufacturing processes. At Uppsala University, advanced research is conducted in the area since many years under the leadership of Professor Per Gunningberg.

‘This announcement confirms that what we have done so far in this upcoming area of IT is appreciated. The program involves a great deal of interaction with the Swedish industry which also benefits future research’, says Per Gunningberg.

The innovation programme, which will be coordinated by Östen Frånberg, Uppsala University, brings together some 40 actors in the field and is clearly focused on collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector. Companies, universities and other stakeholders will be able to seek funding for research and innovation in the field through open calls. The program has applied for a total of 185 million SEK during two years of which approximately half comes from Vinnova and half from the industry.

Vinnova’s selection was made by external assessors who have given their opinion on the innovation area’s growth potential, societal relevance, scientific quality and potential to contribute to the overall objectives, such as sustainable growth, social development and strengthening of the competitiveness of Swedish industry.