ZOOM
Sweden
• Thorlabs Sweden AB – Supplies a wide range of optomechanical components, lasers, detectors, and integrated photonic systems, supporting both research and industrial photonics globally.
Summary Insight:
Sweden’ s photonics industry is globally competitive across several sectors: 1. Defence & Security
( SAAB, FLIR, Aimpoint, Ir-Nova, Spectrogon) 2. Lasers & Industrial Photonics
( Cobolt, Excillum, Optoskand, Latronix, TYRI, Optronic) 3. Telecom & Networks
( Finisar, Nokia, Nyfors, Proximion) 4. Automotive & Consumer( Magna, Tobii, Trimble) 5. Materials & Components
( Mycronic, Silex, SiTek, Thorlabs)
• Core functions: ◉ Innovation Support – Helping companies, especially SMEs, to accelerate the commercialization of photonic technologies. ◉ Networking – Creating strong connections across academia, industry, and government to promote collaboration. ◉ Policy Engagement – Acting as Sweden’ s voice in European and international photonics initiatives, ensuring alignment with EU research and industrial strategies.
◉ Knowledge Exchange – Organizing workshops, conferences, and training programs that bring together stakeholders across sectors.
Together, these firms complement Sweden’ s academic and research ecosystem, forming a strong photonics value chain from fundamental science to global market leadership.
Strategic Importance and Global Impact
The Swedish photonics industry is deeply interconnected with global markets, supplying critical components and systems to sectors such as semiconductors, automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and communications. By investing in laser technologies, imaging systems, optical sensors, and photonic integration, Sweden contributes significantly to Industry 4.0, smart mobility, and the digital transformation.
Moreover, photonics plays an increasingly vital role in addressing societal challenges, including energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, and healthcare diagnostics, aligning with the European Green Deal and sustainable development goals( SDGs).
Sweden’ s Photonics Ecosystem, Global Networks, and Activities
Sweden has developed a well-connected and innovation-driven photonics ecosystem, where research, industry, and policy converge to support technological advancement and international competitiveness. This ecosystem is anchored by PhotonicSweden, the national technology platform, and reinforced by active participation in European and global networks.
PhotonicSweden – The National Platform
Founded in 2011, PhotonicSweden serves as the primary coordination and networking body for photonics in Sweden. PS was created through the merger of Swedoptronics, a network of photonics companies, and the outreach and networking activities of the Swedish Optical Society.
• Membership: Over 50 organizations( SMEs, large companies, research institutes, universities) and numerous individual members.
EU and International Engagement
Sweden plays an active role in shaping the European photonics agenda.
• EU-funded projects: PhotonicSweden participated in 13 EU projects under FP7, Horizon 2020, and Horizon Europe, covering areas such as biophotonics, quantum technologies, smart manufacturing, and optical communications.
• Photonics21: Sweden is an active contributor to Photonics21, the European Technology Platform for photonics, which defines Europe’ s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda( SRIA) and influences EU funding priorities. Swedish representatives are involved in several Photonics21 working groups( including quantum, life sciences, and manufacturing).
• Nordic Collaboration: Strong ties exist with neighboring Nordic countries( Denmark, Finland, Norway) through joint research programs, conferences, and industry partnerships. These collaborations leverage regional strengths in optics, imaging, and telecommunications.
The Optics & Photonics Conference: Sweden’ s Annual Gathering
Originally initiated by the Swedish Optical Society, the Optics & Photonics Conference has become PhotonicSweden’ s flagship event. This two-day conference includes academic and industrial sessions, exhibitions, poster presentations, and pitch talks for exhibitors. This event attracts not only attendees and exhibitors from the Nordic countries but also participants from across Europe.
A key addition is the Nordic Photonics Forum, held the day before the conference. This half-day session highlights regional collaboration and funding opportunities across the Nordic countries.
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