Accelerating Green Innovation Through Testbeds and Collaboration
How can testbeds and business networks accelerate the green transition? This was one of the key topics when companies, researchers, and experts gathered at Cleantech Meetup to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development.
Cleantech Meetup is a networking event that brings together stakeholders in green technology, clean energy, and sustainable solutions. This time, the theme was "Testbeds and Financing – Tools for Innovation and Growth," focusing on how collaboration and test environments can support and speed up innovation.
Testbeds: A Toolbox for Development
Testbeds play a crucial role in turning innovations into real-world solutions. David Engberg from RISE Sustainable Composite Manufacturing in Piteå described testbeds as a toolbox that helps companies throughout the entire development process. Johanna Källman from RISE Pilothall in Örnsköldsvik emphasized that testbeds will become even more critical in the shift toward green and renewable solutions. She stressed the importance of collaborating, coordinating, and increasing the visibility of testbeds—something David strongly agreed with.
"Testbeds will be a key driver for accelerating innovation and development. Leveraging each other's strengths will be essential," David said.
Gunnar Kalén, Johanna Källman, and David Engberg highlighted collaboration as a key to the transition.
The Future of Testbeds and Digitalization
Testbed environments are evolving rapidly. In northern Sweden, the 5G testbed provides companies with a controlled environment to test digital solutions.
"We want to lower the barriers for companies looking to take advantage of 5G technology," said Annika Svensson from the Digitalization 2030 project.
The Digitalization 2030 project offers free testing in a controlled 5G environment, as Annika Svensson explained.
In the aviation sector, Arctic Aviation Hub is leading the way in sustainable air travel. As early as next year, test flights with hydrogen-powered aircraft are planned between Skellefteå and Lycksele.
The Role of Companies and Testbeds in Innovation
For small and medium-sized enterprises, the journey from innovation to market can be long and challenging. Several companies shared their experiences at Cleantech Meetup, highlighting both the benefits and obstacles of using testbeds.
Henrik Hagman from Enduce, which has developed an energy-saving floor drain that recycles heat from wastewater, emphasized the importance of testbed environments. However, he pointed out that northern Sweden lacks sufficient testbed facilities, forcing the company to turn to southern Sweden for product development and verification. He also stressed that timing is crucial when using testbeds.
"You need to reach out to testbeds early to understand how much capital is required to test and verify your product," Henrik explained.
Hugo Wikström, Tomas Wiklund, and Henrik Hagman shared their experiences with testbeds.
Tomas Wiklund from Pulpeye, a company specializing in improving measurement and quality control in the paper industry, highlighted the importance of access to expertise and collaboration. Their journey started with a strong idea that, through partnerships with Processum and other stakeholders, evolved into a fully functional prototype. By finding the right path from concept to commercialization, they successfully launched their product on the market.
For Hugo Wikström from Big Akwa, which specializes in land-based aquaculture and industrial symbiosis, testbeds have been central to the development process. The company has long been engaged in testing and verification and sees a growing need for larger projects and long-term collaborations to take the next step.
Funding and Support for Innovation
Securing funding to access testbeds can be challenging, as Gunnar Kalén from the Biomass Technology Center pointed out. However, several funding options are available to support innovation. The Swedish Energy Agency invests 1.5 billion SEK annually in energy innovation, with targeted support for pilot and demonstration projects. Swedish Metals & Minerals has allocated another 1 billion SEK until 2030 to drive the green transition in the sector. Almi provides advisory services, loans, and venture capital, while Vinnova offers innovation grants to strengthen companies’ ability to innovate and compete.
Collaboration as the Driving Force
The key takeaway from Cleantech Meetup was clear: reaching out to testbeds early, embracing collaboration, and making use of available support are crucial steps in driving innovation. The green transition relies on innovation, partnerships, and a willingness to think differently.