Sweden has a strong position in photonics, with world-leading research, an industrial base, and applications across sectors. The Vinnova-funded pre-study coordinated by PhotonicSweden and RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) is taking shape to bring these strengths together into a nationally aligned Swedish Photonics Excellence Cluster.
A strong foundation across research and industry
The initiative builds on an already impressive national landscape. Sweden hosts a broad and internationally recognised research community, with areas such as light-matter interaction, optical communications, quantum photonics, and advanced imaging. At the same time, a diverse ecosystem of companies—from startups to global industrial players—develops photonics technologies and integrates them into systems for healthcare, manufacturing, energy, mobility, defence, and communications with the help of European partners.
This value chain—from frontier research to real-world systems—is a key strength. The cluster aims to better connect these actors, enabling faster translation of research into innovation and industrial impact.
A growing and engaged ecosystem
The ongoing stakeholder dialogue confirms both the scale and the willingness of the Swedish and European photonics community to collaborate. The ecosystem includes:
- A large network of academic leaders and research groups driving scientific excellence
- A rapidly growing startup scene in deep-tech photonics
- Established photonics companies and suppliers
- System integrators and OEMs embedding photonics into advanced products
- End users and system owners defining real-world needs and applications
Each group plays a distinct and essential role—from defining future research directions and educating talent, to identifying industrial challenges and scaling solutions.
Three interconnected programmes
At the core of the cluster concept are three closely linked programs, designed to reinforce each other:
Exploratory Research Program
Focused on high-risk, high-reward research, this program strengthens Sweden’s scientific leadership while building a strong talent pipeline through research schools and mobility.
Technology convergence programme
Bridging research and industry, this programme supports collaborative projects, industrial PhDs, and demonstrators that integrate photonics into complex systems.
Ecosystem and scale programme
This programme focuses on talent development, startup growth, internationalisation, and policy engagement—ensuring that innovations can scale and create impact.
Together, these programmes aim to create new knowledge, accelerate industrial adoption, and position Sweden as a global leader in photonics.
Focus on talent and innovation
A key priority is securing long-term competitiveness through talent and innovation. Planned activities include:
- Strengthening STEM engagement and attracting students to photonics
- Expanding doctoral networks and industry collaboration
- Supporting startups and scaleups through funding access and matchmaking
- Increasing Sweden’s visibility in European and global initiatives
- Developing Nordic-Baltic and international partnerships
These efforts aim not only to grow the ecosystem but also to position Sweden more strongly in international photonics initiatives and funding programmes.
Next Steps
The work is currently in an active dialogue phase, engaging key stakeholders across academia, industry, and the public sector. The response so far has been highly positive, with strong interest in contributing to joint activities, pilot projects, and long-term collaboration.
As the initiative progresses, the focus will be on refining the strategy, and formalising partnerships.
