Over 300 participants were registered for Norrköping Tech Day 2025 – a new attendance record – when academia, business and politics met in Värmekyrkan on May 15. For the fifth year in a row, the event offered inspiration, networking and visions of the future in the heart of a city that is increasingly establishing itself as a hub for innovation and research.
Behind the initiative are LEAD and Norrköping Science Park, which together have created a platform where the ideas of the future can grow – with everything from groundbreaking research to new startups in focus.
– “Many people don’t know how strong the research is at Campus Norrköping – we are talking world-leading level. This day shows what Norrköping actually is and where we are going,” said Martina Hegestig, Business Operations Manager at LEAD and today’s moderator.
Strong voices from research and startups
The first session of the day highlighted future creation from both researchers and entrepreneurs. Speakers included Magnus Berggren, Professor at Linköping University and Director of the WISE research program, and entrepreneurs such as Liam Hardey (Cellfion), Jade Abir Bouledjouidja (Renasens) and Niklas Boman (Seapattern), who together illustrated the range of Norrköping’s innovation climate.
The afternoon was followed by an intensive program of talks on investments in Deep Tech, the health of the Swedish innovation landscape, and Östergötland’s growing role in the development of civil-military innovation.
Highlights: confidence and cooperation
One of the most appreciated elements of the day was the inspirational lecture by Tobias Degsell, former curator at the Nobel Prize Museum and founder of Combiner. With power, humor and sharpness, he challenged the audience to think about collaboration, trust and future building.
Norrköping Tech Award to Againity
At the end of the day, the prestigious Norrköping Tech Award was presented – an award that celebrates groundbreaking technologies and companies that make a difference in society. This year’s winner was the Norrköping-based company Againity, which develops solutions to convert low-temperature residual heat into electricity. A clear example of local innovation with global potential.
The party then continued with the Tech Day After Party in collaboration with HiQ – a conclusion that reflected the energy and confidence of the day.
A growing commitment
– “The great interest in this year’s event shows that something is happening in Norrköping. There is a growing commitment and a desire to help shape the future – from investors, researchers and young entrepreneurs,” says Martina Hegestig.
