Five companies with ties to LEAD have earned a spot on Ny Teknik’s prestigious 2026 33-list. The LEAD companies Radar Reticence and Synclair Vision, along with LEAD alumni Westra, Cellfion, and Renasens, are recognized for their innovative power and potential to grow in an international market.
Every year, Ny Teknik highlights Sweden’s 33 most innovative and promising young technology companies. The list recognizes companies that, through innovation, technical excellence, and strong innovative power, have the potential to transform their respective industries. The fact that five companies with ties to LEAD are included on this year’s list is a gratifying testament to the entrepreneurship and developmental power found within the LEAD network.
“We are very proud of our startups, both those currently with us and our alumni. Being included on the 33-list is an incredible recognition of the companies’ work and development,” says Catharina Sandberg, CEO of LEAD.
Several of the companies have links to Linköping University (LiU), either through research or through entrepreneurs who studied at the university. Furthermore, four of the companies’ current CEOs or key personnel were previously LEAD trainees and were matched with the companies through LEAD’s Entrepreneurs in Residence program.
Technology meeting the challenges of the future
The five companies operate in different technological fields but share the common goal of developing innovative solutions to concrete challenges.
The LEAD company Synclair Vision was founded in 2021 by students at Linköping University and develops intelligent camera systems that use AI to analyze image data directly on board drones and other platforms.
For CEO Carl Wikström, the award is both a recognition and an incentive for the future.
“It is, of course, fantastic to be on a top list, especially the 33-list! Now we just have to make sure we live up to expectations and deliver, which I don’t doubt for a second that we will,” says Carl Wikström, CEO of Synclair Vision.
The LEAD company Radar Reticence has also secured a place on the list. The company develops software-based signal processing designed to make vehicle radar more reliable, even in heavy traffic. The technology addresses a growing challenge as vehicles become increasingly automated.
“We are very happy and proud to have been selected for Ny Teknik’s 33-list. It is a wonderful recognition of our technology and the hard work the entire team has put in. We have taken major steps forward over the past year and look forward to continuing to develop our technology to meet one of the automotive industry’s growing challenges—radar interference in increasingly automated traffic,” says Frida Wygler, CEO of Radar Reticence.
Three LEAD alumni recognized
Among the LEAD alumni on the list are Westra, Cellfion, and Renasens, all of which develop technology with the potential to contribute to more sustainable industrial processes and materials.
Westra focuses on binders for lithium-ion batteries and high-performance polymers for capacitors. The company’s materials can replace polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is currently the dominant binder in lithium-ion batteries. The technology is based on research from Linköping University.
Cellfion develops advanced materials based on functionalized nanocellulose. The materials have potential applications in areas such as energy, separation, and industry, and can contribute to new solutions across several technological fields. The solution stems from ten years of research at LiU, KTH, and RISE.
Renasens has developed a technology that makes it possible to separate fibers from textile waste without degrading their quality. The process also removes dyes and additives, making it possible to reuse the fibers in new textiles. The technology can thus contribute to reduced microplastic emissions and more sustainable textile production.
