Future innovations in energy and materials

Wave energy, fusion power, self-healing concrete and air-purifying electric vehicles are advancing through close collaboration between Swedish actors and international teams, driving practical solutions for energy and infrastructure.

Europe
Insights

Wave energy inspired by the heart

CorPower Ocean develops wave energy buoys that mimic the pumping of the heart and can generate significantly more energy per tonne of equipment than previous technologies. Swedish engineers and researchers share results and further develop the technology alongside international partners, accelerating the emergence of next-generation energy solutions.

Fusion energy on earth

In France, ITER is approaching the goal of producing energy from fusion. Swedish researchers contribute advanced instruments and control systems, including a neutron spectrometer from Uppsala University and the CODAC control system, led by Swedish engineers. Collaboration with international teams allows research breakthroughs to be translated into practical solutions for star power on Earth.

Self-healing concrete

Self-healing concrete uses bacteria activated by water to produce limestone that repairs cracks. The technology is being developed by researchers at Luleå University of Technology and Lund University, and is tested in multiple European infrastructure projects, where knowledge exchange with international partners helps create more sustainable buildings worldwide.

Direct air capture of carbon dioxide

Direct Air Capture removes carbon dioxide directly from the air. Mammoth in Iceland is the world’s largest facility, and next-generation technology developed through international collaborations aims for both higher capacity and lower energy use. Swedish actors actively participate in the development and standardisation of this technology for global deployment.

Air-purifying electric cars

In the Netherlands, students demonstrate how electric vehicles can clean the air while driving and simultaneously store carbon dioxide at charging stations. The project shows how Swedish innovations in transport and environmental technology can combine with international ideas to create practical, sustainable solutions.

Film produced for the 2025 Polhems Prize, Sweden’s oldest engineering award, presented by Engineers of Sweden, in collaboration with Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency.

Looking for swedish partners?

Collaborations between Swedish researchers, companies, and international actors make future innovations possible faster and more efficiently. Sweden has an innovation ecosystem where academia, industry, and civil society work closely together – offering unique opportunities for global actors to develop solutions that improve both people’s lives and the planet.