Cyber threats, pandemics, self-sufficiency in critical resources and the psychological effects of crises all demand rapid competence development and new approaches to innovation. Many of the solutions already exist in Lund.
"There's an enormous amount of expertise in Lund. Look at the breadth of LU: from autonomous systems and cyber security to behavioural science and the recently established LUPREP, the centre for preparedness and resilience. That makes us a natural hub in the growing defence innovation ecosystem," says Magnus Gäfvert, Innovation Developer at LU Innovation.
The work now is about getting that knowledge where it is needed. In May, innovation offices from across Sweden gathered in Lund around the theme of security, resilience and defence innovation – with the goal of identifying research and early-stage companies that can be put to use in Sweden's total defence, and matching them with public agencies, the market and funders. During the visit, the network heard a presentation from Polar Mist, a company founded by a former LTH student, Gustaf von Grothusen and Professor of Mathematical Statistics Andreas Jakobsson, developing maritime drones that have attracted international attention – including coverage in The New York Times.
– We are building competence and networks to match the needs we see in society. We are learning quickly how this area works – what those with operational needs are asking for, what the rules of the game are, and how we as an innovation office can best support researchers with relevant ideas, says Magnus Gäfvert, who before joining Lund University co-founded and built a global software company based on research from LTH.
New ways of working
Defence needs have traditionally been kept close to the chest. But there is now a clearer shift towards a more open approach, where those with operational needs and innovation actors meet earlier around a defined challenge. One example is a national hackathon organised in May by KTH and Swedavia on drone defence for civilian airports, where research teams apply their knowledge to concrete challenges posed by operational stakeholders.
Also recently launched in Lund is LRIX, Lund Rapid Innovation and eXploitation – a pilot project in which Amyna, together with the
Swedish Armed Forces and the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), academia and industry, is developing faster innovation processes within the command and control systems area.
– A lot is happening in Lund right now. Key stakeholders are establishing themselves in the region. Saab Naval has just moved in, P7 is based in Revingehed – and through our collaboration with Amyna, IDEON's defence incubator, we have direct channels into the international network.
Do you have an idea?
Are you a researcher at Lund University with a project or a question that could contribute to a safer society? LU Innovation would love to hear from you. Book a meeting with us.