Accelerating Green Innovation Through Testbeds and Collaboration

Accelerating the transition to a circular and bio-based economy requires places where innovations can be tested, scaled and refined. Test beds and technology infrastructures create unique environments where business, the public sector and research can come together to scale up, develop and test new solutions in a controlled environment. The Cleantech Meetup in Örnsköldsvik recently brought together stakeholders in green technology, clean energy and sustainable solutions. The theme this time was 'Testbeds and funding - tools for innovation and growth', with a focus on how innovation can be supported and accelerated through collaboration and test environments.

“It was fantastic that so many people took the opportunity to learn more about our testbeds in the region. We have many testbed opportunities, but I don't think everyone knows about them and how we can create competitive, green solutions that make a difference both locally and globally," says Helena Näsström, Project Manager at North Sweden Cleantech.

Testbeds - a toolbox for development 

Testbeds play a key role in taking innovations from idea to reality. David Engberg from RISE Sustainable Composite Manufacturing in Piteå described testbeds as a toolbox that helps companies throughout the development chain. Johanna Källman from RISE talked more about the pilot hall in Örnsköldsvik and said that testbeds will become even more important in the transition to green and renewable energy and stressed the importance of cooperation, coordination and visibility of the testbeds, something David agreed with.

- The test beds will be an engine for accelerating innovation and development, and leveraging each other's strengths will be key, David said.

Gunnar Kalén from the Biomass Technology Centre, Johanna Källman and David Engberg highlighted collaboration as key to the transition.

The Role of Companies and Testbeds in Innovation

For small and medium-sized enterprises, the journey from innovation to market can be long and challenging. Several companies shared their experiences at Cleantech Meetup, highlighting both the benefits and obstacles of using testbeds.

Henrik Hagman from Enduce, which has developed an energy-saving floor drain that recycles heat from wastewater, emphasized the importance of testbed environments. However, he pointed out that northern Sweden lacks sufficient testbed facilities, forcing the company to turn to southern Sweden for product development and verification. He also stressed that timing is crucial when using testbeds.

"You need to reach out to testbeds early to understand how much capital is required to test and verify your product," Henrik explained.

Tomas Wiklund from Pulpeye, a company specializing in improving measurement and quality control in the paper industry, highlighted the importance of access to expertise and collaboration. Their journey started with a strong idea that, through partnerships with Processum and other stakeholders, evolved into a fully functional prototype. By finding the right path from concept to commercialization, they successfully launched their product on the market.

For Hugo Wikström from Big Akwa, which specializes in land-based aquaculture and industrial symbiosis, testbeds have been central to the development process. The company has long been engaged in testing and verification and sees a growing need for larger projects and long-term collaborations to take the next step.

“For us as a company, it is crucial that there is a place where we can verify our product - it creates security and strengthens both self-confidence and the quality of what we do. The Processum Biorefinery Cluster, with its unique combination of expertise and infrastructure, plays a key role in this. Our long-term collaboration creates new knowledge, adds value and gives us the credibility we need to succeed in our development journey," says Hugo.

Funding and Support for Innovation

Securing funding to access testbeds can be challenging, as Gunnar Kalén from the Biomass Technology Center pointed out. However, several funding options are available to support innovation. The Swedish Energy Agency invests 1.5 billion SEK annually in energy innovation, with targeted support for pilot and demonstration projects. Swedish Metals & Minerals has allocated another 1 billion SEK until 2030 to drive the green transition in the sector. Almi provides advisory services, loans, and venture capital, while Vinnova offers innovation grants to strengthen companies’ ability to innovate and compete.

Collaboration as the Driving Force

The key takeaway from Cleantech Meetup was clear: reaching out to testbeds early, embracing collaboration, and making use of available support are crucial steps in driving innovation. The green transition relies on innovation, partnerships, and a willingness to think differently.

RISE is part of the project Innovation Power for Green Transition, which is part of the North Sweden Cleantech platform. Read more about the project here.