The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden, proudly hosted the 2025 Swedish Business in Australia Awards on Thursday, 27 November at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, Heritage Ballroom. This signature end-of-year celebration brought together members, partners and friends of the Swedish–Australian business community for an evening of recognition, networking and festive Swedish tradition.
The program featured a beautiful Lucia performance by the Swedish School in Sydney a warm cultural highlight to commence the evening. Attendees were then welcomed by Jan Gardberg, President of SACC, followed by the Guest of Honour speech by HE Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia. Guests enjoyed the Julbord, a traditional Swedish Christmas buffet, with an array of delicacies, providing a true Jultomten journey through the Swedish Christmas traditions.
Set against this festive atmosphere, we honoured companies and professionals who have made outstanding contributions to Swedish business presence, innovation, and collaboration in Australia. With a record number of nominations across all categories, the 2025 Awards showcased the depth, talent and growing impact of Swedish-related enterprises across the country.
Finalists represented a diverse range of industries including energy, technology, manufacturing, digitalisation, marine innovation, professional services, and sustainability—reflecting the strength and continued growth of Swedish values in the Australian market.
The event showcased the finalists and winners of the 2025 Swedish Business in Australia Awards. Celebrating the achievements of inspirational companies both newcomers and well stablished businesses showcasing successful collaborations between Sweden and Australia. Organisations and professionals were recognised for their significant contributions to shaping the business landscape and setting new standards of excellence.
The 2025 SACC Swedish Business Awards were presented in the following categories:
- Excellence in Innovation
- Excellence in Sustainability
- Excellence in Entrepreneurship
- Excellence in Social Impact
- Small Business of the Year
- Business Professional of the Year
- Young Professional of the Year
We invited companies, enterprises, business executives, young professionals and entrepreneurs with strong ties to Sweden to submit nominations. Additionally, organisations and individuals were encouraged to nominate specific projects, such as sustainability focused projects, products or services, innovative campaigns, or impactful initiatives.
The judging panel, consisting of respected industry and academic leaders, reviewed each nomination with great care to ensure a fair and rigorous evaluation process.
With an impressive range of high-quality submissions, the selection was particularly challenging. After detailed deliberation, the judges determined the winners, who were announced at the event. Each award category highlighted the exceptional achievements of individuals and organisations driving excellence in their fields. The results celebrated not only the winners but also the remarkable contributions of all nominees, underscoring the strength and depth of Swedish–Australian business relations.
The 2025 results within the seven categories were announced at the awards event as follows.
Excellence in Innovation
This award was open to all Swedish or Swedish-Australian businesses; large or small, newcomer or established. Recognises businesses that have made significant contributions to their industry through the introduction, improvement and implementation of an innovative solution or idea, a method, technology, process or application, new, existing or long-term. As Swedish organisations continue to lead in innovation, it was making the jury’s task particularly challenging given the exceptional calibre of entries for this category.
The finalists were, Epiroc, IFS and ITAB – Radford Retail Solutions.
The Excellence in Innovation Award 2025 was granted to Epiroc.
Motivation: Epiroc won the Innovation Award for its groundbreaking leadership in mining electrification and automation. Over the past two years, Epiroc has delivered major technological advances that push the mining sector toward true zero-emission operations while improving productivity and safety. A standout achievement is its A$350 million collaboration with Fortescue — one of the world’s largest conversions of diesel drilling fleets to electric. This project shows how Swedish innovation and Australian engineering can deliver real, measurable impact. Epiroc is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, future-focused mining. Congratulations, Epiroc!
Excellence in Sustainability
The Sustainability Award recognises organisations that demonstrate strong leadership and commitment to sustainable business practices across planning and operations, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The category welcomed entries from businesses of all sizes and sectors that go above and beyond to reduce environmental impact or deliver products and services with positive environmental outcomes. With many Swedish organisations excelling in this area, selecting a winner proved challenging for the jury, given the outstanding calibre of the finalists:
Hitachi Energy, IKEA and Sandvik.
The Excellence in Sustainability Award for 2024 went to Arjo.
Motivation: Hitachi Energy is the winner of this year’s Sustainability Award for its leadership in delivering the clean-energy infrastructure powering Australia’s transition. By bringing advanced Swedish HVDC and grid-automation technology to Australia, Hitachi Energy is enabling nation-shaping projects like Marinus Link — a project expected to avoid up to 140 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050 and unlock large-scale renewable integration. Through strong collaboration with government, utilities, and industry, Hitachi Energy is strengthening energy reliability, accelerating decarbonisation, and demonstrating the impact of Swedish-Australian sustainable innovation. Congratulations, Hitachi Energy!
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
This award recognises the efforts and achievements of exceptional entrepreneurs, individuals and businesses (large or small) who are working in the field of entrepreneurship development.
There were three shortlisted companies within this category AstraZeneca, Mentimeter and OLX Studios.
The 2025 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was secured by Mentimeter.
Motivation: Mentimeter receives the Entrepreneurship Award for its remarkable success in bringing Swedish innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the Asia–Pacific region.
In Australia, Mentimeter has rapidly built a strong presence, transforming how organisations communicate, collaborate and learn. Their platform has redefined audience engagement — making interactions more inclusive, dynamic, and impactful.
With continuous product innovation, adaptability in new markets, and a clear vision for the future of engagement, Mentimeter stands out as a true example of forward-thinking entrepreneurship. Congratulations to Mentimeter!
Excellence in Social Impact
This award recognises businesses/organisations/individuals that implement initiatives that have a positive and sustainable impact on the community and generate outcomes that have a long-term benefit. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, systems, developments, ventures and undertakings.
Finalists in this category were: Hitachi Energy and Volvo Group Australia
The Excellence in Social Impact Award was grated to Volvo Group Australia.
Motivation: Volvo Group Australia receives the Social Impact Award for its partnership with Foodbank NSW & ACT to improve food access across regional Australia. Together, they co-developed a specialised transport solution with dual-temperature capability, roadside drops, and long-distance performance — ensuring essential food reaches communities in need. Volvo engineers and Foodbank’s logistics and disaster-relief teams collaborated to create a practical, purpose-built design. With its modular trailer system and FH Globetrotter platform, the solution is scalable, adaptable, and ready to support nonprofits and emergency-response operations nationwide. Congratulations to Volvo Group Australia!
Small Business of the Year Award
This award recognises small businesses demonstrating exceptional performance, innovation, and adaptability. Recipients show strong growth or market impact, a commitment to sustainability or community engagement, and clear alignment with Swedish values such as quality, collaboration, and forward thinking.
There were two shortlisted companies within this category Carbon Yachts – Candela and Outsized.
The winner of the Small Business of the Year Award went to Carbon Yachts – Candela.
Motivation: Carbon Yachts – Candela receives the Small Business of the Year Award for showcasing Swedish technological and design leadership in Australia through strong early-stage partnerships and rapid growth. Their mission has always been to challenge what’s possible on the water — bringing forward-thinking Swedish innovation here and proving that high performance and sustainability can truly coexist. By introducing breakthrough Swedish brands like Candela and Awake, Carbon Yachts is transforming how Australians experience boating and water sports. They are not following industry trends; they are helping shape the next era of clean, smart marine experiences, one breakthrough at a time. Congratulations to Carbon Yachts – Candela!
Business Professional of the Year Award
This award honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional business acumen, strategic vision, and inspiring leadership. It recognises executives or entrepreneurs who have achieved significant career success and embody Swedish values through their commitment to innovation, transformation, and sustainable progress—serving as role models for the next generation.
The three finalists within this category were: Stephen Connor, Managing Director Volvo Car Australia, Mariette Snyman, Marketing Director IFS ANZ and Sara Kahlau, Head of APAC and Global at Outsized.
The winner of the Business Professional of the Year Award went to Mariette Snyman, Marketing Director, IFS ANZ
Motivation: Mariette Snyman is awarded Business Professional of the Year for redefining what modern leadership looks like — visionary, grounded, and purpose-driven. At IFS, she has transformed marketing from a support function into a strategic engine for growth. Mariette pioneered the IFS ANZ Community, creating a powerful platform that connects customers, partners, and industry peers in ongoing collaboration. Under her leadership, IFS ANZ has delivered double-digit growth, earned multiple Region of the Year awards, and individual awards recognising her innovation and leadership. She embodies the very essence of Swedish-Australian business excellence. Congratulations, Mariette!
Young Professional of the Year Award
Recognising the tremendous talent in the young professional business community, this award honours up and coming leaders who impress with their ability to make an impact, build strategic success and inspire others with their business acumen to raise the Swedish profile in Australia.
The two finalists were: Signe Lindahl, Sommelier Rent a Wine Expert and Jasmine Wiklander, Principal Consultant, Design & Build Recruitment and Chair SACC Young Professionals.
The winner of the Young Professional of the Year Award went to Jasmine Wiklander.
Motivation: Jasmine Wiklander is awarded Young Professional of the Year for her inspiring, committed, and forward-thinking leadership within the Swedish–Australian business community. As Chair of the SACC Young Professionals, Jasmine has expanded the board, strengthened collaboration and delivered successful events that have elevated the profile and impact of the YP network. Her work has created meaningful opportunities for mentorship and professional development across industries. Jasmine’s dedication and ability to energise and unite young professionals make her a truly deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations Jasmine!
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere thanks to all members, guests and everyone involved in the 2025 Swedish Business in Australia Awards.
We offer special appreciation to the dedicated judging panel and to all companies who submitted nominations and contributed to this year’s strong field of entrants.
A warm thank you goes to our co-host and event sponsors:
Download the Summary of the Swedish Business Award Winners 2025 here.
For more information please contact:
sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
www.swedishchamber.com.au
LinkedIn I Facebook
Since joining the Swedish-Australian Chamber of Commerce in October 2023, Mentimeter has been on an exciting journey to grow our presence across the APAC region, starting with the opening of our Sydney office. As we continue to build meaningful relationships in this market, we’re excited to offer an exclusive opportunity to fellow SACC members.
