Swedish Australian Innovation, Technology & Design Summit 2025 – Highlights & Reflections 

Swedish Australian Innovation, Technology & Design Summit 2025 – Highlights & Reflections

On 18–19 September 2025, the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, together with the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Connect, and Team Sweden partners Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Institute, proudly hosted the Swedish–Australian Sustainable Innovation, Technology & Design Summit.

Over two inspiring days, more than 300 participants — including industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, students, and innovators — came together to strengthen collaboration between Sweden and Australia in sustainable innovation, advanced technology, AI, design, and R&D.

Summit Highlights

• Opening Session: The Hon. Danny Pearson, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs and Minister for Finance, highlighted the Victorian Government’s commitment to global innovation partnerships. The University of Melbourne’s Provost Professor Jane Gunn AO, emphasised the importance of strong collaboration across academia, government, and business. Deputy Head of Mission Nils Hedberg Grimlund, Embassy of Sweden, underlined Sweden’s long-standing leadership in sustainability and the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. Jan Gardberg, President of the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce, underscored the role of the Chamber in fostering Swedish–Australian collaboration and driving innovation.
• Keynote – Dan Hill on Innovation: Highlighted what Sweden and Australia can learn from each other: Sweden’s systems-level, long-term approach and Australia’s ability to prototype and scale quickly.
• Pioneering Innovation: Showcased examples of Sweden’s position as a world leader in innovation, highlighting cutting-edge solutions and business models driving progress in sustainability, digitalisation, advanced technologies and renewable energy, with opportunities for collaboration with Australia.
• Smart Buildings for People & Planet: Explored how design, digital solutions, and energy efficiency are transforming the built environment into healthier, greener, and more adaptive spaces.
• Driving Innovation through Electrification & Automation: Highlighted how the shift to electrification, automation, and intelligent mobility systems is driving sustainable growth across industries from transport to mining.
• Urban Design Planning: Rethinking cities for liveable, sustainable, resilient, and inclusive futures.
• Public Safety & Security: How 5G, cybersecurity, and smart solutions from Swedish companies like Saab, Ericsson, and Axis are advancing public safety.
• Transforming Sustainable & Healthier Food Systems: Exploring bioprocessing, fermentation, and circular food solutions to ensure healthier and low-carbon food systems.
• Innovation Ecosystems: Showcasing cross-sector collaboration across universities, government, and industry, with case studies from Sweden and Australia.
• Health & Life Sciences: Explored how Swedish and Australian innovation is transforming healthcare in the face of climate change. The session highlighted the links between environmental sustainability and health outcomes, showcasing advances in medical technology, life sciences research, and collaborative approaches to building climate-resilient healthcare systems.
• Future of Work & AI: Key insights on how AI and digitalisation are reshaping jobs and skills for the future economy.

The Summit sparked a wave of engagement. Here are just some of the reflections shared:

“Collaboration is the key — this Summit has shown how Sweden and Australia can work together to drive real change.”

“AI isn’t just about technology, it’s about people — preparing today’s workforce for tomorrow’s challenges.”

“Such an impressive gathering of minds from industry, academia, and government — exactly what’s needed for innovation.”

“The future of cities must be smart, sustainable, and inclusive. Great to see this dialogue taking place across borders.”

“Fantastic discussions on sustainable food systems — bioprocessing and fermentation are game-changers for resilience and health.”

“Proud to see Sweden’s innovation strengths showcased here in Australia. Partnerships like these create real impact.”

Purpose & Impact

At its heart, the Summit was about creating a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships between Sweden and Australia. The shared goal: to advance sustainable innovation, strengthen R&D, and inspire new opportunities across technology, design, AI, and sustainability.

Thank You

A special thank you to the University of Melbourne, Team Sweden partners, and our corporate members — ABB, AstraZeneca, Axis Communications, Ericsson, Getinge, Hitachi Energy, Organic Response, OX2, Saab Australia, Sobi, Tetra Pak, CJD Equipment, and Volvo Group Australia — for making this Summit possible.

Together, we are building bridges toward a sustainable, innovative, and connected future.