How can Dalarna’s growing AI initiatives benefit the companies and the people who live and work here? This is one of the most important questions for AI Arena Dalarna, which was inaugurated on October 19 at Dalarna Science Park in Borlänge. Here, businesses, academia, and the public sector will work together to develop and test AI solutions that make a real difference.
“It’s so obvious that Dalarna has everything it needs,” said Hanna Widengren of NVIDIA during the opening ceremony.
She highlighted lessons learned from international AI initiatives, where collaboration among various stakeholders, a long-term perspective, and investments have been key to success.
In a short period of time, Dalarna has come to play an increasingly important role in the development of AI. Major investments in data centers and digital infrastructure are creating new opportunities. But how do we ensure that these developments also benefit businesses and residents?
“How can we turn Dalarna’s growing AI infrastructure into real benefits for businesses, people, and society? What new business opportunities and jobs can emerge, and how can we ensure that these investments also strengthen the businesses and people already here?” said Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park.
This is where ideas become reality
AI Arena Dalarna aims to make it easier for businesses and public sector organizations to understand, test, and use AI. By connecting real-world needs with the right expertise, research, and technology, it creates opportunities to develop and test solutions in real-world environments. The goal is for more solutions to be put into use and to contribute to new ways of working, more efficient operations, and enhanced competitiveness.
Digital strategist and futurist Judith Wolst, who also participated in the opening ceremony, emphasized the importance of using technology where it is most beneficial.
“I also believe that the opportunity for the EU, Sweden, and Dalarna lies largely in using technology wisely to address real problems and leveraging what we already know,” said Judith Wolst.
She specifically highlighted industry, health, energy, and the green transition as areas where Sweden is well-positioned to develop new solutions using AI.
But it's also about using technology wisely. Issues related to energy use, safety, and responsibility need to be addressed from the very beginning.
Many forces behind the initiative
AI Arena Dalarna brings together businesses, researchers, technology companies, and energy companies that want to work together to develop AI based on real-world needs. The participation of many different stakeholders is a key part of this initiative.
Governor Helena Höij attended the opening ceremony and highlighted Dalarna’s long industrial history and the opportunities now emerging at the intersection of industry, energy, and new technology. She was also the one who declared AI Arena Dalarna officially open.
Now the work begins
During the opening ceremony, several speakers kept coming back to the same point: It’s not enough to just talk about AI and its potential. Something actually has to happen.
“We’re going to take concrete action. So often, people just talk and talk and talk. But AI Arena Dalarna—that’s going to be a reality,” said Stefan Rodheim, project manager for AI Arena Dalarna.
That is also the idea behind Dalarna’s ambition to become Sweden’s AI hub. The region is home to industry, energy expertise, research, and a growing digital infrastructure. By getting more people to work together, new ideas can be tested and developed.
The inauguration on October 19 marked the start. Now the work begins: identifying needs, forging partnerships, and encouraging more companies and organizations to start using AI where it actually makes a difference.
Would you like to join AI Arena Dalarna? Companies and organizations that wish to follow developments, contribute their expertise, or participate in joint activities are welcome to contact Dalarna Science Park.
About AI Arena Dalarna
Project Owner: Dalarna Science Park
Project Partners and Funders: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Region Dalarna, Dalarna University, EcoDataCenter, Google, Nvidia, Atea, Consid, Sogeti, Fortum, Vattenfall, Falu Energi & Vatten, Borlänge Energi, and Nordion Energi.
