Sweden is committed to becoming one of the world’s top ten AI nations. In Dalarna, the BRAINS (Sustainable Regional AI Hub in Collaboration) project is now getting underway to help put these ambitions into practice and strengthen the region’s ability to use AI for development and innovation. The project will also lay the groundwork for a long-term AI hub in Dalarna.
Dalarna Science Park is leading this initiative in collaboration with Dalarna University and a broad network of regional and national stakeholders. The long-term goal is to strengthen Dalarna’s position in the field of sustainable, energy-efficient, and responsible AI.
Through this project, more companies will discover how AI can contribute to new or improved products, services, processes, and ways of working. Public organizations and support agencies will gain a better understanding of how to work with AI in a well-considered manner. The experiences and approaches from Dalarna will also be able to be applied and provide benefits in other parts of Sweden.
Contents
- Identify needs and ideas in the field of AI
- Test, validate, and analyze
- Develop methods and work practices
- Share knowledge and lessons learned
The project aims to make it easier for companies and public organizations to explore and use AI in a well-considered manner. Companies and public organizations will gain access to research-based knowledge, methodological support, and analytical capabilities, as well as the opportunity to develop and test AI-related ideas in collaboration with experts and other stakeholders.
That is why this initiative is needed
The demand for AI services and computing power is growing rapidly, making the energy issue a key societal challenge. At the same time, many companies and organizations lack the knowledge and support needed to translate AI into tangible benefits. This initiative aims to help bridge that gap and demonstrate how AI can be developed and used more responsibly, more energy-efficiently, and in ways that clearly benefit society.
Dalarna has a strong foundation, with a reliable energy supply, data centers, industry, academia, and established collaboration. This initiative aims to capitalize on Dalarna’s strong foundation and make its growing AI capacity more accessible and useful to a wider audience, while also strengthening the region’s profile in the field of sustainable and energy-conscious AI.
Facts
Project Name: BRAINS—Sustainable Regional AI Hub in Collaboration
Project Period: September 1, 2026–August31, 2030
Total Budget: 24.6million Swedish kronor
Target Group:Small and medium-sized enterprises, the public sector, and innovation actors in all 15 municipalities in Dalarna.
Project Owner: Dalarna Science Park
Project Partners and Funders:European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Region Dalarna, Dalarna University, EcoDatacenter, Atea, Consid, Sogeti, Nordlo, Fortum, Falu Energi & Vatten, Borlänge Energi, and Nordion Energi.
Project Manager: StefanRodheim, Dalarna Science Park
