Swedish companies gain first-hand insight into opportunities at CERN

Organised by Big Science Sweden, the visit brought together representatives from Carlsson & Möller, Heftytec, LOAD System, Provexa Surface Technology and Theca Systems. Through meetings with CERN procurement specialists, technical experts and Swedish employees working across the organisation, participants gained valuable insights into CERN's needs, procurement processes and future opportunities.

Rather than focusing solely on presentations, the programme emphasised dialogue. Each company had the opportunity to meet relevant experts within its own field, discussing ongoing challenges, technologies and potential areas for future collaboration. Tailored meetings covered topics ranging from beam instrumentation and infrastructure to surface treatment, data management and AI-driven knowledge systems.

The Swedish delegation visited the Antimatter factory, guided by Sandra Muhr.

The delegation also visited several of CERN's technical facilities, including the CERN Data Centre, the Antiproton Decelerator (where antimatter is studied), the Mechanical Workshop and the historic Synchrocyclotron. These visits offered participants a closer look at the sophisticated infrastructure and engineering behind CERN's scientific discoveries.

When asked about the visit, Nina Plogmaker, CxO at Heftytec, says that “The best part of the visit was undoubtedly meeting several decision-makers at CERN who were very interested in our products and services. In addition to this, CERN is a great experience for anyone interested in technology, physics and research.”

Amelie Hallin and Ebba Jacobsson from Big Science Sweden opened the yearly summer mingle for Swedes at CERN.

The Swedish community

Another important part of the programme was the opportunity to meet the Swedish community at CERN. During Big Science Sweden's annual Swedish Summer Mingle, more than 40 Swedish students, graduates and staff working at CERN gathered for an evening of networking and exchange. For the visiting companies, it provided an informal setting to hear first-hand experiences of working at CERN, build new contacts and strengthen connections within the Swedish Big Science community.

Frida Tibblin Citron, Business Developer & Project Manager at Big Science Sweden, organised the visit and she highlights that the strength lies is combining strategic insight with practical experience. “Companies not only learn how CERN works as an organisation but also get the opportunity to discuss their technologies directly with the people who may become future collaborators”, she said.

Fredrik Stewart, Eric Hultmark, Christian Werdinius (Provexa Surface Technology) and Nina Plogmaker (Heftytec) with Marco Calviani (CERN).

Future innovation and business opportunities

The visit reflects Big Science Sweden's ongoing mission to strengthen Swedish industry's engagement with international research infrastructures. By creating opportunities for direct interaction between companies and technical experts, the programme helps Swedish suppliers better understand the needs of large research facilities while opening doors to future innovation and business opportunities.