7 tech trends shaping 2026

The tech world never stands still – but some trends accelerate faster than others. In 2026, technology, society and business models are becoming more deeply intertwined than ever before. 

Gothenburg shapes the future of technology

Technology evolves fast, but some trends affect both business and society more than others.
Just a year ago, many ideas were still in the experimental stage.

Today, we see growing examples of how Gothenburg is turning research and innovation into practical value. AI is making traffic safer and improving public services; digital twins are helping design cities and vehicles; and new deep tech ventures are emerging in medicine, advanced materials and sustainable energy.

One way to gauge the sector’s strength is acquisitions. In the record year 2024, ten tech companies founded in Gothenburg were acquired for a total value of around SEK 40 billion. By autumn 2025, at least five more B2B tech firms had changed ownership – typical for Gothenburg’s industrial DNA.The city’s fast-growing tech scene is defined by close collaboration with major corporations and a deep tradition of advanced industry.

Meanwhile, new trends are accelerating. Expertise in AI, green tech, software, cybersecurity, communication and connectivity are leading to tangible solutions that open new business opportunities across the region’s tech sector.

As 2026 approaches, these seven tech trends show how technology will shape society and business. Some are about to break through; others are maturing in labs and testbeds. And for those looking further ahead, we highlight promising innovations that could become the next big breakthrough. 

Here are seven tech trends that are not only shaping the future but also showing how Gothenburg is driving innovation forward. 

1. AI – From Pilot Projects to Everyday Tools
2. Edge and Connected Vehicles – When Every Millisecond Counts
3. 6G – The Next Generation of Mobile Networks
4. Cybersecurity – The New Cornerstone of Technology
5. Health Tech – Where Healthcare Meets Technology
6. Tech for the Climate – Smart Solutions at Scale
7. Deep Tech – Where Science Becomes Business 

1. AI – from pilot projects to everyday tools

In 2026, AI is shifting from test projects and prototypes to solutions used daily across businesses, the public sector and research. It enables real-time decision-making, optimises resource use and helps identify risks that humans may overlook.

The priority is now to build systems that are reliable, scalable and capable of delivering tangible value for both society and industry.

From research to societal impact

The Gothenburg region has a long tradition of turning ideas into real-world benefits.
Many organisations have begun finding their way with new AI tools, but few have managed to scale these into systems with broad societal impact. Here, the region stands out through initiatives that connect research, business and the public sector into concrete AI solutions.

From pilot projects to applications with direct societal benefit, the region has strengthened its position. AI is being tested in welfare services, urban development, energy, logistics and healthcare - establishing the region as a testbed for solutions that can be scaled across all municipalities.

Collaboration and research driving progress

Several major initiatives are propelling development forward. Göteborg Energi is collaborating with AI Sweden to develop AI solutions that optimise grid capacity and energy consumption. The technology is being tested in municipal buildings, with results showing reduced costs and improved indoor climate.

Research is also pushing innovation ahead. The University of Gothenburg is developing AI for diagnosing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, demonstrating how research translates directly into societal benefit. Zenseact and Smart Eye contribute AI solutions for autonomous driving and driver monitoring, while startups such as Kognic and Eliq create tools that generate value for both businesses and society. AI Sweden and the Chalmers AI Research Centre act as bridges between research and real-world application.

As IT actors consolidate to strengthen their ability to deliver AI-driven value, Gothenburg is emerging as a key hub. In 2025, three strong and fast-growing AI companies from the city were acquired by Stockholm-based firms. The newly formed and expanding Generate Group acquired the AI specialist Tenfifty and the AI and software consultancy Spinit, while Advania took over Gompute — a high-performance computing expert with teams in both Sweden and Spain.

2. Edge and connected vehicles – when every millisecond counts

Connected vehicles, smart factories and energy systems generate enormous amounts of real-time data. To make these systems act instantly, sending everything to the cloud is no longer enough. Edge computing, where calculations take place close to the data source, is becoming crucial for fast, secure and reliable solutions that actually work in practice. By 2026, edge will be essential for the next generation of connected vehicles and systems to react to data in real time.

A hub for edge and connected systems

The Gothenburg region combines vehicle expertise, software development, telecoms and advanced system integration with unique test environments – from Lindholmen innovation district and Torslanda to the port and Visual Arena. Here, solutions are developed and tested in real-world environments, making systems robust and ready for real traffic, industry and energy facilities.

Zenseact is building Sweden’s largest private data centre for real-time computing, enabling fast handling of data from autonomous vehicles. Embedl optimises algorithms for automotive and industrial systems, while Apex.AI delivers safe software for autonomous vehicles. Kognic contributes data assurance and AI-model training that ensure reliability in practice, and Kvaser provides hardware for distributed data collection.

Collaborations further strengthen the region’s position. Initiatives such as Coretura – a joint venture between Volvo Group and Daimler Truck – show how digital platforms for heavy-duty vehicles are being developed and tested with local specialists.

Investments in smart traffic management, energy optimisation and industrial automation are driving demand and reinforcing Gothenburg’s role as a leading player in next generation connected vehicles and systems.

3. 6G – the next generation of mobile networks

2026 will be the year when 6G development truly accelerates, aiming for a launch around 2030. Globally, research, testing and standardisation are moving fast. Compared to 5G, 6G is not just about ultra-high speed - it’s a completely new network: intelligent, almost delay-free, seamlessly integrated and built for billions of connected devices.

It enables services and systems previously confined to the drawing board: autonomous transport in real time, fully immersive digital experiences and industries where production is optimised second by second.

A unique ecosystem for 6G

Gothenburg is one of the few European ecosystems where the entire 6G value chain is present: research, telecom development, industrial know-how and testing environments.
Projects such as Hexa-X II – the EU’s flagship programme where Ericsson and Chalmers collaborate – are putting the city on the 6G map. At the same time, startups and pilot projects are exploring what 6G can make possible - from secure industrial automation to immersive XR and the Internet of Senses.

Gothenburg’s strengths span the entire chain:

• Research: Chalmers University of Technology leads projects in microwaves, antenna technology and 6G communication, including Witech and the GigaHertz Lab.
• Telecom: Ericsson develops next-generation wireless systems and leads the EU flagship Hexa-X II project.
• System testing and manufacturing: Saab and Beyond Gravity develop and test components for satellite communication, XR and industrial automation.
• Test environments: From urban testbeds to AstaZero, 6G solutions can be trialled in real-world conditions.

4. Cybersecurity – the new cornerstone of technology

In 2026, cybersecurity takes another step from reactive protection to an integrated, proactive part of every digital system. Security is now built directly into code, architecture and processes, while companies invest in robust identity management, data integrity and resilience against manipulation, deepfakes and sabotage.
In practice, this means that everything from AI solutions and autonomous transport systems to healthcare and the public sector can trust that their systems work securely together. Cybersecurity is therefore both business-critical and societally essential - no longer just a filter against threats but a foundation for innovation and trust in a fully connected society.

Regionalised cybersecurity

Gothenburg combines decades of experience in telecoms, vehicle safety and defence with expertise in AI, system design and cybersecurity. Chalmers University of Technology, RISE and local companies are driving research and development, while startups create AI-powered monitoring, data control and predictive protection.

As global tensions and geopolitical demands increase, local data management and cyber resilience are becoming more important. Gothenburg’s vehicle and tech sector demonstrates how regional governance can combine innovation with secure autonomous systems. At EVS 2025, Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson stressed that European vehicle data must be handled within the EU - a statement that received wide international attention and underlines how critical cybersecurity has become for the automotive sector. Robust systems for connected and autonomous vehicles are a prerequisite for Gothenburg to maintain its leading position.

At the same time, a strong ecosystem is emerging. Recorded Future - developing AI-driven intelligence and decision support systems – is considered the world’s largest private intelligence service and became part of Mastercard’s global security network through acquisition. Other actors such as Irisity and Mindroad contribute AI-powered surveillance and incident-management solutions. Together with research environments and testbeds, they create strong conditions for cybersecurity that not only protects against threats but also drives new business and strengthens trust in digital systems.

Gothenburg-based Recorded Future sold for SEK 27.5 billion

5. Health tech – where healthcare meets technology

Healthcare is undergoing a historic technological shift. In 2026, digital solutions are taking a decisive step from supportive tools to active partners in care. AI, sensors, digital twins and simulations enable earlier diagnoses, more personalised treatments and smoother patient flows – often without the patient even noticing.
Smart systems relieve healthcare staff, provide real-time decision support and make operations and follow-ups more efficient. The technology also opens doors to entirely new treatments and medical innovations – where care becomes more proactive and patient-centred.

Check out the trends that are shaping Gothenburg’s life science sector

The digital healthcare of the future

Gothenburg is at the forefront of health tech thanks to close collaboration between the tech sector, life science and healthcare. Global players such as AstraZeneca, Mölnlycke Health Care and Sahlgrenska University Hospital meet innovative startups that are driving the development of new healthcare solutions.
Thermo Fisher Scientific’s new biolab, near AstraZeneca and GoCo Health Innovation City, strengthens Gothenburg’s innovation environment by combining advanced research, digitalisation and medical technology. Together with CCRM Nordic, OligoNova and New Modality Support (NMS), these labs and organisations contribute to a strong ecosystem for global life science.

Gothenburg combines accelerator programmes like CO-AX at Sahlgrenska Science Park, and testbeds such as Visual Arena and Innovation Platform, with with strong academic research at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg.

This mix of practice, innovation and research makes the city a place where digital healthcare can develop and scale globally. Explore testbeds in Gothenburg 

6. Tech for the climate – smart solutions at scale

The climate crisis demands concrete solutions - and technology now takes centre stage. In 2026, digitalisation, AI and automation are moving from pilot projects to strategic tools that reduce emissions, optimise resources and enable new, climate-smart business models. Technology is no longer merely a support function - it has become a direct driver of both competitiveness and sustainability across industry, transport and cities.

The road to climate neutrality

Gothenburg aims to lead Europe's transition to climate neutrality. Companies and public actors use technology to cut emissions, reuse materials, optimise energy flows and plan sustainable urban environments. Initiatives such as Klimatneutrala Göteborg (Climate-neutral Gothenburg) and Gothenburg Green City Zone demonstrate how collaboration between business, academia and the city drives progress. 

Around Volvo Cars campus, Näst Innovation Destination Torslanda is taking shape – a collaborative environment for testing and developing sustainable mobility solutions.

7. Deep tech – where science becomes business

Deep tech is not about apps or sleek interfaces – it’s about scientific breakthroughs with the power to transform society. It includes new cancer therapies, data analysis that increases crop yields, or clean energy sources that reduce our environmental footprint.
The business ideas are often early and evolving, requiring time, long-term support and patient investment. But they can grow into solutions with global reach.

From academia to innovation

Gothenburg has a strong foothold in deep tech, where academic excellence meets innovation support, capital and experienced entrepreneurs. Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg generate ideas and patents; Chalmers Industriteknik ([SWEDISH LINK]), GU Ventures and Chalmers Ventures build teams, projects and businesses; and RISE offers advanced testbeds. This combination of resources, long-term commitment and a collaborative culture makes the city uniquely positioned for investment in quantum technology, medicine, materials and energy solutions.

Gothenburg’s deep tech ecosystem covers quantum technology, bioprinting, advanced materials and AI solutions. Cellink/BICO prints cell-based tissue; Surgical Science offers simulators for surgical training; Swedish Algae Factory develops sustainable algae-based materials; and Insplorion combines nanotechnology and sensors for advanced energy systems. Together, they illustrate how Gothenburg’s ecosystem drives progress in green tech, quantum computing and next-generation medicine.