DigTech
Västernorrland is Sweden’s no. 1 GovTech region and a national frontrunner in digital transformation. With a unique combination of sustainable energy, advanced infrastructure and a thriving innovation ecosystem, the region offers an ideal environment for companies in AI, GovTech, gaming and digital industries to grow and scale.
A power region for digital innovation
Västernorrland offers 100% renewable energy, a 50% electricity surplus and one of the world’s most stable power grids. Combined with abundant freshwater for natural cooling, it provides ideal conditions for data centers, AI development and scalable digital industry.
A strong
tech
ecosystem
Västernorrland’s Digtech ecosystem unites businesses, government and academia through Bron Innovation, Mid Sweden University, AI Sweden, national and regional networks such as Good Tech Conference & Network and Women in Tech. This cluster-based collaboration creates a dynamic environment where ideas turn into scalable digital solutions.
Talent and research excellence
The region offers a complete talent pipeline, from vocational training to advanced AI research at Mid Sweden University. While the region’s universities attract researchers and professionals from around the world, ensuring steady access to cutting-edge skills, a fast-growing gaming sector with 20+ studios strengthens the creative and technical talent base.
Sustainable industrial symbiosis
Tech development aligns with the region’s strong industrial base, accelerating the green transition with AI, IoT and automation. Residual heat and digital optimization enable circular, energy-efficient industrial solutions.
Connected
and
accessible
Strategically located in central Sweden, the region offers fast air and rail links to Stockholm and the Nordics. A highly developed fiber network ensures strong digital connectivity across the region.
Sweden’s GovTech hub
Sundsvall is recognized as Sweden’s GovTech capital, home to national agencies like DIGG (Agency for Digital Government), CSN (Swedish Board for Study Support), Försäkringskassan (Swedish Social Insurance Agency), Bolagsverket (Swedish Companies Registration Office), and Statens tjänstepensionsverk (National Government Employee Pensions Board).
With over 5,000 IT professionals, the region combines world-class competence in public sector digitalization, cybersecurity, and AI with a collaborative mindset that drives transformation at national level.
DID YOU KNOW that Sundsvall was named Sweden’s Digitalization Municipality of the Year (2022), confirming its role as a pioneer in e-governance and smart society solutions.
MID SWEDEN UNIVERSITY
AI Lab
Mid Sweden University’s new AI lab in Sundsvall will provide powerful local computing resources for Västernorrland and open new opportunities for companies looking to expand their use of AI.
The new DigiLab is a valuable complement to national and international computing resources. In addition to education and research, the lab will be available for collaborating companies looking into new AI applications.
Read about the new AI-laboratory
DID YOU KNOW that The system is completely on-premise and independent of external cloud services. All hardware, from computing power and GPUs to memory and storage resources, is located within Mid Sweden University’s own infrastructure.
Game Industry
With studios and companies like Mojang and Embracer, the Swedish gaming industry rose to fame and made video games an important Swedish export. With a rich history in game development and focus on equality and diversity, Västernorrland is becoming a sprawling destination for the game developers and designers of tomorrow. Together, let’s shape the future of gaming.
DID YOU KNOW that 22% of jobs in the swedish gaming industry are occupied by women in 2023, and that 4,1% of the swedish service export come from the gaming industry.
Mid sweden games
Building an ecosystem
Mid Sweden Games is a gaming cluster aimed at developing and strengthening the gaming industry in Västernorrland. Centered in Sundsvall, it has great access to a local, regional, national, and international network. In addition to an ecosystem of gaming companies, it offers access to a soft landing through BizMakers workspaces, connections to Mid Sweden University, and can help with providing competent capital and business development.
– Our focus is on being responsive and working closely with game companies to continuously capture their needs and opinions. We believe in the power of collaboration and see it as the key to success for the development of the gaming industry in Sundsvall and Västernorrland, says Giselle Abbas, project manager.
High COAST GAME lab
A thriving community for Game Developers
Set in the scenic area of Nordingrå, the High Coast Game Village offers a well-designed hub aimed at enhancing creativity and progress. The facility includes comfortable living quarters and ample office spaces, each designed to support innovation. The peaceful countryside setting is complemented by robust coaching and networking opportunities, creating an ideal environment for game developers to succeed.
This emphasis on community and developmental support positions Kramfors as a center of attraction for gamers and developers. Hosting companies like Aurora Punks, Grey Tower, Zenland, and Duck Tape, the High Coast Game Village is emerging as a significant player in the gaming industry.
