During the autumn, the committee decided to fund both the Kristineberg 2030 project – Sweden’s hub for marine polar research and sea testing – and the establishment of a new marine innovation centre for small and medium-sized enterprises. Together, these initiatives enable a three-year development phase in which the station’s infrastructure, test environments and collaboration opportunities will be strengthened and adapted for a broader group of users, from researchers to companies and public-sector actors.

Significant investments in research, test beds and safety

VGR’s co-financing is essential for the extensive modernisation now underway. With this support, the Kristineberg Marine Research Station can develop advanced infrastructure such as a cryogenic laboratory, offshore test beds, modernised work vessels and training areas for civil protection and emergency preparedness. This complements the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat’s national mission to provide accessible research infrastructure and develop resources for marine and polar research.

The investment also strengthens the conditions for major national initiatives, such as a new Swedish research icebreaker and the EU co-funded Polar Connect project, both of which have close links to Kristineberg.

Innovation centre strengthens business development

In addition to Kristineberg 2030, VGR — together with, among others, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, RISE and Innovatum — is investing in a new marine innovation centre at Kristineberg. The aim is to provide small and medium-sized enterprises with access to test and development environments, as well as strengthened support in the blue transition.

The centre will serve as a meeting place where companies, academia and the public sector can jointly develop technologies and solutions that strengthen the region’s competitiveness.

“A critical support”

Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, welcomes VGR’s investments:

– Västra Götaland Region’s support is highly significant for developing Kristineberg into a modern, national research infrastructure that combines marine and polar research with strong innovative capacity. These investments enable us to create test beds, laboratories and marine environments that will benefit research, industry and societal preparedness. Kristineberg has a unique role – and with VGR’s investment, we can take the next major step in its development.

A strengthened national resource

When the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat takes ownership at the turn of the year, the Kristineberg Marine Research Station enters a period of intensified development. Thanks to VGR’s support, the station will be able to broaden its user base, strengthen its international attractiveness and establish long-term structures for research, innovation and education.

These investments will make Kristineberg an even clearer driver of Sweden’s maritime development – and a central hub for future marine and polar research.

We feel strong support from both regional and political levels. It is investments like these that have now elevated Kristineberg to a national resource for research and innovation in areas of major societal importance. We at Kristineberg are truly pleased and proud, and look forward to realising this vision, says Linus Hammar Perry, Director of the Kristineberg Marine Research Station.