Sweden’s innovation story in 2024 isn’t loud—but it’s deeply transformative. Ranked 2nd in the Global Innovation Index 2024, the country continues to lead in knowledge and technology outputs, business sophistication and human capital, reinforcing its position as a top-tier innovation economy.
The Swedish government unveiled its largest research and innovation bill to date, directing SEK 6.5 billion toward fields like AI, life sciences and green technology. At the same time, tech multinationals are deepening their roots: Microsoft’s $3.2 billion investment to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Sweden, includes plans to train 250,000 Swedes in AI skills and secure nearly 1,000 MW of renewable energy for its data centers.
This report takes a closer look at the top domestic companies behind Sweden’s 2024 patent surge, tracks their growth since last year, and highlights the key Swedish universities shaping global innovation.
Top Leading Sweden Companies in 2024
| Rank | Company | Patent Published in 2024 | Patent Published in 2023 | YoY Change(%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo | 160 | 4 | 0.975 | |
| Scania CV AB | 115 | 87 | 0.243478 | |
| Husqvarna | 107 | 106 | 0.009346 | |
| Northvolt | 67 | 6 | 0.910448 | |
| Assa Abloy | 34 | 41 | -0.205882 | |
| Pulpac | 20 | 2 | 0.9 | |
| Tobii Tech | 17 | 1 | 0.941176 | |
| Saab | 14 | 2 | 0.857143 | |
| Ikea Supply | 10 | 3 | 0.7 | |
| Elfa International | 9 | 4 | 0.555556 | |
| Powercell Sweden | 9 | 2 | 0.777778 | |
| Vaderstad Hldg | 9 | 1 | 0.888889 | |
| Munters Euro | 8 | 3 | 0.625 | |
| Spm Instrument | 8 | 1 | 0.875 | |
| Camfil | 7 | 6 | 0.142857 | |
| Hybrit Dev | 7 | 3 | 0.571429 | |
| Loussavaara Kiirunavaora | 7 | 3 | 0.571429 | |
| Blue Ocean Closures | 6 | 9 | -0.5 | |
| Aarke | 5 | 41 | -7.2 | |
| Brairtech Sweden | 5 | 8 | -0.6 | |
| Cwl Patent | 5 | 4 | 0.2 | |
| Livearena Tech | 5 | 3 | 0.4 | |
| Ride Awake | 5 | 2 | 0.6 | |
| Senseair | 5 | 1 | 0.8 | |
| Smoltek | 5 | 1 | 0.8 | |
| Sodra Skogsagarna Ekonomisk Forening | 5 | 1 | 0.8 | |
| Uddeholms | 5 | 1 | 0.8 | |
| Woodcomposite Sweden | 5 | – | – | |
| Electrolux | 4 | – | – | |
| Arlovs Plastgjuteri Forsaljnings | 4 | – | – | |
| Dellner Couplers | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Ecomela | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Force Oncology | 4 | – | – | |
| Mann Teknik | 4 | 3 | 0.25 | |
| Net Insight | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | |
| Nkt Hv Cables | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | |
| Pink Nectarine Health | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | |
| Plagazi | 4 | 2 | 0.5 | |
| Teliasonera | 4 | 1 | 0.75 | |
| Solask Energi | 3 | – | – | |
| Balco Grp | 3 | 12 | -3 | |
| Brunkeberg Syst | 3 | 7 | -1.333333 | |
| Climate Recovery Ind | 3 | 6 | -1 | |
| Climeon | 3 | – | – | |
| Coloreel Grp | 3 | 5 | -0.666667 | |
| Enduce | 3 | 4 | -0.333333 | |
| Flatfrog Lab | 3 | – | – | |
| Gapwaves | 3 | 3 | 0 | |
| Heat Click | 3 | – | – | |
| Instabee Grp | 3 | 3 | 0 |
Sweden’s 2024 corporate patent landscape is a study in reinvention where legacy industrial giants are doubling down on innovation, and a wave of focused mid-sized players is rapidly rising. Volvo emerged as the undeniable frontrunner, skyrocketing from just 4 patents in 2023 to 160 in 2024—a staggering ~97% increase. This explosive growth signals a sharp pivot toward electrification and software-defined vehicles, as Volvo accelerates its transformation into a technology-first automotive brand.
Northvolt, a leader in sustainable battery production, also made headlines with a 91.04% surge in patents, part of Sweden’s larger strategic bet on green energy and circular tech. In contrast, Assa Abloy, long considered a patent mainstay, saw patents dip by over 20%, suggesting a strategic consolidation or shift toward fewer, more targeted inventions.
What’s especially telling is the momentum among mid-tier companies: PulPac (90%), Tobii Tech (94.12%), and Powercell Sweden (77.78%) all recorded impressive year-on-year gains, pointing to Sweden’s expanding innovation depth in packaging, eye-trackinga nd hydrogen energy.
Behind every breakthrough in Sweden, there’s an inventor making it happen. Check out our Top 50 Inventors in Sweden and discover the minds reshaping industries, both domestically and globally.
Over a third of the top 50 companies filed 5 or fewer patents—but many of these saw YoY growth exceeding 50%, with some doubling or even tripling their output. The standout? Aarke, whose filings plummeted from 41 to 5 (-720%), marking one of the sharpest declines and hinting at internal recalibration.
Notably, 25 start-ups within this group are driving dynamic patent growth, underscoring the critical role emerging companies play in shaping Sweden’s evolving innovation landscape.
| Start-Up | Founded Year | Patent Count in 2024 |
| Pulpac | 2018 | 20 |
| Hybrit Dev | 2016 | 7 |
| Blue Ocean Closures | 2021 | 6 |
| Brairtech Sweden | 2017 | 5 |
| Ride Awake | 2017 | 5 |
| Woodcomposite Sweden | 2023 | 5 |
| Pink Nectarine Health | 2017 | 4 |
| Solask Energi | 2021 | 3 |
| Enduce | 2021 | 3 |
| Instabee Grp | 2022 | 3 |
| Spec Imaging | 2020 | 3 |
| Cabinair Sweden | 2016 | 2 |
| Cellink | 2016 | 2 |
| Enairon | 2017 | 2 |
| Flasheye | 2019 | 2 |
| Melisono | 2022 | 2 |
| Mimbly | 2017 | 2 |
| Nordisk Energi Optimering Frsljnings | 2016 | 2 |
| Optibinary | 2020 | 2 |
| Purefize Tech | 2015 | 2 |
| Rewin Textiles | 2021 | 2 |
| Waybler | 2015 | 2 |
| Wayout Int | 2018 | 2 |
| Drupps Grp | 2017 | 1 |
| Zuragon Sweden | 2015 | 1 |
Sweden’s 2024 patent landscape tells a powerful story—one of quiet momentum, bold reinvention and deep-rooted innovation. From industrial giants redefining their futures to nimble startups pushing boundaries, and inventors turning ideas into impact, Sweden is building a future powered by purpose-driven technology. As global challenges grow more complex, the country’s steady rise in meaningful innovation offers not just progress, but leadership rooted in sustainability, science and smart thinking.