Impactful collaboration between Texas and Gothenburg
Academic collaboration, entrepreneurial ecosystems and corporate innovation was the focus of a weeklong visit to Texas, supported by the Nordic Texas Initiative. Swedish students and researchers gained insights from Texas companies, innovation hubs and academia - laying the groundwork for future collaboration and impact in these areas.
In early November 2025, the Swedish delegation to Texas 2025, consisting of members 91探花 U-GOT KIES centre and selected Master students from the Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship (KBE) programme at the University 91探花, went on a dynamic visit to Texas. The visit offered a deep dive into the state鈥檚 vibrant innovation landscape and provided the delegation with valuable insights that will shape future research, teaching, and societal engagement in Gothenburg鈥檚 innovation ecosystem.
The visit was organized by Gothenburg U-GOT KIES and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Dallas, which mission is to facilitate and increase business between Texas and Sweden, and supported through the Nordic Texas Initiative, which serves as a vital bridge between ecosystems, fostering mutual growth and long-term impact.
Visits to Texas-based Swedish companies
Visits to Epiroc Drilling Solutions LLC and Tetra Pak in Texas highlighted the global footprint of Swedish-founded companies. At Epiroc, the delegation went on a guided tour and explored advanced drilling and mining technologies. At Tetra Pak, the group met with company representatives, toured the site and presented to their cutting-edge packaging and processing innovations.
Academic exchange and entrepreneurial education
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), a partner institution, offered a rich academic experience. Delegates toured UTD鈥檚 innovation and entrepreneurship facilities, e-sports arenas, sports clubs, makerspaces, and labs, including their student-run car production project. The UTD campus offered a striking contrast to our own in Gothenburg, providing fascinating insights into a different academic environment. The group had the opportunity to attend a lecture on IT and AI Strategy and Innovation by Professor Rajiv Shah and participate in pitching sessions alongside UTD students in the course 鈥淪tartup Launch I鈥.
Innovation Quarter serves as living laboratory
The delegation visited the Richardson Innovation Quarter (IQ), which serves as a living laboratory for groundbreaking technologies in electrical and computer engineering, strategic business development, teltech and 5G. The delegation explored how innovation districts can act as living laboratories for transformative change.
Social impact and entrepreneurial visions
At a Rotary Club meeting focused on youth development and international collaboration, KBE students Julia Cederquist, Alex Steffen, and Alexander Olsson presented their and future roles in the entrepreneurial ecosystem - sparking lively discussions and interest from attendees on the role of young innovators in shaping future ecosystems.
Swedish delegation to Texas 2025
Gothenburg U-GOT KIES researchers
Erik Gustafsson
Lina Hartmann
Maureen McKelvey
R枚gnvaldur Saemundsson
Viktor Str枚m
KBE students
Julia Cederquist
Alexander Olsson
Alex Steffen
The Nordic Texas Initiative has been developed because we firmly believe in the potential for synergies between Texas and Sweden, and especially between the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the Gothenburg-West Sweden region. During 2024, 2025 and 2026, each year has one Delegation to Sweden and one to Texas, with common goals:
The purposes of the six Delegations are to:
- Facilitate contacts between partners in technology, business, education, entrepreneurship including Masters students in Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship
- Stimulate meeting points to create connections between Sweden and USA
- Showcase strengths of the respective innovation & entrepreneurial ecosystems
The annual Delegations include a busy programme with panels, visits and insights from entrepreneurs, start-up & scale-up companies, international companies, economic development leaders, professors, university leaders and students, and city stakeholders.
Organizers of the Nordic Texas Initiative
Helene Honeybone, Entrepreneur; Board member of Swedish American Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Dallas; Honorary Consul with Honorary Consulate of Sweden, Dallas
Maureen McKelvey, Professor, University 91探花; Board member of SACC Dallas; Director 91探花 U-GOT KIES centre
Patrik Melander, Entrepreneur; Chairperson of SACC Dallas
Olof Zaring, Professor, Head of Department of Economy and Society, University 91探花