Here are the finalists for the 2026 Safety Award
TechSverige and SME-D are announcing today the finalists for the 2026 Security Award—an award that recognizes organizations that, through technology, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility, strengthen Sweden’s security, resilience, and public trust.
The award recognizes initiatives that contribute to a stronger digital ecosystem and total defense, ranging from cybersecurity and crisis preparedness to innovative solutions in defense technology and critical infrastructure.
This year’s finalists are:
• Cybersecurity Academy
• Karl Emil Nikka, IT security expert
• National Telecommunications Cooperation Group (NTSG)
• Petra Klein, Group Security Manager, Swedbank
• Scaleout Systems
“At a time when the threat landscape is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, we see how technology plays a crucial role in Sweden’s security. This year’s finalists demonstrate the breadth of Swedish innovation, ranging from public education and skills development to advanced technology, entrepreneurship, and operational collaboration. These are initiatives that strengthen both our digital resilience and society’s overall security, says Åsa Zetterberg, CEO of TechSverige and jury chair.
This year’s Safety Award is presented by the industry and employer organization TechSverige in collaboration with its partner SME-D, the trade association for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Swedish defense sector.
“It is clear that security today is built through close collaboration between the private sector, the public sector, and civil society. The finalists demonstrate how technology and knowledge can be translated into tangible benefits—both now and in the long term—for Sweden’s total defense, preparedness, and competitiveness,” says Jonas Sandwall, Secretary General of SME-D and jury member.
The jury consisted of:
John Billow, Director, National Cyber Security Center
Karin Hagman, CEO, Truesec Group
Sara Kebert, Network Expert, Telenor Sweden
Jens Matsson, Director General, Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)
Richard Oehme, Senior Advisor in Social and Cybersecurity, Knowit
Jonas Sandwall, Secretary General, SME-D
Kristina Sundin Jonsson, Municipal Director, Skellefteå Municipality
Åsa Zetterberg, CEO, TechSverige, Jury Chair
The winner will be announced on May 26 during the Stockholm Tech Show at Kistamässan in Stockholm.
The jury's rationale:
Karl Emil Nikka, IT security expert
Karl Emil Nikka is nominated for his dedicated work as an educator in IT security, where he tirelessly raises awareness about evolving cyber threats and scams among a broad audience. Through simple and practical advice that virtually anyone can apply in their daily lives, Karl Emil Nikka’s efforts raise security awareness within organizations, among businesses, and among individuals. These efforts collectively enhance digital security literacy in our society and make cybersecurity relevant, simple, and accessible to everyone.
The National Telecommunications Cooperation Group (NTSG)
The National Telecommunications Cooperation Group (NTSG) is nominated because the group has demonstrated that true resilience is built together. The NTSG is a collaborative forum where telecom operators, government agencies, and other critical infrastructure stakeholders work together to strengthen the resilience of the digital infrastructure and enable rapid coordination during disruptions. By uniting competing operators and the public sector in operational collaboration, the NTSG safeguards Sweden’s digital lifeline when it is put to the test. The work encompasses both preventive measures and the management of incidents that affect communication and connectivity throughout the country. This approach serves as a clear example of what can be achieved when stakeholders come together around a common mission.
Scaleout Systems
Scaleout Systems has been nominated for its groundbreaking technology in secure, decentralized AI, which enables organizations to collaborate on advanced analytics without sharing sensitive data. By training AI models locally where the data resides, the company enables AI development in environments where traditional methods do not work, particularly in defense, industry, and critical infrastructure. The technology has clear dual-use characteristics, where the same solutions create value in both civilian operations and security-critical contexts. With a strong focus on security, integrity, and collaboration, as well as participation in NATO’s innovation program, Scaleout Systems demonstrates how Swedish tech can be at the forefront and help strengthen digital resilience and build a more robust and trustworthy society.
Cybersecurity Academy
The Cybersecurity Academyhas been nominated for its important national educational initiative, which strengthens young people’s knowledge of cybersecurity through hands-on exercises and free educational materials. Through partnerships between Young Researchers, IBM, and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, the initiative addresses the growing skills shortage in society. The program offers lessons, teacher training, and workshops that make digital security understandable early in life. Ahead of 2025/2026, the program has evolved with a focus on AI security and source criticism in an era of deepfakes—a critical step in safeguarding our democracy. The initiative has reached hundreds of thousands of students and strengthens both digital security and the long-term supply of skilled workers, making them a strong finalist for the Security Award of the Year.
Petra Klein, Group Chief Security Officer, Swedbank
Petra Klein is nominated for her strategic and exemplary leadership in cybersecurity, where she leverages deep technical expertise and a broad understanding of the threat and risk landscape to strengthen security efforts both within and outside the banking sector. By clearly demonstrating that security is an enabler for business and growth, she fosters a culture where security is an integral part of the work and something everyone contributes to. As a leading voice in efforts to enhance resilience—particularly in the implementation of the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) for the financial sector—and with a focus on the human role in cyber defense, Petra Klein contributes to more robust and sustainable cybersecurity efforts in Sweden.
About the Security Award of the Year
The Security Award of the Year is an award presented by the industry and employer organization TechSverige in collaboration with its partner SME-D, the trade association for small and medium-sized enterprises in the Swedish defense sector. It honors organizations that, through innovative technology, collaboration, and accountability, contribute to strengthening Sweden’s security—digitally, civilly, and militarily. The award may be granted to companies, organizations, initiatives, or individuals who make a significant contribution to increased preparedness, resilience, and security in society.