The School of Engineering at Jönköping University has been granted ten projects within the SPARK research and education environment, with funding of approximately SEK 30 million granted by the KK Foundation.
"SPARK strengthens education, business and society"
Sustainable development, collaboration and international profiling are the watchwords for 2026 for the research and education environment SPARK at the School of Engineering (JTH), Jönköping University.
The Knowledge Foundation is now granting ten projects funding of approximately SEK 30 million to SPARK, which in 2026 will enter its final year.
"Through ten new projects within SPARK, researchers and companies will work together to develop solutions that make Swedish production greener, smarter, and more competitive,” writes the KK Foundation on its website.
"SPARK has succeeded in the difficult task of creating interdisciplinary environments that strengthen both education and relevance for business and society. The strong anchoring in industry means that the environment will continue to contribute to Sweden's competitiveness," says Hans Hentzell, chairman of the expert group for Knowledge Environments at the Knowledge Foundation.
Strengthening its strategic research
With a strategy linked to education, research, collaboration and internationalization, the School of Engineering aims to consolidate and develop its position as a leader in knowledge-intensive product development.
In 2026, the Knowledge Foundation will fund the final year of SPARK, which will have been running for ten years. The focus will be on junior researchers, excellence and interdisciplinary research in AI for materials, vision for production, sustainability for industrial product creation, cybersecurity and innovative technologies for sustainable industry.
"With these new projects, which will mainly be led by our younger researchers, we ensure academic competence and knowledge development in collaboration with our industrial partners," says Kerstin Johansen, Associate Dean of Research at the School of Engineering and Program Manager for SPARK.
A clear vision and strong support
With a strategy linked to education, research, collaboration and internationalization, the School of Engineering aims to consolidate and develop its position as a leader in knowledge-intensive product development.
SPARK continues to prioritize efforts that strengthen the collaboration between its three areas of strength. With good collaborations, a clear vision and strong support from both industry and academia, the Schoo of Engineering is now taking the next step towards consolidating its role as an engine for sustainable industrial development and innovation - both in Sweden and internationally.
"With ten new projects granted by the Knowledge Foundation with a total funding of approximately SEK 30 million in the coming years, I see that the School of Engineering through SPARK is well equipped for the future and our strategic development journey," says Kerstin Johansen.
SPARK's areas of strength
SPARK conducts research and education in three areas of excellence. Each area of excellence represents different needs that must be met to make today's industrial activities more knowledge-intensive. These are:
- HCIAI (Human-Centered Industrial AI)
- SuMMaC (Materials, Manufacturing and Molded Components for Sustainability)
- In:sure (Integrated Product and Production Development for Sustainability and Adaptability)
- Professor integrated product and production development
Associate Dean of Research - School of Engineering
- kerstin.johansen@ju.se
- +46 36-10 1815
