A legacy of innovation and reinvention
Kista’s journey
Where business meets innovation
From farmland to Sweden’s Silicon Valley, Kista has become a powerhouse for global business — where research, talent and technology create lasting growth.
1976
Breaking new ground
Ericsson set up its first offices in Kista through subsidiaries SRA and Rifa. Everyday life for employees was far from glamorous – balancing on muddy construction sites just to get to work. It was a rough start, but the first step in turning Kista into a leading tech hub.
1981
Global technology takes off
Kista became the birthplace of mobile technology. The world’s first commercial mobile phone system was launched with solutions developed here – putting Sweden at the forefront of a global revolution.
1986
A hub for research and collaboration
Local business, academia and the public sector came together to create the Electrum Foundation. Their mission was simple: to make Kista a world-leading centre for electronics research.
1990’s
From innovation to global impact
Through the 1990s, Kista played a central role in Europe’s digital transformation. From early mobile systems to GSM, the area became synonymous with innovations that shaped how people connect and communicate worldwide.
1999
The birth of Kista Science City
Kista Science City was formed to strengthen collaboration between companies, academia and the public sector. This triple-helix model remains at the core of the district’s identity and continues to drive new technology and innovation.
Today
A vibrant innovation hub
From its muddy beginnings, Kista has grown into one of Sweden’s most innovation-dense districts — and a neighbourhood full of life. Here, breakthrough technologies are shaped in labs and offices, while new homes, restaurants, and green spaces make the area a vibrant part of Stockholm.