Sweden’s Skills Needs Are Evolving Rapidly – and AI Is Accelerating the Shift

Sweden is undergoing a rapid technological transformation where AI is reshaping the labor market. TechSverige’s latest report shows that demand for AI‑related skills in job ads has increased by 328 percent since 2016, and the number of professions mentioning AI has nearly doubled. Today, it’s no longer only the tech sector that needs digital competence – AI skills are increasingly sought after across a wide range of professions.

What HackYourWorld Offers

• Kickoff at Ericsson in Kista
• Inspiration on future technology and sustainable innovation
• Digital bootcamp
• Training in design thinking, AI, idea development, and user‑friendly technology
• Hackathon

During the hackathon, student teams develop solutions throughout a full day, supported by experts from the business community. HackYourWorld demonstrates that innovation doesn’t begin with technology – it begins with an idea and the courage to explore it.

This year, more than 1,000 students received an introduction to innovation and future‑focused technology and were offered the chance to develop their ideas further. During the final hackathon on February 10, 15 teams worked intensely to create solutions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well‑Being) and 4 (Quality Education). At the end of the day, the teams pitched their solutions to a jury tasked with selecting winners in five categories.

Voices from the Partners

“For us at IBM, it is important to help equip the next generation with relevant knowledge that will contribute to a strong society. Through this initiative, we complement the school system with insights from the business community and share our experiences. Seeing these young people, their ideas, and their hard work during HackYourWorld is incredibly inspiring and gives so much hope!”

– Evelina Pärnerud, CSR Manager, IBM

“For ten years, HackYourWorld has aimed to increase young people’s interest in and understanding of technology. By inspiring students from across the Stockholm region, with a special focus on Järva, we strengthen their skills and confidence while showing concrete pathways into tech. Our goal is for more young people, from diverse backgrounds, to view technology as an exciting and accessible career option. This is essential for strengthening Sweden’s long‑term tech and STEM talent supply.”

– Anna‑Karin Samuelsson, Head of People Sweden, Ericsson

“At Drivhuset, we meet young people every day who have the ideas and drive needed to solve the challenges of tomorrow. Through HackYourWorld, they practice entrepreneurial skills that are crucial across all industries – and especially in tech, where more perspectives are needed to build sustainable solutions.”

– Mathilda Fyhr, Drivhuset

An Important Event for Inspiring Young Entrepreneurs

This year’s hackathon was a great success and a fitting celebration of the initiative’s tenth anniversary. Nearly 100 students, teachers, and volunteers worked together to create a day that was both challenging, educational, and incredibly fun.

The jury – consisting of employees from IBM and Ericsson as well as two external experts – was impressed by both the students’ solutions and the quality of the event.

“I am passionate about entrepreneurship, and I believe this is an important event to inspire young people to become entrepreneurs.”

– Paulina A. Jonasson, CEO & Partner, Medtech Maze

“It’s fantastic to see children and young people tackle important societal challenges and present technical solutions to them. This will be particularly valuable in collaboration with IBM, Drivhuset, and Ericsson.”

– Anders Österberg, Mayor of Stockholm City & Järva

Skills and Innovation Are More Important Than Ever

As demand for AI and digital skills continues to grow, it is crucial that young people have the opportunity to build innovation capacity and confidence early. HackYourWorld contributes to:

• strengthening young people’s creativity and problem‑solving skills
• opening more pathways into technology and entrepreneurship
• increasing understanding of how AI, technology, and societal challenges are connected
• creating early contacts with working life
• building the skills base Sweden needs for competitiveness and growth

Technology is advancing rapidly – and Sweden needs the innovators of the future.