Stockholm, Sweden – Sandvik is leading the charge to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young students. The company supports Teknikåttan, a major Swedish initiative celebrating its 30th year of inspiring eighth graders from across the country.
A Milestone Celebration
This year, Teknikåttan marks its 30th anniversary. Each year, about 20,000 students participate in the competition, which involves solving practical and theoretical problems. The grand finale took place on May 23 at Stockholm’s National Museum of Science and Technology (Tekniska Museet), where 300 finalists demonstrated their skills.
Fostering Early STEM Interest
Edvard Bergström, Sandvik’s Vice President of Communications, highlights the importance of encouraging young people to explore STEM fields. “For Sandvik, it is crucial to inspire children to engage with technical subjects. We hope this leads them to pursue STEM careers in the future,” says Bergström.
Maria Olsson, Head of Education at the National Museum of Science and Technology, agrees. “Our goal is to get more kids excited about technology, science, and math. The earlier we introduce these subjects, the more likely students will continue with them,” Olsson explains. “We want to show that technology and science are not only fun but also essential for solving real-world problems.”
Understanding the Future
Sandvik’s support for Teknikåttan helps the company gain insights into the aspirations and concerns of young people. Olsson points out, “Today’s youth are very aware of environmental and societal issues. Many of them believe that innovation and technology are key to solving these challenges.” This understanding helps ensure that future STEM education aligns with these evolving values.
A Continued Partnership
Sandvik’s ongoing partnership with the National Museum of Science and Technology shows a shared commitment to fostering future STEM talent. The company’s involvement in Teknikåttan is just one example of how Sandvik helps nurture the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators.
As Teknikåttan continues to thrive, it plays a vital role in Swedish education and the future of technology. With the support of companies like Sandvik, Sweden’s pipeline of talent remains strong and dynamic.