Imperial has signed a partnership with Sweden's largest individual research programme, Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP).

Imperial and WASP have formalised their commitment to expand and deepen their collaboration in research, especially work on artificial intelligence. The partnership will centre around I-X, Imperial’s interdisciplinary AI initiative, offering a co-located collaborative environment for research, education, and entrepreneurship across artificial intelligence and machine learning based at the White City Deep Tech Campus.  

WASP is a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. It is by far the largest individual research program in Sweden. The program is financed by Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the ambition is to advance Sweden into an internationally leading position in the areas of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software. Collaborations with selected internationally leading universities is important in achieving this goal.

I-X and WASP will collaborate closely on a range of joint initiatives, creating a dynamic environment for research and education in AI, data science, and digital technologies. The initiatives include a prestigious postdoctoral program for WASP PhD students, who will be based at I-X, and innovative activities designed to foster knowledge-sharing across borders.

Commenting on the importance of this collaboration, Professor Thomas Parisini, Chair of Industrial Control and coordinator at Imperial of this flagship initiative, said: “The synergetic collaboration with WASP partnering institutions is a unique strategic opportunity that will enhance the long-term UK-Sweden collaboration in research and translation for the benefit of society at large. I-X is ideally placed to nurture the partnership, focusing on research and academic programs related to AI, autonomous systems, and software."

Bo Wahlberg, Chair of the WASP International Management Group and Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology said: "Partnering with world-renowned universities is crucial for pushing the boundaries of research. We are very excited to have Imperial College London join us as an international partner. Imperial's exceptional standing in Europe and its famous AI initiative, I-X, will significantly enhance our collaborative endeavours."

Imperial's Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) Professor Mary Ryan said: "The partnership between WASP and I-X is a powerful endorsement of the fast-growing research and innovation ecosystem at Imperial’s White City Deep Tech Campus — at the heart of the Imperial WestTech Corridor.

"Partnering with Sweden’s largest individual research programme significantly strengthens our global connections, bringing together world-leading talent from universities, institutes, and industry to push the boundaries of AI and digital technology.”

Collaborative Innovation at White City Deep Tech Campus

Imperial’s close collaboration with industry is a key factor in its success. A significant contributor to this agreement is Saab UK, which has had a long-standing collaboration with Imperial College and also manages its Innovation Network from an office at Imperial’s White City campus (part of West Tech Corridor).

“The White City Deep Tech Campus where I-X is also located, houses other innovation initiatives such as NATO DIANA European regional HQ and UK Defence and Security Accelerator, DASA, and is an ideal collaboration space for industry, academia and government to drive innovation,” said Malin Svahn, VP Director of Innovation Programmes at Saab UK.

Imperial and Sweden

Imperial has many links with Sweden, and collaborates closely with Lund University, Karolinska Institutet, Uppsala University, University of Gothenburg, Umeå University and many other institutes in Sweden. 

Imperial and Lund University recently signed a strategic agreement to deepen collaboration in science, education and innovation.

The new partnership will see the two leading universities form closer ties in key areas such as AI, materials science, medical technology, climate, medicine, and public health.   

Imperial has a thriving Swedish community of around 700 alumni and welcomes many Swedish students to London every year.