At the end of April 2025, leading players in forest innovation will gather for the Forest Innovation Summit in the San Francisco Bay Area, organized by the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco & Silicon Valley (SACC-SF/SV). The goal is to promote transatlantic collaboration between Sweden and California in forestry and bioeconomy.
Among the Swedish participants are Sting Bioeconomy, along with three accelerator companies – Zigrid, Bright Day Graphene, and Richter Life Science – all taking part in the summit’s startup pitch program. During the event, the companies will present their solutions to some of the forestry industry’s biggest challenges, ranging from new technologies and AI to sustainable materials and climate-smart products.
The conference, held April 29–30 on the Clark Kerr Campus at UC Berkeley, offers a comprehensive program including expert lectures, panel discussions, startup pitches, and networking opportunities. Topics include forest management, wildfire prevention, biomass, AI in forestry, as well as timber construction and architecture. The aim is to create a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and connections between public and private stakeholders in the forest industry.
Swedish Forestry at the Forefront Internationally
To learn more about the background of the initiative and this year’s objectives, we spoke with Mats Andersson, Executive Director of SACC-SF and one of the initiators of the Forest Innovation Summit.
– The idea was born in 2020, when I was in the midst of the devastating wildfires here in California. The smoke was thick, and the problems with forest management and wildfires became painfully clear. At the same time, I realized how little attention Swedish forestry and our expertise in forest management receives internationally. That’s when the idea of a conference was born – a place to share experiences and knowledge and build new relationships, Mats explains.
What is the focus of this year’s Forest Innovation Summit?
– There’s huge interest in wood construction right now. New regulatory changes in California are opening up opportunities for more wood-based building, and Sweden has a lot of knowledge to offer. We also have a half-day session on AI in forestry, with exciting discussions. And every year, about 10–12 companies pitch their innovations during the summit’s startup program.
In addition, the Swedish Institute contributes to the summit with Woodlife, a traveling exhibition developed together with ArkDes. Woodlife showcases how wood can be used in innovative and sustainable ways in architecture and urban development, aiming to inspire a greener future.
What role does innovation play in the future of forestry?
– Innovation is absolutely essential to meet future challenges. For instance, I believe AI can play a major role in predicting and preventing wildfires more effectively than today.
Are there differences between the Swedish and American approaches to forest innovation?
– Absolutely. Forests are one of Sweden’s largest export products. The focus is on maximizing value while also optimizing and protecting nature. In California, it’s more about reducing risks and managing forests from a safety perspective.
Why is the Forest Innovation Summit held in San Francisco?
– Partly because we’re based here, but also because forest-related issues are always highly relevant in California. Wildfires, safety, and forest management are hot topics.
What do you hope participants take away from this year’s summit?
– I hope they leave inspired to think in new ways and that they build new, valuable connections.
Transatlantic Exchange Continues in Sweden
As a continuation of the exchange, a delegation of North American participants will travel to Sweden in early June for the Wood on Wheels program. During the week-long visit, guests will experience Sweden’s leading forest industry firsthand, with stops in regions such as Värmland and at Sting Bioeconomy, along with site visits to innovative forestry companies and research environments.
What is the purpose of Wood on Wheels 2025?
– Sweden is far ahead in sustainable forest management. Taking participants to Sweden and showing them our methods in practice is invaluable. The conditions are very different. Ownership structures vary significantly – in Sweden, a lot of forest is privately owned, while in the U.S., it’s more often federally owned land. The trip also helps create international contacts and collaborations.
Who is participating?
– A number of people from the business sector, all with a strong interest in sustainable forestry and innovation.
Visit to BioEco Valley
Why are you visiting Värmland and BioEco Valley?
– We’ve heard Värmland described as the heart of Sweden’s forest industry. There’s deep expertise, strong innovation, and a long tradition of sustainable forestry. We’ve got a very exciting program there.
What will participants experience during the trip?
Many different aspects. We’ll spend two days with Södra, which will be interesting to see how they operate as a conglomerate. We’re also visiting Rottneros, a classic company with strong traditions. In Karlstad, at Sting Bioeconomy, participants will meet several exciting bioeconomy startups. We’ll even take an electric boat ride with Bowter, a startup that participated in our very first conference – that’ll be fun. We’ll also attend a dinner hosted by the County Governor. The trip ends at the major industry fair Elmia Wood.
What role does Sting Bioeconomy play as a partner to SACC-SF and Wood on Wheels?
– Sting Bioeconomy’s support in planning our two days in Värmland has been invaluable. Their expertise in bioeconomy and their network have really elevated the program. Thanks to them, we can offer participants a broader insight into innovation within the forest industry and create new opportunities for collaboration. We’re looking forward to discovering all the innovation and making new connections.
Sweden’s Innovative Strength
What do you hope your international guests will take away from the visit?
I hope they get a strong impression of Sweden’s innovative capabilities and leave with new ideas to bring back home – and that they make new connections for future collaborations.
What’s the outlook for the bridge between SACC-SF and BioEco Valley?
– I hope the partnership continues to grow and that new innovative companies come to the Forest Innovation Summit every year. It’s a great opportunity for these companies to showcase their work and gain international exposure. And I’d love for Wood on Wheels to become a recurring journey to Sweden. Exchanges and face-to-face meetings are always the first step toward sharing knowledge, future partnerships, and business.
