Hello again 🙂
If you have never heard about this place known as ‘Sweden’, firstly, its not Switzerland. And, if you have never looked over the top of your globe, you have probably missed this side of the world. It’s one of the quiet countries of Scandinavia and honestly, no one plans to migrate here. But, if you got here anyways, then let me tell you, you’ll be SURPRISED and SHOCKED to know that quite many of the popular things you have heard of, are …… drumroll …. SWEDISH.
Just to give you some context, just google these names: Daniel Ek, Tim Bergling, Ingvar Kamprad, Assar Gabrielsson, Gustaf Larson, ABBA
Now, the big question is – What did Sweden innovate?
DIY Furniture
If you’ve ever spent a Saturday afternoon assembling a bookshelf with nothing but an Allen key, congrats — you’ve had the full IKEA experience. This Swedish company made furniture fun, affordable, and yes, a little frustrating (in a lovable way). IKEA didn’t just give the world stylish sofas and tiny pencils — it taught us that with a little patience and a lot of cardboard, we can build a home ourselves.
Free Music Streaming
Remember when listening to music meant downloading songs one by one? Spotify came along and said, “Here, have everything.” Launched in Sweden, it totally flipped how we discover music — now your playlists evolve with your mood, your run pace, or your heartbreak. It’s like having a personal DJ who gets you, right in your pocket.
Powering almost everything
You probably haven’t heard of ABB, but your city’s electricity, your factory-made sneakers, or even your robot vacuum might be powered by something they built. Born in Sweden, ABB works quietly behind the scenes, helping make the world more efficient, more electric, and way more futuristic — without needing the spotlight.
Safety in vehicles
Volvo isn’t just a car brand — it’s peace of mind on wheels. Known for safety-first engineering and understated design, Volvo feels like that wise friend who always carries snacks, plans ahead, and drives carefully. They’ve been ahead of the curve for decades — inventing the seatbelt and giving it away so everyone could be safer. That’s very Swedish.
Sustainable Excavations
Atlas Copco isn’t flashy, but it’s everywhere. From mining tunnels deep underground to the tools used to make your phone, this Swedish company helps build the world. If there’s a job that needs doing — drilling, powering, assembling — chances are, they’ve got the gear. It’s basically the toolbelt of modern industry.
Machine’s Mitochondria – Ball Bearing
Okay, ball bearings aren’t exactly dinner party conversation. But SKF, a Swedish company, makes the little circular heroes that keep things spinning — like your fan, your car, even wind turbines. Without them, a lot of our modern world would literally grind to a halt. Not flashy, but absolutely essential — kind of like duct tape, but for motion.
Packaging Revolution
Ever grabbed a juice box from the shelf and wondered how it stays fresh? That’s Tetra Pak magic. This Swedish invention made it possible to package liquids safely without needing a fridge — making life easier from lunchboxes to remote villages. It’s one of those innovations you never think about, but you’d miss it if it were gone.
Electric Airplanes
Flying is fast, but not exactly planet-friendly — yet. Enter Heart Aerospace, a Swedish startup building electric planes for short-distance travel. Imagine boarding a flight that’s quieter, cleaner, and doesn’t make you feel guilty about carbon emissions. It’s still early days, but this is Sweden’s bold take on the future of flight.
Every Home’s Lifeline
Electrolux doesn’t make headlines, but it’s probably making your dinner. This Swedish brand has been behind home appliances for over 100 years — the fridge, the oven, the vacuum cleaner that actually does its job. It’s the kind of brand you grow up with without realizing it, quietly helping you get life done.
Last but definitely not the least, Candies Floating around
If you’ve ever told yourself “just one more level” and looked up an hour later… yep, that’s Candy Crush. This insanely addictive game was made by a Stockholm-based studio and has turned commute boredom into colorful chaos. It’s proof that Sweden doesn’t just build heavy machines — it also knows how to make fun, sticky games that keep your thumbs busy.
And the list doesn’t end here. I am constantly surprised even after living here for 7 years when I hear about anything and then find it that – oh, its Swedish as well :O :O. And, on the contrast, swedes in general don’t give a second thought to this and I am sure if any Swedish person has made to the end of my post, they would think and nod their head yes.
To summarize, I would totally understand if this list is an eye-opener for most of us who didn’t know so much about this special little unique snowflake. But I hope that I was able to shed a small glimmer of light on the innovation capital of the world and hope that now you won’t think that Sweden is Switzerland.
Sweden can be a complete case study for someone who is trying to understand what make in ‘your country’ means and also for someone in today’s day and age, how to stay relevant not just for a while but FOR 800 YEARS. On that note, see you next time.
Cheerios !!
