about Imego
The history of Imego
1997-2004: technical research institute
Imego AB was established following the Swedish government’s commitment to positioning Sweden as a leading research nation with a strong focus on high-quality scientific research. In December 1997, the Swedish Parliament approved the creation of a technical research institute in Gothenburg, specializing in microelectronics-based systems. The institute was organized as a state-owned company with the mission to conduct contract research and develop new products and processes from concept to prototype.
Initially funded with a state grant of 20 million SEK annually and a foundational capital of 100 million SEK for investments and operational costs, Imego AB has focused on advancing research and product development in microelectronics. While the institute has made significant industrial connections for contract research, the commercialization of its in-house developed products has been an ongoing challenge.
Imego AB’s future was designed to be evaluated after five years, with the intention of assessing its research, product development, commercialization efforts, and collaboration with industry and academia, to determine its long-term viability and funding structure.
2004-2007: Evaluation and Transition
after the initial five-year period, Imego AB was evaluated as planned. The evaluation likely focused on the institute’s research outcomes, commercialization efforts, and collaborations. As part of broader restructuring efforts within Sweden’s research landscape, there were discussions about integrating smaller research institutes into larger, more comprehensive organizations to enhance efficiency and impact.
2008: Integration into Acreo
In 2008, Imego AB was merged into Acreo Swedish ICT, a part of the larger Swedish ICT group. Acreo was a well-established research institute focusing on electronics, optics, and communication technology. The merger was part of a strategy to consolidate expertise in microelectronics and sensor technology within a more extensive research framework, allowing for better resource allocation and greater influence in both national and international research projects. smaller research institutes into larger, more comprehensive organizations to enhance efficiency and impact.
2016-2017: RISE Group Formation
In 2016, Acreo Swedish ICT and other Swedish ICT institutes were integrated into the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), a government initiative to consolidate various research organizations into a single, powerful entity. This move was aimed at strengthening Sweden’s innovation capabilities and aligning research efforts with industry needs.
2017: Transition to Private Ownership
In 2017, Imego AB transitioned from being part of the state-owned RISE group to becoming a privately owned company. This shift allowed Imego to refocus its efforts on commercialization and industry-driven innovation, with a renewed emphasis on agility and responsiveness to market demands. The company continued to leverage its strong foundation in research and development, particularly in MEMS and microelectronics, while also expanding its capabilities to meet the specific needs of private sector clients.
2017-Today : Innovation and Product Development
This pivot marked a new chapter for Imego, allowing it to operate with greater flexibility and focus on commercial opportunities in the rapidly evolving fields of MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and sensor technologies.
As a private company, Imego AB expanded its market reach, forging strategic partnerships with companies in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The company’s expertise in MEMS technology and sensor systems became increasingly valuable as the demand for advanced, miniaturized, and high-performance sensors has grown across multiple sectors.