SEK 35 million investment powers the Next Generation Laboratory Environment
NGL 2.0 takes shape
ASSAR Labs in Skövde is taking the next step as a hub for the industry of the future. Next Generation Laboratory (NGL) 2.0 has now been launched – a SEK 35,2 million initiative aimed at accelerating electrification, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for companies in the region.
The Västra Götaland Region is contributing SEK 15 million, while industry partners such as Volvo Cars, Volvo GTO, and Aurobay are providing significant co-financing through advanced equipment and materials – a clear sign of strong, long-term commitment.
“We can now take the development steps needed to ensure that the production of next-generation drivetrains becomes as efficient as possible,” says Project Manager Lars Tööj.
Accelerating electrification and innovation
The industry is facing a decisive transition towards electric drivetrains – and Skaraborg aims to lead the way. With a strong tradition in engine production and strategic investments in technologies such as laser welding and rotor development, NGL 2.0 positions ASSAR Labs as a leading test and development environment.
This initiative is a catalyst for accelerating electrification, establishing circular production flows, reducing climate impact, and at the same time creating innovation and new jobs – both regionally and nationally.
Opportunities for the entire industry – how your company can use NGL 2.0
The shift towards electrification and more sustainable production methods is transforming the entire production chain – from R&D environments to supplier networks. New demands are being placed on technology, skills, and production capabilities across both large and small actors.
Through NGL 2.0, companies of all sizes – from small workshops to global corporations – gain access to an advanced test and development environment where you can:
Test and develop new production methods using equipment such as laser welding and manufacturing methods for new EM rotor systems.
Collaborate with researchers, engineers, and industrial developers to solve specific production challenges.
Evaluate new technology and circular production flows in a modern, open environment – without disrupting your own production.
The initiative makes cutting-edge expertise and advanced technology accessible to the entire business community, while strengthening Skaraborg’s appeal as an industrial region – and enabling more companies to take the lead in the green transition.
👉 Learn more and book your opportunity to use the lab here: Idcab.se
Background – from NGL 1.0 to 2.0
The first investment in the Next Generation Laboratory Environment (NGL) was made in 2021, totalling SEK 16 million, of which SEK 8 million came from the Västra Götaland Region. This enabled ASSAR Labs to establish an advanced test and development environment for sustainable and efficient drivetrain components.
🔗 Read more about the first NGL investment in 2021 here.
NGL 2.0 builds on these successes and takes the technology and collaboration to the next level.
Next step
NGL 2.0 builds on the existing structure of ASSAR Labs, bringing together academia, industry, and society to develop sustainable and competitive solutions for the industry of tomorrow.
At IDC, we continue to create opportunities for companies to grow, transform, and stay at the forefront – through collaboration, innovation, and long-term value creation.
The initiators of the ASSAR Industrial Innovation Arena are Science Park Skövde AB, the University of Skövde, IDC West Sweden AB, Volvo Car Corporation, and AB Volvo. Funding for the operation of the ASSAR Arena has been provided by the Municipality of Skövde, the Västra Götaland Region, the Skaraborg Municipal Association, and the European Regional Development Fund.
