Young talent program

Program structure

During the autumn, participants underwent an intensive training period at AI Sweden, where they gained foundational knowledge and skills in various AI fields such as deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The training was combined with opportunities to participate in AI Sweden's research and development projects and receive further guidance from AI experts within the organization.

The spring provided participants with the chance to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practice by spending time at one of AI Sweden's partner organizations. This gave them valuable insight into how AI is used in real-world industrial contexts and the opportunity to contribute to concrete projects.

Background and development

The program was launched in August 2021 with an initial cohort of talents from ABB-gymnasiet's advanced technical program in smart systems and AI. The following year, the program was broadened to include applicants from all over Sweden, reflecting the ambition to nationally identify and support young AI talents.

Over the years, the Young Talent program has engaged nearly 50 driven young individuals and fostered valuable collaborations with partners such as Combitech, Zenseact, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).

Lessons learned and insights

Over the years, the Young Talent program has generated several important lessons and insights into how to best engage and develop young talents in the field of AI. Some of our key conclusions are:

Young talents take responsibility and deliver.

By giving recent high school graduates trust and responsibility in challenging projects, we have seen how quickly they can grow and deliver concrete results. Their commitment and willingness to learn drive them to take ownership of their tasks.

Youthful enthusiasm and new perspectives enrich AI development.

The participants in the Young Talent program have contributed a unique combination of youthfulness, curiosity, and a different perspective on AI challenges. Their approaches have often led to innovative solutions and enriched the teams they have worked in.

AI competence can be developed quickly without long university education.

The program has shown that a deep understanding and ability to develop AI solutions does not necessarily require several years of university studies. With the right introduction, intensive training, and practical application, young individuals can quickly build impressive competence.

Testimonials from former participants and partners underscore the program's positive impact on both individuals and organizations.

Conclusion of the Program

The last cohort (September 2024 to May 2025) was the final in its current form. The program may continue at a later time, and the experiences and insights gathered will inform AI Sweden's ongoing work in AI talent development.

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