Swedish Olympic Academy
The Swedish Olympic Academy (SOA) is a foundation operating at the intersection of science, sports, and innovation. Through internal initiatives, ongoing research, and support for external projects, SOA strengthens the connection between academic knowledge and practical sports development in Sweden.
About SOA
SOA is a joint initiative of the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK), Karolinska Institute (KI), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) - four institutions with strong expertise in elite sport, medicine, technology, and economics. Together they form a platform for research and development in performance, health, and innovation.
SOA functions as both a hub and a meeting place where science and practice interact. By bringing together researchers, coaches, athletes, companies, and policymakers, the academy supports innovation, knowledge sharing, and the development of Swedish sport at the elite level and beyond.
Launch of SOA
Role and contribution
SOA operates as a knowledge hub where research is developed, tested, and applied in real-world contexts. Grounded in scientific methods, the academy aims to generate insights and solutions that support long-term development in performance, health, and sustainability.
Key focus areas include:
- Elite performance and high-performing teams and individuals
- Health, sports medicine, and sustainable performance
- Mental resilience, recovery, and self-leadership
- Digitalization, data, and sport technology
- Innovation in training and athlete development
- Dual careers - combining sport with academic or professional development
- Knowledge transfer between sport, academia, and business
- Thesis projects, applied research, and real-world insights
- In-house and collaborative research initiatives
Purpose
The Swedish Olympic Academy connects research, technology, and sports expertise to generate new knowledge related to training, recovery, health, and performance. By providing evidence-based tools for athletes, coaches, and sports leaders, creating testbeds for innovation, and facilitating collaboration between academia, business, and sport, the academy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish sport while contributing to broader societal benefits.
The academy’s approach emphasizes the integration of science and practice. With performance, sustainability, and respect for individual conditions as guiding principles, SOA seeks to contribute to a more innovative sports ecosystem - from elite sport to public health.
We are convinced that the Swedish sports sector will develop both in terms of knowledge and practical implementation as innovation and technology become increasingly integrated into sport.
Martin Carlsson-Wall
Director, Center for Sports and Business
History
The Swedish Olympic Academy was founded in 2017 by the Swedish Olympic Committee, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institute, and the Stockholm School of Economics. The foundation was established to bring together expertise from sport, medicine, technology, and economics in order to strengthen the conditions for athlete development and long-term competitiveness in Swedish sport.
Stockholm holds unique expertise when it comes to developing new tools for individuals - enabling better results and more inspiring training environments. The Swedish Olympic Academy was founded to bring this competence together. To fully achieve our ambitions, we need to take our place in the global innovation ecosystem.
Stefan Lindeberg
Former CEO, Swedish Olympic Academy
