Top investable innovation zones: Nāst Innovation Destination Torslanda, Gothenburg, Sweden

Project overview

Nāst Innovation Destination Torslanda is a large-scale innovation ecosystem focused on mobility and sustainable technologies, located next to Volvo Cars’ manufacturing and R&D operations in Gothenburg.

Developed as a collaborative environment for companies working across energy, materials, digitalisation and advanced industrial technologies, the district integrates offices, laboratories, coworking environments and shared innovation facilities within a connected campus setting.

Covering approximately 200,000 sq m, Nāst is expected to accommodate around 3,500 professionals as the development expands, reinforcing Gothenburg’s position as one of Northern Europe’s leading automotive and industrial innovation hubs.

The opportunity

Nāst offers companies and investors the opportunity to participate in a growing industrial innovation cluster directly linked to one of Europe’s most significant automotive ecosystems. The project is currently expanding through new office and research buildings designed to support testing, materials development and cross-sector collaboration.

Approximately 50,000 sq m of additional offices, laboratories, restaurants and collaborative spaces are being delivered in phases between 2025 and 2027. The destination is designed to attract startups, scale-ups and established corporations focused on sustainable technologies, while fostering interaction between industry, academia and the public sector.

The financials

The project is being developed through phased private-sector investment led by Steptura, with new commercial and innovation facilities scheduled for delivery from 2025 onwards. The expansion includes two major office developments planned for occupation in 2026 and 2027, adding substantial new workspace and innovation infrastructure to the district.

The long-term development model is based on scalable occupancy growth, strategic partnerships and the continued expansion of Gothenburg’s advanced mobility and technology sectors.

Project sponsor

Nāst Innovation Destination Torslanda is owned by Steptura, a joint venture between Swedish companies Vectura Fastigheter, Next Step Group and Balder, and is being developed in collaboration with Volvo Cars and the City of Gothenburg.

Significance

Nāst strengthens Gothenburg’s role as a leading centre for sustainable mobility, industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing.

By creating a neutral arena for collaboration around real industrial challenges, the project supports the development of next-generation vehicle technologies, sustainable materials and digital solutions.

The district also contributes to regional economic growth by attracting technology companies, fostering innovation partnerships and strengthening links between industry and research.

The pitch

Nāst combines proximity to Volvo Cars with a collaborative innovation model designed to accelerate industrial transformation. Unlike traditional business parks, the project functions as a shared ecosystem where suppliers, startups, research organisations and global companies can work side by side on emerging mobility and sustainability challenges.

With significant expansion already underway and strong institutional and industrial backing, Nāst offers companies a rare opportunity to establish a long-term presence at the centre of one of Europe’s most advanced automotive innovation clusters.