Sandbox – the real world is our lab

We're here to unlock the next level of innovation in Skellefteå and beyond. ACE Sandbox is a physical and digital platform for testing new energy technologies, exploring digital innovations, and utilizing regulatory flexibility.

The Sandbox enables researchers, startups, companies, and educators to test, demonstrate, and accelerate sustainable solutions in real-world environments.

From electric buses and energy-positive buildings to drone corridors and real-time digital twins, the ACE Sandbox offers a unique gateway to the electrified society of tomorrow.

We're just getting started. A full menu of services, infrastructure, and opportunities will be released soon. Stay tuned as we build the tools that will power the next generation of sustainable innovation.

ACE Powerhouse: the future heart of the Sandbox

At the heart of the Sandbox is our house – currently under construction and opening in spring 2027. The 8,300 m² timber building is designed to be a game-changer: a smart, sustainable structure aiming for both Miljöbyggnad Guld and NollCO2 certification.

Once completed, ACE Powerhouse will be a central testbed for innovation – equipped with labs, sensors, and smart energy systems. It will host real-world experiments, hands-on education, and collaborative projects that connect research, business, and the public sector.

Explore and read more about ACE Powerhouse here.

What's in the Sandbox?

Physical layer: Electric bus fleets, V2G charging stations, drone corridors, smart buildings, labs – ready to use, test, and scale.

Digital layer: Live data streams, digital twins, API access, simulation environments. Real insight, real fast.

Regulatory layer: Temporary exemptions and test zones for things like peer-to-peer energy trading or autonomous drones.

We give you access, but also:

  • Matchmaking with infrastructure and projects.
  • Communication and visibility.
  • Integration with education and research.
  • A team that knows how to make innovation real.

The first testbeds are active. Stay tuned as we build the tools that will power the next generation of sustainable innovation.

Join us in building the innovation infrastructure of tomorrow.

Get in touch