We know that many children find math difficult, and we know that not enough girls apply to engineering programmes. This results in an unequal engineering industry with a lack of diversity. Together with Mattecentrum, we want to inspire and give children the opportunity to have fun, increase their knowledge and feel confident in their math studies – because we know that this is crucial for more people to apply to STEM programmes.

Jessica Öberg, CEO of Combitech.

Sweden is expected to lack 50,000 engineers by 2030, which poses a significant challenge to solving future sustainability challenges in various industries and sectors. Mattecentrum has for a long time worked to increase children's and young people's interest in mathematics, and thus make the engineering industry more equal.

Through our new partnership with Combitech, we feel hope for the future. More children will have the opportunity to learn, improve their knowledge and increase their interest in mathematics. If we want Sweden to be competitive in the future, we need a workforce made up of the brightest minds. It is today's young people who will develop new medicine, new technology and, in the long run, create growth and development in our societies – we must help children at an early age to make mathematics fun and understandable, and we do this together.

Ellen Eriksson, Secretary General of Mattecentrum.

The shortage of engineers is a societal challenge that we must face together. Taking joint action to address the current and future lack of engineers is crucial for a thriving resilient society.

Jessica Öberg, CEO of Combitech.

Quick facts

• Sweden will lack 50000 engineers by 2030, according to SCB.
• Swedish children in year 4 and 8 show lower maths performance than the average for EU and OECD, according to TIMSS 2019.
• The PISA 2022 report, which was presented on 5 December 2023, shows that Sweden's 15-year-olds knowledge in mathematics has dropped. 
• According to Sveriges Ingenjörer, engineering programmes do not attract enough girls, even though girls have the right prior knowledge of mathematics.
• According to Sveriges Ingenjörer, the lowest average grade of all subjects in year 6 and 9 in Sweden was in mathematics. 
• In 2020/21, only 12% of girls and 11% of boys in year 9 achieved grade A in mathematics.
• Skolverket estimated the need to examine 3,000 more maths teachers for year 7-9 and 1,700 more for high school during 2019-2023.
• Looking to 2030, projections indicate that the number of employed persons with ICT education in Norway must increase by more than 40,000.

About Mattecentrum

Mattecentrum is a Swedish non-profit organisation aiming to stimulate students' interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Mattecentrum was founded in 2008. Our mission is to work for equal opportunities to learn, improve students' knowledge in math and stimulate their interest in mathematics. Today Mattecentrum operates both online and offline. All of our services are free of charge for the user/participant.

Mattecentrum is financed by public funds, corporate sponsors, foundations and by donations from individuals.

About Combitech

We at Combitech are accelerating the development of a smarter, more sustainable and more resilient society. Combining our solid experience within defence- and industry sectors, we contribute to society by enabling the industry, total defence and communities to withstand the challenges of tomorrow.

As a Nordic tech solution and consulting partner with 2100 passionate, highly skilled experts at our core, we partner with our customers to push the boundaries of technology and make a difference.

For further information, please contact:  

Ulrica Matsers, Head of Communications and Marketing, Combitech AB
Phone: 0734-46 00 70 E-mail: ulrica.matsers@combitech.com