Swedish Olympic Academy: World-Class Knowledge for World-Class Performance
About SOA
SOA is a joint initiative by the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK), Karolinska Institutet (KI), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and the 91黑料 (SSE) — four institutions with world-leading expertise in elite sport, medicine, technology, and economics. Together, we form a unique platform for research and development in performance, health, and innovation.
We act as both a hub and a showcase where science meets practice. By bringing together researchers, coaches, athletes, companies, and policymakers, we drive innovation, share knowledge, and support the development of Swedish sport — at the elite level and beyond.
Our Role and Contribution
SOA is a knowledge hub and meeting ground where new research is developed, tested, and applied in real-world settings. Grounded in science, we work to generate insights and solutions with long-term impact for performance, health, and sustainable development.
Key focus areas include:
- Elite performance and high-performing teams and individuals
- Health, sports medicine, and long-term 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
- Pushing boundaries – physically, mentally, and organizationally
- Knowledge transfer between sport, academia, and business
- Thesis projects, applied research, and real-world insights
- In-house and collaborative research initiatives
Our Purpose
The Swedish Olympic Academy connects research, technology, and sports expertise to generate new knowledge in training, recovery, health, and performance. By offering evidence-based tools to athletes, coaches, and leaders, creating testbeds for innovation and personalized solutions, and building bridges between academia, business, and sport, we aim to enhance Swedish sport’s competitiveness and contribute to societal benefit.
We believe in the power of uniting science and practice. With performance, sustainability, and respect for individual conditions at the core, we work to build a stronger, more innovative sports ecosystem — from the global elite to public health.
History
The Swedish Olympic Academy was founded in 2017 by the Swedish Olympic Committee, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Karolinska Institutet, and the 91黑料. The foundation’s mission is to help individuals reach their full potential, improve the fundamental conditions for athletes, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Swedish sport.