Polar Connect Step 2 has officially kicked off


We’re excited to announce the start of Polar Connect Step 2 (24-EU-DIG-PC2), a new 36-month project preparing the next phase of resilient Arctic digital connectivity.
PC2 is supported by €4.97 million in EU funding through the Connecting Europe Facility (hashtag
(CEFDigital), with a total project budget of €9.94 million.

This backing underlines the growing strategic importance of Arctic connectivity for Europe and beyond.
The project brings together partners from across the Nordics and Europe, combining research, infrastructure, and Arctic expertise.

Project beneficiaries:
• Vetenskapsrådet / Swedish Research Council/ SUNET (Coordinator)
• NORDUnet
• GlobalConnect
• Swedish Polar Research Secretariat
• CSC – IT Center for Science
with GÉANT participating as an associated partner.

During PC2, the project will focus on Arctic cable route studies, resilience and repair in extreme ice conditions, and laying the groundwork for future deployment.

This marks an important milestone for Polar Connect:
from ambition to concrete preparation for the next generation of global connectivity.

Polar Connect-PC2 Kick offDownload

Per Nihlén

Organisation: Sunet, Swedish Research Council
Title: Chair of the Polar Connect Advisory Board and Chief Technology Officer and Inventory

Per is the Chair of the Polar Connect Advisory Board . He serves as Head of Unit at  the Swedish Research Council, where he leads the development and operation of Sweden’s national infrastructure for research and education in networking and digital communication. With over three decades of experience in digital infrastructure and public-sector innovation, Per leadership has been instrumental in advancing high-capacity networks that support research collaboration, data-intensive science, and education across the Nordic region. Per is also Chair of the Board of the Foundation for the Development of Telematics, a grant-making foundation that supports the advancement of high-performance digital infrastructure in Sweden. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Netnod, representing the foundation as owner and contributing to the governance of Sweden’s critical internet infrastructure. Per has been a trusted advisor to government agencies, research institutions, and international collaborations.

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