The idea behind MicroDri started in 2019 when a collaboration between the defense and security company SAAB and the business incubator LEAD, in Linköping, was initiated. The joint project that was started had the goal of finding a new use for the advanced microwave technology that SAAB possesses and to further develop this technology for new applications with the aim of electrifying and enabling increased sustainability in drying and heating processes.
During the project representatives from both parties participated and worked together. From the SAAB-owned company Combitech, employees with over 50 years of experience from construction and development of microwave technology participated, and from the incubator LEAD, Markus Tornberg and Victor Borén, who are trained in business development and entrepreneurship at the incubator, participated.
The 6 month project resulted in an identified need within the saw mill industry for a new drying process and the parties chose to found the company MicroDri. A development project is now run by MicroDri and the owners Leif Erlandsson, Markus Tornberg, Olle Granath, Victor Borén and SAAB Ventures with the aim of developing a microwave-based drying process for the sawmill industry.
When successfully reaching our goal, we'll have a cost-effective drying technology that provides a high-quality yield and easily handles today's production speeds. This technology will then be developed to an MVP that a few players will have the opportunity to buy and test in their own production - where they by doing so will be at the forefront of the industry and lead the way in the development of the drying methodology of the future.
SAAB realizes the great potential that the technology has and finances the development of the pilot which is ongoing in 2021. During the year MicroDri will invite stakeholders to demonstrations where they will get the chance to see this technology in operation and witness how it works in practice.
During next year, 2022, MicroDri will build the first commercial MVP products on site at our customer sawmills, an exciting phase that we are very much looking forward to.