ICEedge: The Future Edge Computing Platform

ICEedge is a three-year project that aimed to build an experimental platform and develop excellence in edge computing, a technology that provides distributed computing power close to the data source. The project focused on developing and disseminating knowledge of edge technologies and establishing edge capabilities in different innovation environments, including 5G test beds.

The Energy Agency has mandated RISE to continuously monitor the energy consumption of digital infrastructure and systems, focusing in particular on data centres and cryptocurrency mining facilities, as well as their impact on the energy system. The Authority has recently published its final report together with two background reports prepared by RISE.

Background

With growing demand for distributed computing power, edge computing has emerged as a key factor for digital innovation. The drivers of this technology include data sovereignty requirements, extremely low delays and increased use of AI. Edge computing is closely associated with 5G technology and its potential for new services, as well as the concept of data retrieval – a tendency in which applications and data are drawn in networks. ICEedge aimed to support at least five demonstrators or development projects and build at least one major Horizon Europe project focusing on edge computing.

ICEedge built an edge computing platform that complements ICE data centres. The platform enabled experimentation and development of applications with computer-centre quasi-computing power at very short distances, for example for edge AI or content delivery for high quality AR/VR. The offer included a hardware and software package with a development environment and the necessary skills to get started. The project expanded the edge capacity of innovative testbeds and developed test and demonstration cases with partners, while building leading knowledge around the platform and its technologies.

An important part of ICEedge was to engage companies in Swedish ICT to create a common ecosystem. This was achieved through a series of open seminars and events, helping to disseminate knowledge and foster cooperation within the industry.

Why was this a good example?

The ICEedge project was a good example for several reasons:

1. Innovation in Edge Computing: The project focused on developing and implementing edge computing, a technology crucial for future digital innovation. By placing computational power close to the data source, edge computing enabled faster and more efficient data processing, which is particularly important for applications that require low latency or handle large amounts of data.
2. Support for 5G development: ICEedge was directly linked to the development of 5G technology, which is a key element of modern digital infrastructure. By integrating edge computing with 5G, the project helped create new opportunities and services that can change the way we use technology in our daily lives.
3. Cooperation between Industry and Research: The project involved cooperation between different actors, including research institutions and companies in the ICT industry. This type of cooperation is essential to drive innovation and translate research into practical applications.
4. Focus on the dissemination of knowledge: ICEedge attached great importance to disseminating knowledge of edge computing through seminars and events. This contributed to raising awareness and understanding of the technology, which is important for its wider acceptance and use.
5. Contribution to the Swedish ICT sector: By providing infrastructure and skills in edge computing, ICEedge supported the Swedish ICT sector. This support is crucial for Sweden to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading nation in technology and innovation.

In conclusion, ICEedge is an excellent example of how targeted R&D, combined with industry collaboration and knowledge diffusion, can lead to significant advances in key technologies such as edge computing and 5G.

Legacy: RISE ICE Datacenter

The infrastructure developed through ICEedge has continued to evolve within RISE's broader ICE Datacenter facility in Luleå. In 2026, RISE ICE celebrated ten years of activity, having grown from a bold vision into a leading full-scale research facility shaping the future of data centres through cutting-edge research, international partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. RISE ICE has also become an OCP (Open Compute Project) Experience Center, amplifying its impact on the global stage and reinforcing Sweden's position as a leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.