On graphene, green transition; and why labels in tech must disappear
On weekends, you’re more likely to find Olivia Nestius on horseback in Gotland or cycling through Mallorca than in a boardroom. Active, social, forward-moving, it is a rhythm that mirrors how she leads.
As CEO of Graphmatech, a deep-tech company built around graphene, she operates at the intersection of advanced materials, industrial transformation and sustainability. But her story is as much about drive and purpose as it is about technology.
On International Women’s Day, we meet a leader building more than a company, she is building impact.
The youngest – and determined
Olivia grew up in the countryside between Halmstad and Båstad, the youngest in a large family.
“I was the youngest. And the youngest girl. I wanted to be at least as great as my siblings.”
That early determination became fuel; not competition, but drive.
“You try things. Most often, they turn out well.”
With two academic parents, her father a professor, higher education felt natural.
“There was no pressure. But it was never really a question either.”
Olivia Nestius, CEO of Graphmatech, at GoWest 2025
Where innovation happens
At KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where she studied Industrial Engineering and Management, with focus on Energy Systems and Sustainability, something clicked.
“In courses on the green transition, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, I realized that innovation is what moves the world forward.”
She paired engineering with business studies at the Stockholm School of Economics — a combination that would later define her leadership.
Nearly six years at McKinsey sharpened her edge.
“You learn to solve problems fast. You learn that what seems impossible can become possible.
During Sweden’s scale-up boom, she joined Svea Solar as Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer.
“It was incredibly exciting to scale at speed. That is when I understood how fun it is to build companies in different phases.”
A material with massive potential
Graphmatech found her when they were looking for a CEO.
“That is when I rediscovered graphene and saw what it could enable.”
Graphene strengthens materials, improves conductivity and durability. But for Olivia, the real value is bigger.
“It is not just about extraordinary properties. It’s about contributing to a more sustainable and stable world.”
Her explanation is simple:
“We develop advanced materials that help industrial companies become more innovative, resource-efficient and sustainable. We make graphene usable and scalable.”
The biggest misconception?
“That graphene is too complex or too niche. It is not. The challenge is usability at scale; and that is what we solve.”
Young. Female. CEO.
Does her age affect how she is treated?
“I’ve only ever been myself,” she says.
Rather than resistance, she has experienced support.
“I am often boosted because I am young and a woman. Some are surprised; ‘Are you the CEO?’But mostly in a positive way.”
Imposter syndrome rarely shows up.
“I feel worthy of being where I am. The person I try to prove myself to is myself.”
She is deliberate about visibility; speaking on panels, showing up.
“That is also a way of proactively proving yourself.”
In tech-heavy rooms, she sometimes stands out as the only woman, the only person under 40, and occasionally the only non-material scientist.
“But that is also my strength. I bring business and company-building perspectives. That creates creativity.”
And one insight stands out, she says:
“When there are women in the room, conversations move faster. They become more dynamic and solution oriented.”
Purpose beyond profit
What drives her?
“Having a higher purpose. Contributing to a better world.”
The green transition has been a constant since university. Today, she connects it to stability and peace.
“Peace and sustainability are interconnected.”
For Olivia, modern leadership is long-term and holistic.
“Sustainability must be embedded in everything; strategy, planning, motivation. People develop the company, and the company must develop people.”
Growth is mutual.
“When companies grow, individuals grow.”
Beyond labels
On International Women’s Day, she hopes for progress and normalization.
“It shouldn’t be a thing to be a female founder. It should just be diverse, integrated teams.”
Her advice to young women considering tech:
“You do not have to be an expert. You learn. Often faster than you think. Dare to dive in.”
She smiles.
“I lead a graphene company. I knew nothing about graphene before. Now I know quite a lot.”
Stepping into the unknown – and building the future anyway.
