Deadline: 12-Mar-2026
Vinnova’s Water Wise Societies initiative funds collaborative projects that transform Sweden’s water sector to achieve sustainable and equitable water management by 2050. Grants of up to SEK 10,000,000 per project support innovation, policy development, capacity building, and testing of new technologies and business models. Projects must involve multiple actors and focus on sustainable water solutions that can be scaled nationally.
About the Water Wise Societies Grant
The Water Wise Societies programme aims to accelerate innovative, collaborative solutions for Sweden’s water sector, addressing challenges related to water availability, quality, and sustainability under climate change. The initiative supports projects that implement practical system changes through innovation, new governance methods, and scalable business models.
Goals and Focus Areas
The programme seeks projects that contribute to Sustainable Water for All by 2050, focusing on:
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Innovation: Development of new working methods, technologies, and business models
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Policy development: Supporting regulations, governance, and strategic frameworks
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Capacity development: Strengthening knowledge, skills, and collaboration in the water sector
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Research: Evidence-based solutions to water challenges
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Internationalisation: Sharing knowledge and solutions globally to enhance Sweden’s water system
Projects are expected to develop, test, and prepare solutions for implementation with potential for practical impact and long-term scale-up.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible participants include actors across the “source to coast” water system, such as:
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Municipalities and local authorities
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Water and sanitation organisations
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Private companies and industries
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Research and innovation institutions
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Civil society organisations and NGOs
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Other relevant public or private organisations
Collaboration requirement:
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Each project must involve at least two actors
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At least one actor must be a need-owner with practical stakes in water systems
Funding Details
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Maximum funding per project: SEK 10,000,000
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Aid intensity: Up to 70% of total project cost
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Maximum project duration: 36 months
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Overall programme budget: SEK 100,000,000
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Project period: Start no earlier than 1 June 2026 and conclude by 30 May 2029
Funding supports activities such as:
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Developing and testing innovative solutions
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Implementing new technologies and business models
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Facilitating collaboration and partnerships
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Preparing solutions for practical system adoption and scale-up
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organisation is a recognised actor in the water sector and that your project meets collaborative requirements
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Develop project proposal: Include objectives, methodology, expected impact, and scaling strategy
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Form collaborative team: Ensure at least two actors are involved and designate a need-owner
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Prepare budget and timeline: Include detailed funding requirements and duration (max 36 months)
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Submit application: Follow Vinnova’s official application process and timelines
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Await assessment: Projects will be evaluated based on innovation, sustainability, impact potential, and collaboration strength
Tips for Applicants
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Focus on practical outcomes and scalable solutions
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Include clear roles and responsibilities for each partner
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Demonstrate how the project aligns with Sustainable Water for All by 2050
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Provide evidence of technical feasibility and sectoral relevance
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Highlight long-term impact and replicability of the proposed solution
FAQs – Water Wise Societies Grant
1. Who can apply for funding?
Municipalities, water organisations, private companies, research institutions, civil society organisations, and other relevant actors involved in the water sector.
2. Can projects be solo applications?
No, each project must involve at least two collaborating actors, including at least one need-owner.
3. What is the maximum funding available per project?
Up to SEK 10,000,000 with an aid intensity of 70%.
4. What is the maximum project duration?
36 months, starting no earlier than 1 June 2026 and ending by 30 May 2029.
5. What types of projects are supported?
Projects that innovate, test, and implement solutions in water management, including technologies, governance models, and sustainable business practices.
6. Is international collaboration encouraged?
Yes, internationalisation is a focus, and projects that share knowledge or solutions globally are encouraged.
7. What is the overall goal of the programme?
To contribute to Sustainable Water for All by 2050 by ensuring equitable, sustainable, and resilient water use for people, ecosystems, and businesses.
Conclusion
The Vinnova Water Wise Societies Grant provides a unique opportunity to transform Sweden’s water sector through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable solutions. By funding projects that combine research, policy, and practical implementation, the programme aims to create resilient, equitable, and future-ready water systems. Eligible organisations are encouraged to submit applications and collaborate to drive measurable impact across Sweden’s water ecosystem.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
