Call for Applications: Traffic Safety and Automated (Sweden)

Vinnova is inviting applications for research and development projects that improve road safety through safe, connected, and automated vehicle technologies. The programme supports collaborative innovation projects involving research organisations, businesses, public sector bodies, and non-profit organisations, with funding covering up to 50% of eligible project costs and up to SEK 500,000 for preliminary studies.

Overview of the Vinnova Grant Programme

The Vinnova Grant Programme supports research and innovation projects that enhance road safety while accelerating the development of sustainable transportation systems. The initiative encourages collaboration between industry, academia, public organisations, and civil society to develop technologies that make automated mobility safer, smarter, and more efficient.

The programme places strong emphasis on connected and automated vehicles, vehicle-to-infrastructure integration, and innovative technologies that reduce traffic risks while supporting future mobility solutions.

Funding Details

Applicants can receive financial support under the following conditions:

• Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• Each project must include at least 25% business funding.
• Preliminary studies and smaller feasibility projects can receive up to SEK 500,000.
• Funding supports collaborative research and development activities.

Focus Areas

The programme supports projects in areas including:

• Road safety innovation.
• Safe automated and autonomous vehicles.
• Connected vehicle technologies.
• Sustainable transport systems.
• Vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) integration.
• Safe mobility solutions.
• Intelligent transport systems.
• Automation technologies.
• Shared automated transportation.
• Digital mobility solutions.
• Traffic safety technologies.
• Research and development for future transport.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects may include:

• Research on safe automated driving systems.
• Development of connected vehicle technologies.
• Integration of vehicles with smart infrastructure.
• Technologies that improve road user safety.
• Innovative automation methods for transport.
• Sustainable mobility solutions.
• Pilot studies and feasibility assessments.
• Collaborative R&D projects involving multiple sectors.

Projects should demonstrate clear innovation potential while contributing to safer and more sustainable transportation.

Key Concepts Explained

Connected Vehicles

Connected vehicles exchange information with other vehicles, road infrastructure, and digital systems to improve safety, traffic management, and driving efficiency.

Automated Vehicles

Automated vehicles use advanced software, sensors, artificial intelligence, and communication systems to perform driving tasks with limited or no human intervention.

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Integration

V2I technology enables communication between vehicles and road infrastructure, such as traffic signals, road sensors, and digital traffic management systems, helping reduce accidents and improve traffic flow.

Collaborative Research and Development

The programme encourages partnerships between organisations that combine expertise from research, industry, and public sectors to create practical transport innovations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Research organisations.
• Companies.
• Public organisations.
• Non-profit organisations.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Projects must involve at least two participating organisations.
• Projects must include a minimum of 25% business funding.
• Activities must focus on eligible research and development objectives related to safe automated transport and road safety.

Why This Grant Matters

Safe and automated mobility is becoming an essential part of future transportation systems. This programme helps organisations:

• Improve road safety.
• Develop next-generation transport technologies.
• Support sustainable mobility.
• Strengthen collaboration between research and industry.
• Accelerate innovation in automated transportation.
• Reduce traffic risks through advanced technology.
• Build smarter transportation infrastructure.

How the Funding Works

The programme provides co-funding rather than full project financing.

Funding structure includes:

• Vinnova contributes up to 50% of eligible project costs.
• Business partners contribute at least 25% of project financing.
• Organisations collaborate to complete the remaining project activities and funding.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Collaborative Project

Create a research and development project involving at least two eligible organisations.

Step 2: Align with Programme Objectives

Ensure the project focuses on one or more eligible areas, such as:

• Road safety.
• Automated vehicles.
• Connected mobility.
• Sustainable transport.
• Vehicle-infrastructure integration.

Step 3: Build a Project Consortium

Include appropriate partners from research, business, government, or non-profit sectors.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Develop a funding plan that:

• Requests no more than the permitted funding level.
• Includes the required business contribution.
• Clearly identifies eligible project costs.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application according to Vinnova’s programme requirements before the official deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the innovation being developed.
• Demonstrate measurable road safety benefits.
• Include experienced project partners.
• Show how connected technologies improve transport safety.
• Provide a realistic implementation plan.
• Present a well-structured budget.
• Highlight expected societal and environmental impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as a single organisation when collaboration is required.
• Requesting funding beyond programme limits.
• Failing to include the required business funding contribution.
• Submitting projects without a clear road safety focus.
• Providing weak evidence of innovation or practical impact.
• Preparing incomplete budgets or project plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Vinnova programme?

Research organisations, companies, public organisations, and non-profit organisations may apply through collaborative projects.

How much funding is available?

Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs. Preliminary studies may receive up to SEK 500,000.

Are collaborative projects mandatory?

Yes. Every project must involve at least two participating organisations.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects involving automated vehicles, connected mobility, road safety technologies, sustainable transport, and related research and development activities are eligible.

Is business co-funding required?

Yes. Each project must include at least 25% business funding.

Can feasibility or pilot studies be funded?

Yes. Smaller preliminary studies and feasibility projects may receive funding up to SEK 500,000.

What is the primary objective of the programme?

The programme aims to improve road safety while supporting innovation in connected, automated, and sustainable transportation systems.

Conclusion

The Vinnova Grant Programme provides valuable funding for collaborative research and innovation projects that improve road safety through advanced automated and connected transport technologies. By supporting partnerships among research institutions, businesses, public organisations, and non-profit organisations, the programme encourages the development of safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions that can shape the future of transportation.