Deadline: 04-Sep-2025
Vinnova is seeking individuals and organizations capable of creating and executing bold visions that place Sweden at the forefront of global technology and innovation. This comes in response to rapid technological advancement, global tensions, and increasing international competition, which all highlight the need for coordinated and substantial investments in research and innovation.
Together with the Swedish Research Council, Vinnova has been tasked by the government to lead a major initiative to develop clusters of excellence in groundbreaking and strategic technology areas. These clusters represent strong concentrations of resources and expertise with the potential to elevate Sweden’s global standing and attract international talent and investment.
The ultimate goal is to establish up to five world-leading clusters of excellence in Sweden by 2035. Vinnova plans to invest around SEK 1 billion over the next four years to support their development.
This current call for proposals is the first stage in a long-term initiative. It invites stakeholders with vision, capability, and collaboration skills to create compelling plans for establishing clusters in strategically important technological fields. About thirty ambitious proposals are expected to emerge from this process.
The government has identified six key focus areas for this initiative: Artificial Intelligence and autonomous systems, advanced digital technology including semiconductors, quantum technology, energy technology, materials and production technology, and biotechnology.
Each approved project will receive a maximum of SEK 1.5 million for a duration of six months. The funding covers various eligible costs including personnel, consulting, materials, travel, and indirect overheads. Consulting costs are limited to 20% of a party’s budget unless specially justified. Indirect costs may be up to 30% of personnel costs, with some institutions permitted higher limits.
Applicants must be legal entities. Natural persons and sole proprietors are not eligible. The coordinating organization must be a Swedish legal entity operating in Sweden. Foreign entities may join as partners but cannot act as coordinators.
The project leader must be employed by the coordinating entity, and no project activities can begin before the proposal is submitted. Proposals must be written in Swedish or English and must comply with all formatting and documentation requirements.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
