CFAs: Strengthening ecosystem for Civil-Military Innovation Collaboration (Sweden)

Vinnova is accepting applications from Swedish innovation actors to develop, test, and analyze methods that strengthen civil-military innovation collaboration. The program supports feasibility studies, method development projects, and application projects that bring together innovation ecosystems, companies, academia, and research institutes to improve collaboration models.

The Vinnova Civil-Military Innovation Collaboration Grant Program supports Swedish innovation actors in creating and evaluating new approaches for cooperation between civilian and military innovation ecosystems. The initiative aims to strengthen Sweden’s innovation capacity by developing practical methods, testing collaboration models, and identifying effective pathways for future civil-military innovation partnerships.

About the Vinnova Civil-Military Innovation Collaboration Program

Vinnova, Sweden’s government innovation agency, provides funding for projects that explore how civil and military sectors can collaborate more effectively on innovation.

The program focuses on:

Developing new methods for civil-military innovation collaboration.
Testing collaboration models between innovation actors, companies, academia, and research institutions.
Analyzing outcomes to identify successful approaches.
Strengthening innovation systems that support both civilian and security-related challenges.

The initiative is designed to support innovation environments that can connect different sectors and encourage knowledge exchange, technology development, and long-term partnerships.

Why This Grant Matters

Civil-military innovation collaboration can help address complex challenges by combining expertise from different sectors.

The program aims to:

Improve cooperation between civilian innovation ecosystems and defence-related actors.
Build stronger connections between companies, research institutions, and innovation organisations.
Develop scalable methods for future innovation partnerships.
Support Sweden’s innovation capabilities in emerging and strategic technology areas.

By funding experimentation and analysis, Vinnova helps organisations identify effective collaboration structures and improve innovation processes.

Funding Categories and Grant Amounts

The program provides funding through three project types:

Feasibility Studies

Funding available: Up to SEK 300,000.
Project duration: Maximum 4 months.
Purpose:
- Explore collaboration opportunities.
- Analyse challenges and possibilities.
- Prepare future innovation projects.

Method Development Projects

Funding available: Up to SEK 2 million.
Project duration: Maximum 12 months.
Purpose:
- Develop and test new collaboration methods.
- Create practical frameworks for civil-military innovation partnerships.
- Evaluate effectiveness and potential improvements.

Application Projects

Funding available: Up to SEK 2 million.
Project duration: Maximum 12 months.
Purpose:
- Apply developed methods in real innovation environments.
- Demonstrate practical implementation.
- Generate knowledge for future collaboration models.

For method development and application projects:

Maximum funding limit per participating organisation: SEK 700,000 per party.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to Swedish innovation actors that contribute to innovation development and collaboration.

Eligible applicants include:

Innovation incubators.
Science parks.
Cluster organisations.
Other Swedish innovation support organisations.

Applicants may apply:

Individually as a project coordinator.
As part of a consortium involving other organisations.

A project coordinator must always be an eligible innovation actor.

Eligible Collaboration Partners

Innovation actors may collaborate with:

Companies.
Universities.
Research institutes.
Other relevant organisations.

Partnerships should demonstrate how different sectors can contribute knowledge, resources, and capabilities to improve civil-military innovation collaboration.

Project Focus Areas

Supported projects should focus on:

Developing methods for civil-military innovation collaboration.
Testing new partnership models.
Analysing innovation processes.
Improving cooperation between civilian and military-related stakeholders.

Projects should demonstrate practical value and the potential to improve future innovation collaboration.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Identify the project type
- Select whether the proposal focuses on a feasibility study, method development project, or application project.
Build the project team
- Innovation actors may apply independently or form partnerships with companies, universities, and research institutes.
Define the collaboration method
- Explain the challenge, proposed approach, expected results, and how the project will improve civil-military innovation collaboration.
Prepare the application
- Include project objectives, activities, budget, timeline, participating organisations, and expected impact.
Submit through Vinnova’s application system
- Applications must follow Vinnova’s official requirements and submission procedures.

Assessment Considerations

Applications are expected to demonstrate:

Clear innovation potential.
Strong collaboration structure.
Relevant expertise among project partners.
Practical implementation opportunities.
Potential for long-term impact.

Projects should show how developed methods can contribute to stronger innovation ecosystems.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should ensure that they:

Clearly define the civil-military collaboration challenge.
Select the correct funding category.
Explain the roles of all project partners.
Provide a realistic timeline and budget.
Demonstrate how results can be used beyond the project period.

Applications may be weakened if they lack clear objectives, practical outcomes, or evidence of collaboration capacity.

Tips for Strong Applications

Successful proposals should:

Present a clear innovation challenge.
Explain why collaboration between civilian and military actors is needed.
Include experienced partners with complementary expertise.
Describe measurable project outcomes.
Highlight how results can support future innovation activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Vinnova Civil-Military Innovation Collaboration Grant?
The program supports Swedish innovation actors in developing, testing, and analysing methods that improve collaboration between civilian and military innovation sectors.

2. Who can apply for this funding?
Swedish innovation actors such as incubators, science parks, and cluster organisations can apply. They may apply alone or with partners, but an innovation actor must coordinate the project.

3. Can universities and companies apply directly?
Universities and companies can participate as project partners, but the project coordinator must be an eligible innovation actor.

4. How much funding can projects receive?
Feasibility studies can receive up to SEK 300,000. Method development projects and application projects can receive up to SEK 2 million each.

5. How long can funded projects run?
Feasibility studies can last up to four months, while method development and application projects can last up to 12 months.

6. Can organisations apply as a consortium?
Yes. Innovation actors may collaborate with companies, academia, and research institutes through a consortium.

7. What type of activities are supported?
The program supports activities focused on developing, testing, and analysing methods for civil-military innovation collaboration.

Conclusion

The Vinnova Civil-Military Innovation Collaboration Grant Program provides funding for Swedish innovation actors to create stronger connections between civilian and military innovation environments. Through feasibility studies, method development, and practical application projects, the initiative supports new collaboration models that can strengthen innovation capacity, knowledge exchange, and future technology development in Sweden.