Deadline: 09-Jun-2026
The National Innovation Programme for Civil Defence invites collaborative teams to develop practical and forward-thinking prototypes for shelters and protective spaces. With funding up to 800,000 SEK per project, the program encourages partnerships between business, civil society, public sector, and academia to create innovative, user-focused solutions.
What is the National Innovation Programme for Civil Defence?
This initiative aims to explore and prototype the shelters and protective spaces of tomorrow through innovative design approaches. It emphasizes combining practical needs with creative design to strengthen civil defence infrastructure and societal resilience.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Radical approaches to shelter design and utilisation
- Exploratory design methods to generate insights and engagement
- Strengthening civil defence through innovative concepts
- Integration of shelters into societal contexts
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must form collaborative teams with at least two participating entities, including:
- A clearly defined needs owner representing practical shelter requirements
- Participants with expertise in exploratory design methods
Eligible entities may include: - Businesses and industry partners
- Civil society organizations
- Public sector agencies
- Academic and research institutions
Funding and Project Details
- Maximum funding per project: 800,000 SEK
- Total programme budget: 10 million SEK
- Project timeline: September 2026 – May 2027
- Expected outcomes: Tangible prototypes demonstrating innovative shelter solutions
How the Program Works
- Form a collaborative team with a defined needs owner and design expertise
- Identify a practical challenge in civil defence or protective spaces
- Develop concepts using exploratory design methods
- Build and test tangible prototypes demonstrating feasibility and innovation
- Share insights and recommendations for integration into future civil protection strategies
Eligible Activities
- Conceptual design and prototyping of shelters and protective spaces
- User-centered research to understand shelter needs and usability
- Testing and iteration of innovative solutions
- Integration of findings into recommendations for civil defence planning
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting proposals with insufficient collaboration or missing a needs owner
- Focusing solely on theoretical design without practical prototyping
- Neglecting the user-focused aspect of shelter development
- Exceeding the project timeline or budget limits
- Omitting clear deliverables and impact evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply? Collaborative teams from business, civil society, public sector, academia, and research institutes.
- How many entities are required per team? At least two, including a clearly defined needs owner.
- What is the maximum funding? 800,000 SEK per project.
- What is the total programme budget? 10 million SEK.
- What is the project timeline? September 2026 – May 2027.
- Are prototypes mandatory? Yes, projects must produce tangible prototypes demonstrating new shelter solutions.
- Can international partners participate? Only if they form part of the collaborative team with clearly defined roles.
Conclusion
The National Innovation Programme for Civil Defence offers a unique opportunity to rethink shelters and protective spaces by combining innovation, practical needs, and design expertise. Funded projects will produce prototypes that advance civil defence capabilities and shape resilient, adaptive solutions for the communities of tomorrow.
For more information, visit Vinnova.