Deadline: 27-Apr-2026

Vinnova is offering funding under the Net Zero Industry programme to support consulting services that help Swedish manufacturing SMEs transition to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The initiative focuses on structured advisory services, sustainability integration, emissions reduction, and dissemination of lessons learned across sectors.

Overview of the Programme

The Net Zero Industry programme is part of Impact Innovation, an initiative jointly led by the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova. Its objective is to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Increase sustainability capabilities

• Transition toward net-zero operations and value chains by 2040

The funding specifically targets intermediary organizations with a public mandate that do not distribute profits and can provide structured consulting services to multiple SMEs.

Key Goals of Funded Projects

Projects supported under this call are expected to:

• Enhance SMEs’ knowledge and capabilities regarding sustainability and emissions reduction

• Improve SMEs’ ability to assess current operations and identify potential improvements while maintaining competitiveness

• Reduce emissions within SME operations, value chains, and product use phases

• Develop clear plans to document, disseminate, and scale lessons learned across sectors

• Facilitate effective communication to inspire broader SME engagement in net-zero transition

• Create structured SME portfolios for tailored advisory services

Eligibility and Scope

• Applicants must be intermediaries with a public mandate who do not distribute profits

• Projects must provide structured advisory services tailored to SME needs

• Each intermediary must manage a portfolio of 5–10 SMEs

• Funding for each SME is capped at SEK 150,000 during the project period

• Projects can run for up to 18 months

Project Focus Areas

• Conduct structured assessments to guide SMEs toward higher sustainability maturity

• Provide practical improvement measures to reduce emissions

• Integrate sustainability strategies into business models and daily operations

• Develop circular and sustainable value chains

• Provide education, training, and hands-on guidance for SMEs lacking systematic methods or resources

• Include plans for documentation and dissemination of lessons learned to accelerate sector-wide net-zero adoption

Why It Matters

• Supports Sweden’s national goal for net-zero emissions by 2040 in manufacturing

• Empowers SMEs with practical tools and strategies for sustainability

• Promotes cross-sector learning and dissemination of best practices

• Helps SMEs maintain competitiveness while reducing emissions

How the Programme Works

1. SME Portfolio Development: Intermediaries select 5–10 SMEs for structured advisory support

2. Assessment and Planning: Conduct emissions and sustainability assessments for each SME

3. Implementation of Improvement Measures: Guide SMEs to implement practical steps for emission reductions and circular economy integration

4. Documentation and Dissemination: Record lessons learned and share best practices to encourage wider adoption

5. Capacity Building: Provide training and advisory services to strengthen SMEs’ internal capabilities

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this funding?
   Public intermediaries with a mandate to deliver structured advisory services to SMEs and that do not distribute profits.

2. Which SMEs are targeted?
   Small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Sweden seeking to transition to net-zero emissions.

3. What is the funding limit per SME?
   Up to SEK 150,000 per SME during the project period.

4. How long can projects run?
   Up to 18 months.

5. What kind of support do intermediaries provide?
   Structured assessments, practical improvement measures, training, sustainability integration, and guidance on emissions reduction.

6. Are there requirements for dissemination?
   Yes, projects must include plans to document and share lessons learned to inspire other manufacturing companies.

7. What is the ultimate goal of the programme?
   To accelerate the transition of Swedish manufacturing SMEs toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, while improving competitiveness and sector-wide sustainability practices.

Conclusion

The Vinnova Net Zero Industry programme empowers intermediaries to guide SMEs through a structured, practical transition to net-zero emissions. By combining assessments, hands-on advisory services, training, and sector-wide knowledge dissemination, the initiative supports Sweden’s national sustainability goals while strengthening SME competitiveness and environmental responsibility.

For more information, visit Vinnova.