Deadline: 10-Sep-2026
The Water Wise Societies initiative under Impact Innovation Sweden is inviting collaborative consortia to apply for funding to explore system-changing solutions for sustainable water management. Projects can receive up to SEK 600,000 for pre-studies that support the mission Sustainable Water for All 2050.
Eligible applicants must apply as a consortium of at least three partners, including at least one end-user from industry or commerce.
What Is the Water Wise Societies Initiative?
Water Wise Societies is a Swedish innovation initiative focused on transforming how water is managed across society.
The programme supports long-term change in water systems by encouraging partnerships between business, government, academia, research institutes, and civil society.
Its core mission is:
Sustainable Water for All by 2050
This means building resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems that meet future environmental, economic, and social needs.
What Is This 2026 Funding Call About?
This call funds pre-studies, which are early-stage collaborative projects designed to test ideas, assess feasibility, and prepare larger innovation or R&D initiatives.
The purpose is to identify scalable solutions for complex water challenges in Sweden.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
- Maximum Funding Per Project: SEK 600,000
- Maximum Aid Intensity: 70%
- Applicant Co-Funding May Be Required
Project Duration
- Maximum Length: 11 months
- Expected Start Date: 30 November 2026
- Latest Completion Date: 31 October 2027
Main Focus Areas
Projects should contribute to sustainable water management across the full water cycle.
Priority Themes
- Water sustainability from source to coast
- System transformation in water governance
- Climate-resilient water systems
- Industrial water innovation
- Circular water use
- Water efficiency
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Long-term sustainable infrastructure
What Does “From Source to Coast” Mean?
This refers to managing water across the entire system, including:
- Water sources
- Rivers and lakes
- Groundwater
- Urban water systems
- Industrial water use
- Wastewater treatment
- Coastal environments
The approach recognizes that water systems are interconnected.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications must be submitted by a consortium.
Minimum Consortium Requirement
At least three partners must participate.
Mandatory Inclusion
At least one end-user from:
- Industry
- Commerce
- Business sector
Possible Consortium Members
- Companies
- Municipalities
- Public agencies
- Universities
- Research organisations
- Institutes
- Civil society groups
Why This Funding Matters
Water challenges require collaboration across sectors. No single organization can solve systemic water issues alone.
Strategic Benefits
- Builds innovation partnerships
- Supports future R&D projects
- Creates practical water solutions
- Strengthens Swedish sustainability goals
- Improves industrial competitiveness
- Enhances climate resilience
What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?
Examples of suitable pre-study topics may include:
- Industrial water reuse systems
- Smart water monitoring networks
- Stormwater resilience planning
- Circular wastewater recovery
- Pollution prevention models
- Coastal ecosystem water management
- Cross-sector water governance tools
- Digital solutions for water efficiency
Expected Outcomes
Funded pre-studies should help partners:
- Understand key water challenges
- Validate innovative ideas
- Build stronger consortia
- Develop future project roadmaps
- Identify scalable implementation models
- Prepare full R&D proposals
How to Apply
Step 1: Build a Consortium
Assemble at least three partners with complementary expertise.
Step 2: Include an End-User
Ensure one consortium member is an industry or commerce end-user.
Step 3: Define the Water Challenge
Choose a real problem linked to sustainable water management.
Step 4: Prepare a Pre-Study Plan
Include:
- Challenge statement
- Objectives
- Partner roles
- Methods
- Timeline
- Budget
- Future scaling potential
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Complete the official application through the designated Swedish innovation funding portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Application Errors
- Fewer than three partners
- No industry end-user included
- Incomplete budget
- Weak timeline
- Late submission
Strategic Errors
- Narrow technical focus without system relevance
- No pathway to scale
- Weak collaboration model
- Limited business relevance
- Poor alignment with 2050 mission
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Show clear national relevance
- Include strong cross-sector partners
- Focus on implementable solutions
- Demonstrate future R&D potential
- Use measurable outcomes
- Address long-term water sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Water Wise Societies?
It is a Swedish innovation initiative supporting sustainable water systems and the mission Sustainable Water for All 2050.
2. How much funding is available?
Projects may receive up to SEK 600,000.
3. How long can projects run?
Up to 11 months.
4. Who can apply?
Consortia of at least three partners, including one end-user from industry or commerce.
5. What is a pre-study?
A short exploratory project used to test ideas, assess feasibility, and prepare future R&D work.
6. When do projects start?
Expected project start date is 30 November 2026.
7. When must projects finish?
Projects must be completed by 31 October 2027.
Conclusion
The Water Wise Societies Sweden 2026 call is an important opportunity for organizations seeking to co-develop future-ready water solutions. With funding up to SEK 600,000, the programme helps consortia test ideas and build the foundation for large-scale innovation.
Applicants should create strong partnerships, define a clear system challenge, and present scalable solutions aligned with Sweden’s vision of sustainable water for all by 2050.
For more information, visit Vinnova.