Advancing Traffic-Safe Automation for Safer and Sustainable Transportation (Sweden)

Deadline: 18-Mar-2026

Vinnova’s Traffic-Safe Automation grant supports projects advancing connected, automated, and shared-use vehicles to improve road safety and sustainability. Eligible projects can receive up to 50% of funding, with a minimum 25% contribution from business partners, targeting research and development in automated vehicle safety, infrastructure integration, and enabling technologies.

Overview of the Grant

The Traffic-Safe Automation initiative by Vinnova aims to accelerate the development of safer, more sustainable transportation systems through:

• Connected and automated vehicles

• Shared-use transport solutions

• Integration of vehicles and infrastructure for road safety

• Development of enabling technologies and methods for automated transport

The programme supports collaborative efforts between industry, academia, and public organizations to promote innovation in traffic safety and automation.

Focus Areas

Projects supported under the FFI Trafiksäker Automation sub-programme focus on:

• Automated Vehicle Safety: Research and development for safer self-driving and connected vehicles

• Road User Safety: Innovations to protect drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians

• Vehicle-Infrastructure Integration: Solutions connecting vehicles with traffic systems and infrastructure for safer mobility

• Enabling Technologies: Methods and applications that support safe automation, such as sensors, AI algorithms, and data-driven safety solutions

Funding Details

• Funding Coverage: Up to 50% of project costs provided by Vinnova

• Business Contribution Requirement: At least 25% of project funding must come from business partners

• Funding for Preliminary Studies / Small Projects: Up to SEK 500,000

• Total Budget for Sub-programme: Approximately SEK 60 million

• Project Collaboration Requirement: All projects must involve at least two collaborating parties

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Research organizations

• Companies

• Public sector entities or non-profit organizations

Collaboration Requirement: Projects must include at least two parties, ensuring cross-sector partnership and knowledge sharing.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Form a Collaborative Team: Include at least two partners from eligible sectors.

2. Define Project Scope: Focus on areas such as automated vehicle safety, infrastructure integration, or enabling technologies.

3. Prepare Budget and Contribution Plan: Ensure Vinnova funding covers no more than 50%, with at least 25% from business partners.

4. Submit Application: Include project description, objectives, methodology, budget, and expected outcomes.

5. Project Evaluation: Applications are assessed based on innovation, safety impact, feasibility, and collaboration.

6. Funding Decision: Successful projects receive partial funding and can begin preliminary studies or full-scale R&D.

Why This Grant Matters

• Promotes road safety and accident reduction through automated solutions

• Encourages sustainable transportation via shared-use and connected vehicle technology

• Fosters cross-sector collaboration between research, industry, and public entities

• Supports innovation in AI, sensors, and enabling technologies for safe automation

• Provides financial support for high-impact preliminary studies and larger R&D projects

Common Tips

• Form strong collaborations between research and industry partners

• Ensure clear alignment with safety and automation objectives

• Prepare a realistic budget with proper business co-financing

• Focus on innovative, scalable solutions for traffic safety

• Highlight potential impact on both users and infrastructure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the Traffic-Safe Automation grant?
Research organizations, companies, and public or non-profit organizations.

2. How much funding can a project receive?
Up to 50% of total project costs, with preliminary studies or small projects eligible for up to SEK 500,000.

3. Is business co-financing required?
Yes, at least 25% of project funding must come from business contributions.

4. Are collaborations mandatory?
Yes, all projects must involve at least two collaborating parties.

5. What areas are prioritized?
Automated vehicle safety, road user safety, vehicle-infrastructure integration, and enabling technologies for safe automation.

6. What is the total budget for the sub-programme?
Approximately SEK 60 million for all selected projects.

7. Can preliminary studies apply?
Yes, smaller projects and preliminary studies can receive funding up to SEK 500,000.

Conclusion

Vinnova’s Traffic-Safe Automation Grant supports innovative, collaborative projects that advance safe and sustainable automated transport. By funding R&D initiatives and promoting cross-sector partnerships, the program helps develop connected vehicles, safer infrastructure integration, and enabling technologies, fostering safer roads and more sustainable mobility solutions in Sweden.

For more information, visit Vinnova.