Deadline: 08-Sep-2026
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) Industry-oriented Postdoctoral Fellowship (IPD) Program supports early-career researchers working in natural sciences, technology, and medicine through collaborative projects between academia and industry. The program provides up to SEK 1.5 million per project and requires postdoctoral researchers to split their time between a Swedish university and a participating company to strengthen research innovation, industrial relevance, and knowledge transfer.
Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research Industry-oriented Postdoctoral Fellowship (IPD) Program
The Industry-oriented Postdoctoral Fellowship (IPD) Program is a funding initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between Swedish universities and industry. The program supports postdoctoral researchers who conduct high-quality, industry-relevant research while gaining experience in both academic and commercial environments.
The fellowship promotes mobility, innovation, and long-term partnerships between research institutions and companies, helping translate scientific discoveries into practical applications.
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
- Up to SEK 1.5 million per project
- Funding includes eligible indirect costs
- Total program budget: SEK 15 million
- Approximately 10 projects are expected to be funded
Project Duration
- Projects may run for 1 to 3 years
Co-Funding Requirement
The participating company must contribute at least:
- 30% of total project costs
- Contributions may be:
- Cash funding
- In-kind support
Program Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Promote excellent needs-driven research
- Strengthen collaboration between universities and industry
- Encourage researcher mobility across sectors
- Support industrial innovation and technology development
- Train future industrial research leaders
- Create long-term partnerships between academic and commercial organizations
Research Areas Supported
Projects must fall within one or more of the following fields:
Natural Sciences
Research that advances scientific understanding and innovation.
Technology
Engineering, applied technologies, digital systems, and emerging technologies.
Medicine
Medical and health-related research with strategic relevance and industrial application.
How the Fellowship Works
The program is structured around a partnership between:
- A Swedish higher education institution
- An eligible company
- A postdoctoral researcher
Employment Structure
The postdoctoral fellow must:
- Be employed by a Swedish university or higher education institution
- Spend at least 50% of working time at the university
- Spend approximately 50% of working time at the participating company
- Lead and report on the research project
This dual placement model promotes knowledge exchange and practical application of research findings.
Eligible Applicants
Postdoctoral Researcher Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD by 31 December 2026
- Have obtained their PhD within the previous five years
- Be the main applicant
- Be employed by a Swedish higher education institution
- Conduct research within eligible scientific disciplines
Academic Institution Requirements
The host institution must:
- Be a Swedish university or higher education institution
- Employ the postdoctoral researcher
- Support project implementation and reporting
Company Requirements
The industrial partner must:
- Be commercially viable
- Preferably be based in Sweden or have strong links to Sweden
- Contribute at least 30% co-funding
- Participate actively in the project
- Demonstrate clear benefits from the collaboration
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following entities cannot serve as participating academic or industrial partners:
- Hospitals
- Industrial research institutes
In addition:
- Organizations with ownership links that create conflicts of interest are not eligible
- Projects with unresolved intellectual property arrangements may not be considered
Eligible Costs
Funding may cover:
- Postdoctoral project expenses
- Research materials and consumables
- Travel directly related to project activities
- Research-related equipment and services
- Eligible indirect costs for the university portion of the project
Indirect Cost Rules
- Indirect costs are allowed only for the university share of funding
- Maximum indirect cost surcharge: 25% of direct costs
Ineligible Costs
Funding cannot be used for:
- Salaries of co-applicants
- Expenses unrelated to the approved project
- Costs outside approved project activities
Intellectual Property Requirements
Before submitting an application, all project partners must agree on:
- Intellectual property ownership
- Commercialization rights
- Data management responsibilities
- Cost-sharing arrangements
- Collaboration terms
Clear agreements help ensure successful project implementation and future exploitation of research outcomes.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The IPD Program addresses a critical challenge in research and innovation: connecting academic discoveries with real-world industrial needs.
Key benefits include:
- Accelerated research translation
- Increased industry engagement
- Enhanced career opportunities for postdoctoral researchers
- Stronger innovation ecosystems
- Improved commercialization potential
- Greater competitiveness for Swedish research and industry
The fellowship also helps researchers develop skills that are highly valued in both academia and industry.
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify an Academic Host
Secure support from a Swedish university or higher education institution.
Step 2: Establish an Industrial Partnership
Partner with an eligible company willing to provide collaboration and co-funding.
Step 3: Develop a Research Proposal
Prepare a project that:
- Demonstrates scientific excellence
- Addresses industry-relevant challenges
- Creates mutual value for academic and industrial partners
Step 4: Agree on Collaboration Terms
Finalize:
- Intellectual property arrangements
- Budget allocations
- Roles and responsibilities
- Co-funding commitments
Step 5: Submit the Application
The postdoctoral researcher submits the application as the main applicant through the SSF application process.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Industry Relevance
Projects should clearly demonstrate practical industrial value.
Unclear Collaboration Structure
Define responsibilities and expected outcomes for both partners.
Missing Co-Funding Commitments
Ensure the company meets the required 30% contribution.
Incomplete IP Agreements
Lack of clear intellectual property arrangements can weaken applications.
Poor Research Impact Description
Explain both scientific significance and industrial benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding is available?
Each project can receive up to SEK 1.5 million, including indirect costs.
2. How long can projects run?
Projects may last between one and three years.
3. Who serves as the main applicant?
The postdoctoral researcher is the principal applicant and project lead.
4. Is industry participation mandatory?
Yes. Every project must include an eligible company partner providing at least 30% co-funding.
5. Can hospitals participate?
No. Hospitals are not eligible as either academic or industrial partners.
6. Must the researcher divide time between academia and industry?
Yes. The fellow is expected to spend approximately half of their working time at the company and half at the university.
7. What research fields are eligible?
Projects must be within natural sciences, technology, or medicine.
Conclusion
The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research Industry-oriented Postdoctoral Fellowship Program offers a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers to combine academic excellence with industrial innovation. By funding collaborative projects between universities and companies, the program strengthens research translation, promotes career development, and supports the creation of strategically important scientific and technological advances in Sweden.
For more information, visit SSF.