Vinnova grants

Description

Vinnova is Sweden’s national innovation agency and a government authority under the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise. Its mission is to strengthen Sweden’s innovation capacity, increase competitiveness and contribute to sustainable growth.
Each year, Vinnova invests several billion SEK in research and innovation projects across areas such as digitalisation, climate and environment, health, mobility and advanced industry. It funds collaborative projects between companies, startups, universities, research institutes, the public sector and civil society, and also supports networks, analyses and system innovation efforts.
Vinnova is also the Swedish government’s expert authority on innovation policy and serves as the national contact point for the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation (e.g. Horizon Europe). Through its funding and initiatives, it helps organisations test new ideas, de-risk early-stage innovation and drive solutions that contribute to the UN Agenda 2030 and a sustainable, competitive Swedish economy.

See the current funding opportunities available at Vinnova here.

Innovativa Startups

Review

What is funded?

Activities that help a startup prove there is a market and validate the commercial and technical potential of an innovative idea, for example:

  • Customer and market validation
  • Business model development and sales strategy
  • Prototyping and testing to meet market/performance requirements
  • Work with IP, data and other intangible assets (e.g. software, algorithms, methods)

Who can apply?

  • Swedish limited companies (aktiebolag)
  • Max 10 years old
  • Max 10 employees
  • Turnover or balance sheet total ≤ SEK 10 million
  • No profit dividends paid out

The company should be knowledge-intensive, early-stage, and built on unique know-how (research, technology, creative capabilities, specialist competence) with clear potential for sustainable growth on an international market.

How much can you apply for?

Up to SEK 500,000 in grant per project (typically 100% funding of eligible project costs).

In the 2025 call, over SEK 50 million was granted to 103 startups across Sweden, illustrating the scale and competitiveness of the programme.

Planning Grants (“Planeringsbidrag inför internationell ansökan”)

Review

What is funded?

Planning projects that strengthen and develop an application to an international R&I call (e.g. Horizon Europe) where proposals are evaluated in international competition. We can use these grants to prepare you for Horizon Europe or EIC Accelerator grants.

Eligible activities include:

  • Developing and structuring the project concept and work plan
  • Building and strengthening the international consortium
  • Writing and improving the proposal text (excellence, impact, implementation)
  • Clarifying roles, budget and exploitation/impact strategies

Who can apply?

Swedish organisations such as:

  • Universities and higher education institutions
  • Research institutes
  • Public sector organisations
  • Civil society organisations
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

All applicants must be preparing a proposal to a published international call. Planning grants cannot be used for Eureka programmes (e.g. Eurostars).

How much can you apply for?

  • Up to SEK 300,000 if you participate as a project partner in an international proposal
  • Up to SEK 500,000 if you coordinate an international consortium with at least 3 partners from 3 different countries

Projects may run for up to 12 months, and must end no later than one week after the international call deadline.

Do you need help?

If you need help validating your match or preparing your application, contact us for assistance.

For more detailed information and latest updates, see the official programme website.