Description

This call is the first of a two-step international initiative by Vinnova aimed at Swedish actors working with innovation in industrially applied AI, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity who want to establish collaboration with actors based in the United States. The funding supports establishing the collaboration (principally financing travel and preparatory activities) with a view to then applying in a second stage for a full research/innovation/test or demonstration project.

It is part of the “Advanced digitalisation – Industrial needs-driven innovation” programme, which aims to strengthen Sweden’s capacity and Swedish industry’s ability to create future digital solutions.

Funding Amount

• Each project (Stage 1) can apply for up to SEK 150,000.
• Project duration: maximum 3 months.
• For Stage 2 (future, open in spring 2026), each project may apply for a maximum of SEK 1 million.

Submission Deadlines

• Submission deadline: 25 November 2025 at 14:00 (CET).
• Project should start by 21 January 2026.
• Project must be completed by 14 April 2026.

Submission Conditions

• Applicant must be a Swedish legal entity (Swedish registration number). Swedish research organisations, companies and public organisations can apply.
• Foreign actors without a Swedish establishment may participate as partners but cannot receive funding from Vinnova.
• The project must be driven by the Swedish party’s interest and need to develop a specific technology/innovation together with relevant American actors.
• Only costs for establishing collaboration (travel, stay in USA, preparation) are funded in Stage 1.
• Applicants (and projects) must integrate gender equality and climate change perspectives as part of the system transformation mission.
• There is a de minimis state-aid ceiling implied: “An organization can receive a maximum of 300,000 EUR over a three-year period in this form of support, regardless of funder and project.”
• Applicants need to submit a certificate of de minimis support.

Eligible Applicants

• Swedish companies (SMEs or larger).
• Swedish research organisations/universities/university colleges.
• Swedish public organisations or civil society organisations.
• Foreign (USA) actors may be included as partners, but cannot receive funding in Stage 1 from Vinnova.

Eligible Countries

• Applicant organisation must be established in Sweden (Swedish legal entity).
• Collaboration partner(s) must be based in the United States of America.