Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum and synthetic biology - stage 2

Support for the implementation of innovation projects in collaboration between Swedish and Singaporean actors with a focus on quantum or synthetic biology.

In this the offer we want to promote partnerships, collaboration and knowledge exchange to accelerate the development of technologies and services based on quantum or synthetic biology. In this step, the implementation of a Swedish/Singaporean innovation project is funded.

Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum or synthetic biology are a two-step internationalization support to accelerate the development of emerging technologies.

With this the offer we want:

• strengthen Sweden's technology position to accelerate the development of technologies and services based on quantum or synthetic biology
• promote partnerships, collaboration and knowledge exchange with actors in Singapore.

The initiative aims to help scale up applicants' opportunities to develop concrete research and innovation collaborations between Sweden and Singapore. The initiative has been preceded by stage 1 where the central activity is a stay in Singapore in March 2025.

The initiative is structured in two stages. Project that have been granted support in stage 1 can choose to apply for support in stage 2 for project such as research, innovation, test or demonstration projects where bilateral cooperation is in focus.

Funding: Each project can be financed with a maximum of 1 million SEK and a maximum of 100 percent of the project's total eligible costs. The preliminary budget of the call is four million SEK.

Project duration: Projects may last up to 12 months.

The purpose of Innovative Collaborations with Singapore in Quantum or Synthetic Biology is to give Sweden a technological leap and Swedish organizations a competitive advantage through access to innovation and collaboration opportunities with one of the world's most innovative and dynamic ecosystems. Singapore is a leading country in research and development in several emerging technologies, as well as a strategically located hub in Southeast Asia for innovation and entrepreneurship. The country possesses a unique mix of global technology companies, investors, startups and leading research institutions.

Both Singapore and Sweden are relatively small in terms of area and population, have limited domestic markets, are strong in research and development, and have a need for global talent. This makes it relevant to develop collaborations between two countries with similar conditions.

project that have been granted funding for stage 1 of the call for proposals Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum or synthetic biology are invited to apply for stage 2 for industrial research, innovation, test or demonstration projects where bilateral collaboration is in focus. Funding can be applied for for activities carried out in both Sweden and Singapore.

The innovation project will place great emphasis on the degree to which the project is developed together with and anchored in a designated Singaporean partner. It will also be important to demonstrate that the new project constellation possesses the skills and capabilities required to realize the potential.

This the offer aims to strengthen Sweden's position on the global technology scene. The offer provides an opportunity to further strengthen the important trade and investment relationship between Sweden and Singapore and strengthen the conditions for long-term sustainable collaborations in research and innovation activities that contribute to global development in quantum or synthetic biology.

Quantum technology

Quantum technology here refers to: computers, simulations, encryption, communication, detection, metrology.

Applications are expected to be within, for example:

• Increased and accelerated utilization in terms of usability, dissemination, accessibility and security.
• New applications for quantum technology.
• Reduced resource requirements, regarding energy and power consumption as well as production and operating costs.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is an emerging field of research and innovation in the bioeconomy that draws on research in biology, chemistry, computer science and engineering to design and build complex biological systems with functions that do not exist in nature. The technology makes it possible to construct entirely new living organisms and to modify existing creatures, plants or other biological materials so that they acquire new or improved properties. Examples of applications include food, energy and medicine.

Applications are expected to be within, for example:

• Gene synthesis, gene sequencing and gene editing.
• Designed biological platforms, applications
• Scale-up methods, from lab via bioreactor (biofoundry) to manufacturing

objective of the call is to:

• Contribute to long-term innovation collaborations between Swedish and Singaporean actors in quantum or synthetic biology.
• Contribute to knowledge development and innovation in quantum or synthetic biology.
• Strengthen skills development and secure skills supply in the long term.
• Spread knowledge between initiatives in quantum or synthetic biology as well as other technology areas and application areas.

Contribute to a sustainable system transformation

Vinnova is tasked with promoting sustainable growth and system transformation. To implement sustainable system transformation, we have chosen to base ourselves on the UN's global sustainability goals, defined in the 2030 Agenda. There, Vinnova prioritizes two perspectives: gender equality and climate change. All initiatives and project we finance are assessed based on how they contribute to these perspectives.

We therefore always follow up and assess this:

• If women and men participate in the project on an equal footing, receive contributions and have influence and power over the project.
• How well the project analyzes and takes a position on whether there are sex or gender aspects that are relevant to the project's problem formulation, solutions and effects.
• How well the project contributes to the climate transition within the chosen technology or application area. This could, for example, involve reduced emissions of greenhouse gases or environmental pollutants, increased biodiversity or increased circularity and resource efficiency.

Gender-equal innovation – what it means for those seeking funding from us

Agenda 2030 as a driver for innovation

Making scientific publications and results available

When results from research and innovation are made freely available, more people can contribute to solving societal challenges. This the call for proposals will help make results available to everyone. Therefore, all scientific publishing should be open access.

The offer is aimed at constellations consisting of Swedish actors who have established an international collaboration with actors in Singapore. Applicant must have successfully established collaboration with a Singaporean partner in step 1, and as a results of that present an innovation project with a selected Singaporean actor. We welcome both specialists in quantum or synthetic biology as well as actors with a defined need or application of solutions in quantum or synthetic biology.

The project shall include at least one actor in Sweden and one actor in Singapore. The Singaporean the actors confirm their participation and commitment to the project through letters of intent attached to proposal.

Funding can be applied for for activities that are part of research and innovation projects with a focus that meets aim of the call according to section 2 of this call text.

Examples of activities for which funding can be applied for:

• Investigation of technical and design conditions.
• Research or critical analysis, which aims to acquire new knowledge and new skills to develop new products, processes or services.
• Development of prototypes or demonstration versions of products or services. This may also include pilot work, testing and validation.
  Validation means that verified ideas are tested against potential customers or users and that the commercial potential in different markets is assessed.
• Research and development of production methods.
• The creation of components that form parts of complex systems.
• Planning and conducting studies or tests to verify an innovation.
  Verification means demonstrating the commercializable property or function of the idea, often called “proof of concept.” Verifying the idea also means clarifying ownership and intangible assets so that continued work on the idea provides the opportunity to commercialize results produced.
• Investigation of market conditions, such as identifying customers, customer needs, possible partners and competitors.

What costs can we finance?

Our funding is subject to state aid rules. The rules govern what types of costs we can finance. These are called eligible costs.

In this the call for proposals these types of costs are eligible:

• Personnel costs: Salaries, social security contributions and other personnel costs.
• Equipment, land and buildings: Instruments, equipment and rent for premises other than regular business premises.
• Consulting and licensing costs: Consulting services, knowledge and patents purchased or licensed from a third party. Consulting costs may not exceed 20 percent of a project party's budget. Consulting costs cannot be used to finance the efforts of the Singaporean partners.
• Other direct costs: For example, materials, supplies and travel necessary to carry out the project.
• Indirect costs (overhead): Costs that are not incurred as an immediate consequence of but can be related to the project, such as regular premises and cleaning.
  Indirect costs may constitute a maximum of 30 percent of personnel costs. Universities, university colleges, and certain research organizations and government agencies have higher maximum limits depending on the type of activities.

For more detailed information about which costs we can finance, see Instructions for eligible costs

What eligibility requirements apply to costs we finance?

For a cost to be eligible, it must be:

• necessary for the activities in the project
• recorded correctly and separately from the organization's other costs.

An organization may also not claim someone else's costs as its own.

For more detailed information on which eligibility requirements, limitations and exceptions apply, see Instructions for eligible costs

The state aid rules also govern how much of the costs we can finance. This is determined individually for each organization. We therefore differentiate between how much funding the project can receive, and how much each participant can receive.

How much funding can the project receive?

In this call for proposals project in stage 2 can apply for up to 1 million SEK. The project duration may not exceed 12 months.

The preliminary budget for the offer in stage 2 is SEK 4 million.

How much funding can a participant receive?

How much funding each participant can receive depends mainly on:

• what activities the party will carry out in the project
• party size and activities.

Research and development

In this the call for proposals we provide support for industrial research or experimental development.

Industrial research can be simply described as seeking new knowledge through planned research or critical analysis to develop or significantly improve products, processes or services. For a full definition, see Funding grounds and levels for funding

Experimental development can be simply described as combining, shaping and using existing knowledge to develop new or improved products, processes or services. For a full definition, see Funding bases and levels for funding

How much of the costs can we finance?

The size of the organization and type of activity determines how large a proportion of the costs we can finance, i.e. the maximum level of support.

Bonus basics

If the project is covered by any of these bonus bases, we can finance a higher proportion of the costs according to the table:

• Actual cooperation: Some level of cooperation between small and larger companies, between companies in two different European countries or between research organisations and companies
• Dissemination of results: Extensive dissemination through, for example, conferences or open databases.
• Other bonus basis

Not state aid

In this the call for proposals we also provide support to organisations that do not engage in economic activities. This typically includes universities and university colleges, research institutes and other organisations that do not offer a service or product on a market. We can finance up to 100 percent of the costs of such organisations.

Minor Support

In this the call for proposals we can also provide support of minor importance, also known as de minimis support. We can finance up to 100 percent of a project party's costs. To be granted this support, you need to submit a certificate of de minimis support when you submit proposal.

For full definitions, see funding bases and levels

We grant funding in accordance with Article 25 of the EU Commission's General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER).

In order for us to take a position on and assess your proposal, it must meet certain formal eligibility requirements. If the requirements are not met, proposal will be rejected immediately.

• All project partners must be legal entities. Natural persons or individual companies cannot participate as project partners.
• All beneficiary must have a Swedish corporate registration number. The Singaporean actor needs to have its own funding for its costs, and must not be participant or beneficiary in proposal.
• The Swedish and Singaporean organizations do not belong to the same group or owner.
• The coordinator of the project must have been granted a preparatory project in the call for proposals Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum or synthetic biology, participated in the program on site during the 2 mandatory weeks and submitted a final report for stage 1.
• The project must include a letter of intent from each Singaporean actor confirming the organization's involvement and the extent to which they intend to participate in the project. Any template may be used.
• A project party's costs for consulting services from outside parties may not exceed 20 percent of the project party's budget.
• Proposal must be written in Swedish or English.
• Proposal must follow the instructions given in section 9.

What do we assess?

The project proposal must be in line with the call's aim. Applications will be assessed based on the main criteria potential, actors and implementation.

Potential

• The level of innovation and potential impact of the solution.
• How well the project contributes to knowledge development and innovation in quantum or synthetic biology.
• How well the project contributes to skills development and skills supply in the long term.
• How well the project generates value and innovation collaboration for both the Swedish the actors and the Singaporean the actors.
• How the project contributes to long-term sustainable innovation collaborations with actors in Singapore.
• How well the project is assessed to contribute to increased gender equality.
• How well the project is assessed to contribute positively to sustainable development, in accordance with the project's chosen area of application (see section 2).

Actors

• The project partners' competence, credibility and ability to implement the project.
• The project idea is developed together with and anchored in a designated Singaporean partner.
• The project constellation's competence and ability to contribute to strengthening Swedish competitiveness in quantum or synthetic biology.
• The project constellation's competence and ability to contribute to strengthened innovation collaboration between Sweden and Singaporean actors.
• The ability of the project partners to utilize or commercialize the project results.
• How well the project team is composed in terms of gender distribution. As well as how well power and influence are distributed between women and men in the project team.

Feasibility

• To what extent the project's schedule and budget are realistic, credible and appropriate.
• To what extent are the project activities appropriate for implementing the project with actors in Singapore.
• How credible the plan is in terms of taking the project results forward towards successful implementation after the project ends.
• How well gender equality has been integrated into the project plan.
• How well climate aspects have been integrated into the project plan.

How do we assess?

The assessment is based on proposal submitted via Vinnova's e-services and is assessed in competition. Applications received are first reviewed with regard to the formal requirements. Applications that meet the formal requirements are evaluated against the assessment criteria in section 7 by appointed experts in internationalisation, quantum and synthetic biology. The overall assessment results in a recommendation, on the basis of which Vinnova makes a decision. Vinnova reserves the right to apply a portfolio perspective when selecting project.

We also assess financial status

Before deciding on funding, we also conduct a comprehensive assessment of the organizational and financial status of those receiving funding. We use information we obtain from credit reports, currently from Dun & Bradstreet.

In order for us to grant funding this applies:

• Organizations seeking funding for personnel costs must be registered as employers with the Swedish Tax Agency.
• Organizations must not be insolvent, undergoing liquidation or corporate restructuring, nor must they have unpaid debts with the Swedish Enforcement Authority.
• Limited liability companies must not have used up half or more of their share capital.
• If requested, SMEs must be able to demonstrate that they have the financial means to implement the project according to their budget in proposal. They cannot use public funding or their own funds intended for other project to cover project costs in this call for proposals.

Once we have assessed all applications, we will send you a decision either granting or rejecting your proposal. In the decision, we state how much funding each party in the project will be granted. Our decision cannot be appealed.

What happens if you are granted funding?

If we grant your proposal, you must follow our general terms and conditions for funding. The terms include, among other things:

• That you will sign a special document in which you approve your participation and commit to carrying out the project.
• That you report how things are going, your costs and achieved results to us regularly during the project period.
• If you are multiple parties, you must agree on your mutual rights and obligations in the project in an agreement. It can take time to get a project agreement in place, so it is a good idea to get this in place before the project starts.
• How the results will be used and how scientific publication will take place.

See our general terms and conditions and get help understanding and fulfilling them

We may also decide to add supplementary special conditions for individual project. In such cases, they will be stated in the decision.

Could you have to pay back funding?

If you do not follow our term, you may be required to repay the amount. This also applies if you have been granted funding incorrectly or for an amount that is too high.

To apply for funding you fill out a proposal in our e-service. Proposal contains questions about the project, participating project partners and budget.

Please also attach these attachments to proposal:

• Project description
  May comprise a maximum of 10 portrait A4 pages with single-column 12-point text. The project description must follow the template provided further down on the call page.
• CV attachment
  Relevanta CV for the project manager and all key personnel. The appendix is expected to include at least one CV per participant. Varje CV may be a maximum of one A4 page with 12 point text. The CV appendix must follow the template provided further down on the call page.
• Declaration of Intent
  At least one letter of intent from each Singaporean actor must be attached, confirming the organization's participation and the extent to which they intend to participate in the project. Any template may be used.
• Certificate of Minor Support (only if such support is sought).
  Signed certificate for companies applying for " Support of minor importance" (de minimis support). A template for the certificate can be downloaded further down on the call page.

Only requested pages and attachments will be assessed. References to websites will not be taken into account.

Start proposal well in advance

Keep in mind that it takes time to make a proposal. Filling out templates can take several days, as it is based on the analyses you will do.

In our e-service you can start filling in the details and then continue at a later time. You can also distribute permissions to others who you want to contribute to proposal. When proposal is complete, mark it as done.

You can unlock proposal and make changes at any time, right up until the last application date. If you unlock proposal, you must then mark it as ready for it to be registered when the call for proposals closes.

2025-04-29

Changes to Section 6, "What we need to consider when assessing your proposal", item 4.

The coordinator of the project must have been granted a preparatory project in the call for proposals Innovative collaborations with Singapore in quantum or synthetic biology, participated in the program on site during the 2 mandatory weeks and submitted a final report for stage 1.