Accelerating technological development, geopolitical uncertainty and a global arms race have increased the importance of an ambitious and goal-oriented technology policy. To secure Sweden's role as a leading knowledge and technology nation, Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council are investing in clusters of excellence – powerful environments where research and innovation collaborate in important technology areas. The goal is to fund clusters of excellence that rank in the top five in the world in their fields by 2035.
The Cluster of Excellence is a ten-year effort to establish world-leading clusters in groundbreaking technology. The goal is to create ten clusters that make Sweden competitive and world-leading in selected fields. The work is led by Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council, and on April 1 the first joint the call for proposals opens.
To the call page on the Swedish Research Council's website
On this page is information about the program in its entirety, and about the call that opens on 1 April 2026, which will lead to the establishment of a first round of clusters of excellence. The text does not replace the call page.
A smaller supplementary call for proposals for the establishment of more clusters of excellence is planned for 2027/2028. The fact that it is complementary means that it probably comes with certain limitations.
Last updated: 2026-04-01
During the spring, a lot is happening within the focus on clusters of excellence:
Between 1 April and 3 June, the call for proposals for clusters of excellence for cutting-edge technology is open. During this period, four question and answer sessions will be arranged where you have the opportunity to ask questions about the call for proposals and the application process:
Representatives from the Swedish Research Council and Vinnova will participate and answer your questions.
Are you interested in meeting other actors in a specific technology area or application? We can provide a venue, platform or visibility.
Six technology areas are identified as strategically important for Sweden in the government's assignment to Vinnova, and these focus the effort on:
Vinnova's latest report on strategic technologies
International reports on the conditions for competitiveness clearly point to the need for large, synchronized investments in research and innovation. Most leading innovation countries now pursue active technology policies.
Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council have been commissioned by the government to carry out a large-scale effort on clusters of excellence for groundbreaking and strategic technology. The Swedish Research Council and Vinnova will also create a joint program office for the initiative. The office will coordinate, evaluate the initiatives and work for synergies. It will also support the initiative's high ambitions - to create bold world-leading environments.
Read the government assignment
The investment in the government's research and innovation bill
Last updated 1 April 2026
