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  • Cluster of Excellence for groundbreaking technology

Cluster of Excellence for groundbreaking technology

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.

This web page has been machine translated. If there are any uncertainties, please refer to the Swedish text.

The Cluster of Excellence is a ten-year effort to establish world-leading clusters in groundbreaking technology. In total, ten clusters will be funded in the programme. The goals is to make Sweden competitive and world-leading in selected fields.

The work is led by Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council. The first joint call opened on April 1.

To the call page (Swedish Research Council's website)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

About the program

On this page is information about the program in its entirety. The call, which opened on 1 April and closes on June 10, will lead to the establishment of a first round of clusters of excellence.

A smaller complementary call for the establishment of more clusters of excellence is planned for 2027/2028. The fact that it is complementary means that it will likely come with certain limitations.

Last updated: 2026-05-12

The call in brief

Basic information about the upcoming call.
Objective and ambition

The initiative hopes to finance clusters that conduct research and innovation ranking in the world top five.
Follow-up and evaluation

The initiative is being followed up in three parts and according to a framework.
Characteristics of successful clusters

There are some crucial characteristics for achieving international success with a cluster of excellence.
Vinnova's funding

The funding for innovation can be upto 75 percent of the requested research grant. What can be funded?

Meetings and events

  • Are you currently working on your proposal to establish a cluster of excellence? In April and May you have the chance to participate in inspiring workshops with Christian Rangen, a lecturer with extensive experience in strategy, development and design of clusters regionally and globally. 

    Themes

    Are you currently working on your proposal to establish a cluster of excellence? In April and May you have the chance to participate in inspiring workshops with Christian Rangen, a lecturer with extensive experience in strategy, development and design of clusters regionally and globally. 

    Themes

  • 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.

    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.

  • Dialogue meeting on innovation plans

    Are you interested in information and discussion about innovation plans in applications for establishing excellence clusters? Then you are welcome to a dialogue meeting organized by Sting! Rregistration is required. Digital participation is possible.

    Organizer: Sting
    When: May 13, 1:15–3:00 PM
    Where: Mäster Samuelsgatan 56, Vinnova

    Read more and register

    Do you want to arrange a meeting?

    Are you interested in meeting other actors in a specific technology area or application? We can provide a venue, platform or visibility.

    Register your interest

    Dialogue meeting on innovation plans

    Are you interested in information and discussion about innovation plans in applications for establishing excellence clusters? Then you are welcome to a dialogue meeting organized by Sting! Rregistration is required. Digital participation is possible.

    Organizer: Sting
    When: May 13, 1:15–3:00 PM
    Where: Mäster Samuelsgatan 56, Vinnova

    Read more and register

    Do you want to arrange a meeting?

    Are you interested in meeting other actors in a specific technology area or application? We can provide a venue, platform or visibility.

    Register your interest

  • View recording and slides from an information meeting on 6 March

    View recording and slides from an information meeting on 6 March

Strategic technology areas

Six technology areas are identified as strategically important for Sweden in the government's assignment to Vinnova, and these focus the effort on:

  • Artificiell Intelligens (AI) and autonomous systems
  • Advanced digital technology, including semiconductors
  • Quantum technology
  • Energy technology
  • Materials and production technology
  • Biotechnology

Vinnova's latest report on strategic technologies

 

A joint government assignment

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

Latest news

News

The next call for to establish clusters of excellence is open

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Recorded events

Information

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Last updated 12 May 2026