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
Please note that information on this page is preliminary and may be corrected up until April 1, 2026, when the call for proposals is published in its entirety. The text does not replace the call page.
Last updated: 2026-03-06
During the spring, a lot is happening within the focus on clusters of excellence:
Are you interested in meeting other actors in a specific technology area? We invite you to actor dialogues in four themes:
During our open dialogues, you will interact with other actors and have the opportunity to clarify your role in a potential cluster. The dialogue is driven and shaped by those of you who participate. Pre-registration is required.
Would you like to create a dialogue meeting within a different theme an need a platform or visibility? We are happy to assist.
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 12 March 2026
