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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 and closed on June 10. In total, 65 applications were submitted.

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 closed 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.

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

  • Global competition for cutting-edge technology is intensifying, which is why Sweden is making a historic investment in research and innovation. The focus on clusters of excellence will secure our international competitiveness and build a resilient society. But is Sweden ready for radically cutting-edge technology?

    View the seminar (in Swedish)

    Participants

    • Maria Nilsson, State Secretary to the Minister of Upper Secondary Education, Higher Education and Research Lotta Edholm
    • Christian Rangen, founder of Strategy Tools and international advisor in innovation, technology transition and growth

    • Viktor Wallström, Senior Vice President, Head of Group Communication & Sustainability, Saab

    • Eva Schelin, CEO, KK Foundation
    • Omid Ekhlasi, entrepreneur and CEO and founder of Techarena
    • Darja Isaksson, director general, Vinnova
    • Marika Edoff, Secretary General of Engineering Sciences, Swedish Research Council
    • Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson, Principal Secretary, Humanities and Social Sciences, Swedish Research Council
    • Eva Krutmeijer, moderator

    Global competition for cutting-edge technology is intensifying, which is why Sweden is making a historic investment in research and innovation. The focus on clusters of excellence will secure our international competitiveness and build a resilient society. But is Sweden ready for radically cutting-edge technology?

    View the seminar (in Swedish)

    Participants

    • Maria Nilsson, State Secretary to the Minister of Upper Secondary Education, Higher Education and Research Lotta Edholm
    • Christian Rangen, founder of Strategy Tools and international advisor in innovation, technology transition and growth

    • Viktor Wallström, Senior Vice President, Head of Group Communication & Sustainability, Saab

    • Eva Schelin, CEO, KK Foundation
    • Omid Ekhlasi, entrepreneur and CEO and founder of Techarena
    • Darja Isaksson, director general, Vinnova
    • Marika Edoff, Secretary General of Engineering Sciences, Swedish Research Council
    • Henrik Ekengren Oscarsson, Principal Secretary, Humanities and Social Sciences, Swedish Research Council
    • Eva Krutmeijer, moderator

  • In April and May, Vinnova and SRC offered inspiring workshops with Christian Rangen, a lecturer with extensive experience in strategy, development and design of clusters regionally and globally. You can access recordings and presentations by visiting the links below.

    Themes

    In April and May, Vinnova and SRC offered inspiring workshops with Christian Rangen, a lecturer with extensive experience in strategy, development and design of clusters regionally and globally. You can access recordings and presentations by visiting the links below.

    Themes

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

Building clusters that matter: Lessons from a cluster expert

Page

Recorded events and meetings

Information

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Last updated 24 August 2026