173 project want to start a world-leading cluster of excellence
To secure Sweden's role as a leading knowledge and technology nation, Vinnova is investing in clusters of excellence – powerful environments where research and innovation work together to accelerate development in strategically important technology areas. At the beginning of September, the first of several calls for proposals in the new major initiative closed. The result? 173 bold applications to make Sweden a world leader in the technologies of the future.
The Cluster of Excellence is a long-term effort, in which Vinnova will invest approximately one billion kronor over four years. In the first the call for proposals, Visions for world-leading research and innovation in strategic technology areas, Vinnova offered funding to develop a vision, develop a plan and mobilize actors for a future cluster. A total of 173 applications were received.
"We are very pleased with the great interest! We can state that we have received applications with high relevance within all six designated strategic technology areas. We also see many applications within each area, which is not surprising considering that time has been short for the different ecosystems to have time to talk to each other nationally," says Fredrik Weisner, responsible for the initiative on clusters of excellence.
Bringing actors together is something Vinnova wants to contribute to moving forward in the initiative.
"We hope that the funds from the call for proposals will increase the mobilization capacity. This is very important considering that ultimately, after five to ten years, we will focus the investment funds on up to five powerful clusters of excellence," continues Fredrik Weisner.
Next steps for clusters of excellence
Vinnova will now, together with appointed national and international experts, assess the applications received. Decisions are expected to be made on 17 October and published on Vinnova's website. Vinnova expects to grant approximately 30 applications.
"We are really looking forward to the upcoming assessment and analysis. We hope, in addition to quality and high ambition, to also find new ideas about what a future cluster of excellence could be," continues Fredrik Weisner.
The next call for proposals is expected to open around the turn of the year, and is open to all. It will likely aim to support more concrete preparatory work and with somewhat larger funding than in stage 1. So you do not need to have applied for stage 1 to be able to apply for stage 2.
Cluster of Excellence for Strategic Technologies
Accelerating technological development, geopolitical uncertainty and the global arms race have increased the importance of an ambitious and targeted technology policy. With clusters of excellence, Vinnova wants to support Sweden in becoming competitive and a world leader in selected strategic technology areas: artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, advanced digital technology including semiconductors, quantum technology, energy technology, materials and production technology and biotechnology.
The goal is that by 2035 there will be up to five world-leading clusters in Sweden. The work is based on a government assignment that Vinnova has received together with the Swedish Research Council. This is a raise in ambition for Sweden, says Fredrik Weisner.
"The focus on clusters of excellence is a clear increase in ambition to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness, attract international talent, capital and investments, and meet the global technology and transition challenge. By collaborating with the Swedish Research Council in a joint program office, we want to create strong coordination across the entire research and innovation chain, from basic research to commercialization."
Questions?
Fredrik Weisner
Strategic Area Leader Digital Transformation
Last updated 10 September 2025