50 million to innovative startups

The call for proposals is part of the Innovativa Startups program and is aimed at companies with innovative business ideas. The ideas should contribute to sustainable social development and create benefit both in Sweden and abroad.

– The program is unique because it is the only government program that is not tied to a specific theme and is aimed at newly started limited companies, says Jan Sandred, responsible for the call for proposals.

Since its inception in 2016, over 1,100 startups have received support through Innovativa Startups, which is Vinnova's most popular programme. This year, Vinnova received over 1,000 applications.

– This is important support for start-ups with a radical idea and who want to take the next step in their development. Vinnova's funding reduces the risks that companies need to manage to reach the market, says Jan Sandred.

The food chain and creative industries are growing rapidly

This year, the call for proposals has been developed in collaboration with the Swedish Energy Agency, Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP), the Network for Academic Innovation Promoters (SNITTS) and Almi to make the program even more relevant to the Swedish innovation system.

Among the 103 project granted, there is a wide range, with life science and IT being the largest areas. Innovation in the food chain and cultural, creative industries is also growing rapidly.

– Half of the applications are neither technological nor product innovations, but are about new ways to solve social challenges and improve people's quality of life, attract new customers and users, or organize and adapt talents and assets, says Jan Sandred.

Many of the projects have also received support from actors such as Almi, incubators or innovation offices at universities.

– It shows that Sweden's innovation system is working well, concludes Jan Sandred.

The projects that have been approved

Here are some of the projects receiving funding in the call for proposals. All project can be found on the call's website.

To the complete project list

NanoLIPID™ - Innovative lipid systems for increased drug bioavailability: preclinical concept validation
Emulsi Biotech AB is developing a patent-pending lipid platform for oral administration of biologic drugs in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, as a patient-friendly, needle-free alternative to current formulations.

Proactive defense against phishing through behavioral analysis
Gaetir AB is developing an automated, psychology-driven, proactive anti-phishing solution that integrates seamlessly and does not disrupt existing IT infrastructure and provides a simple overview of phishing statistics to IT administrators.

Innovative measuring tool for railway foundations
Covalence Ventures AB is developing a measurement tool that streamlines the installation of overhead line foundations along Sweden's railways, reducing the need for manual measurement, reducing the need for heavy diesel-powered machinery and reducing the number of working hours per installation.

Digga – Home network for culture: infrastructure that strengthens the competitiveness of the cultural sector
Digga Sverige AB has developed a new digital platform that brings together Sweden's cultural offerings in one place, strengthens the competitiveness of the cultural sector, creates more cultural encounters and makes it easier for the audience to find experiences they love and can share with others.

Permly – AI-based automation of the work permit process to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness
Permly AB has developed a system for an automatic and legally secure work permit process.

International market validation of new and patented Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) technology to enable early customer pilots and pave the way towards multi-ton scale capabilities
Korall Carbon Capture AB has developed a new Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) system that captures CO₂ directly from the air using a patented low-energy liquid-solid process for industrial plants, airports, energy hubs or remote areas.

GCC Reactor 2025
Votion Biorefineries AB intends to solve the biggest problem of oil refineries: to replace fossil crude oil with a renewable bio-oil made from biogenic waste or biomass and which can be processed in existing oil refineries.

An innovative and water-free process for elastane removal in end-of-life textile recycling
Renasens AB develops and optimizes a water-free process for selective removal of elastane from textile waste with a high cotton content to enable high-quality recycling of mixed-material textiles.

Industrial piloting of PreSICC: Nytt AI-drivet system predicts microbial contamination in the food and packaging industry to save costs, reduce food waste, and protect public health
Mareld Technologies AB has developed an AI-based system that predicts microbial contamination of bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli in pulp and paper 90% faster than existing methods.