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Singapore – a smart strategic partner for Swedish innovation
A year has passed since Vinnova sent an employee to Singapore, one of the world's most innovative countries. The result? Intense, educational and full of opportunities.
With its strategic geographical position, strong research infrastructure and ambitious innovation policy, Singapore has become a hub for international collaborations in future technologies such as quantum technology, synthetic biology and semiconductors.
– Singapore is a high-tech country with great demand for sustainable innovative solutions and an important node in our international work. By being there, we can create strategic collaborations and take advantage of world-leading knowledge that strengthens Sweden's innovative capacity and competitiveness, says Rémy Kolessar, Head of the International Collaborations Department, Vinnova.
One year in Singapore – what has happened?
Joanna Boquist, Innovation Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy in Singapore, is Vinnova's envoy on site. During her first year, she has created good contacts with key players such as Enterprise Singapore – the main innovation authority in the country and Vinnova's main counterpart, and National Research Foundation (NRF), which this autumn is launching its new five-year plan, RIE2030. It is Singapore's equivalent to Sweden's Research and Innovation Bill and the plan will guide the country's strategic investments in research and innovation until 2030.
– It is important that we monitor RIE2030 and translate the content into a Swedish context. There are opportunities for large-scale investments here together with Singapore, especially in areas where they want to become world leaders, says Joanna Boquist, Innovation Counsellor, Swedish Embassy in Singapore.
Some trends that Joanna Boquist sees in Singapore are:
- Major investments in deeptech and strategic technologies, such as quantum, AI, advanced biotechnology, precision health and semiconductors.
- Strong focus on innovation in the public sector and regulatory sandboxes. I Singapore invests in innovation in all government agencies within their own organizations and often has an incubator linked to the business.
- Strategic work to future-proof Singapore through major investments in foresight, talent and total defense.
What makes Singapore unique as an innovation country?
Sweden and Singapore are both small, smart and highly innovative countries. We are also stable countries in a new geopolitical reality. We have common challenges and may need similar solutions to make a difference. By working together, we can achieve greater impact and create sustainable solutions that make a difference.
– Sweden has many large companies in the global market, which gives a kind of quality seal. Sweden has a startup ecosystem with many good companies in sectors that Singapore wants to invest in. We also have a strong academy. These are some of the reasons why Singapore wants to work with us, says Joanna Boquist, innovation counselor at the Swedish Embassy in Singapore. She continues:
– We want to work with Singapore because Singapore is a country that dares to think long-term, invest strategically and build value chains that are robust against global risks. Because they are looking for partners who can contribute cutting-edge expertise, sustainability and innovative power, and that is exactly what Sweden has to offer.
Team Sweden – a collaboration that makes a difference
The collaboration between the embassy, Business Sweden, the Chamber of Commerce and Vinnova has developed into a strong and generous partnership over the year. Together, they support delegations, innovation days and strategic meetings with local authorities and investors.
– I am pleased that there is great interest from Swedish actors to participate in delegation trips. It sends an important signal to the ecosystem in Singapore – we are here to build long-term relationships. And we clearly see that Singapore is responding with increased interest in Sweden, concludes Joanna Boquist.
What's happening right now?
This fall, several important activities are taking place and we also have a number of calls for proposals open:
- Nordic Singapore Innovation Days 2025 (27–31 October) – a collaboration between Vinnova, SISP, Ignite Sweden, SGInnovate and Nordic innovation actors. A Swedish delegation is traveling there with a variety of actors. Annual event led by Sweden Singapore Innovation Cluster.
- SWITCH, Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology (29-31 October)
- Call for proposals: Planning grant for international proposal 2025
- Call for proposals: EUREKA joint call for proposals for research and development projects - sustainable cities
Read more about our partners in Singapore
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Last updated 7 October 2025