Clusters of Excellence are a long-term effort in which Vinnova will invest approximately SEK one billion over the first four years. In the first the call for proposals, Visions for world-leading research and innovation in strategic technology areas, project were able to receive funding to develop a vision, develop a plan and mobilize actors for clusters that conduct research and innovation at the absolute forefront. Now, the first projects that will investigate how Sweden can become a world leader in selected technology areas have been given the go-ahead to start.
– For Sweden to stand strong in a world characterized by fierce competition and rapid technological changes, we need to build on our strengths and develop new capabilities. The clusters of excellence are a crucial effort to strengthen our innovative power, competitiveness, security and position in the global value chains of the future, says Darja Isaksson, director general at Vinnova.
The projects will start no earlier than October 20 and end no later than March 31, 2026. The large response to the call, and the high ambitions of the applications, means that Vinnova is granting 45 project instead of the 30 that were planned, says Fredrik Weisner, who is responsible for the initiative.
– It is inspiring to see all the brave, visionary ideas for Swedish technology leadership. We decided to give more project the chance to continue working and look forward to welcoming them into our portfolio. But the opportunity to become part of the initiative is far from not over. We are planning a second call for proposals, where we are looking for slightly larger, longer preparatory projects than in the first, and it is open to everyone to participate.
From circular materials to robotics
The projects granted by Vinnova bring together actors in all six strategic technology areas: AI and autonomous systems, materials and production technology, energy technology, biotechnology, quantum technology and advanced digital technology.
The projects want to explore, among other things, data-driven solutions for industry, health and society, circular materials and processes for sustainable production, and new energy solutions such as hydrogen and electrification. Other project look at precision medicine, AI-powered pharmaceuticals, quantum computers, sensors, semiconductors and robotics. The common denominator? All have potential to strengthen Sweden's competitiveness and technological independence.
– There is a clear interest in the initiative among Swedish academia and Swedish innovation actors. In the next step, we hope to see equally strong commitment from companies and the technology sector. The long-term goal of the initiative is to finance five really sharp, bold clusters. We believe that a key factor for success is that actors collaborate across borders and set common visions, says Fredrik Weisner.
What is the next step?
The preliminary plan is to open a second call for proposals around the turn of the year, closing in late spring. The assessment work from the first round has provided many insights and lessons learned for the next step.
The new phase of the initiative will bring higher expectations and tougher competition. Vinnova is looking for visions for host leadership and international collaboration in cutting-edge technology, and an ability to organize a broad, strong innovation ecosystem that can attract additional public and private capital.
– If a cluster is to be successful, you may need to think outside the box of how we do and solve things today. We would like to see new ideas about what a cluster actually is, how it should be organized and financed. It is not just about research- and technology development. Innovation processes, entrepreneurship and product development, industry and market expertise and relationships with major actors in the field are other important components. All good ideas are welcome, even those that go outside the box.
The key to success is not just about technology or several actors coming together and making something incrementally bigger, continues Fredrik Wesiner.
– We believe that it starts with really strong leadership and a shared clear vision that makes the entire ecosystem pull in the same direction. There is no doubt that there is both ambition and big ideas for what can strengthen Sweden as an innovation country if we put in an extra gear.
The focus on clusters of excellence is based on a joint assignment that Vinnova and the Swedish Research Council have received from the government. In short, it involves implementing a large-scale effort on clusters of excellence for groundbreaking and strategic technology. Part of the assignment is also to analyze strategic technology areas in Sweden.
Read about excellence clusters
Read the call text Visions for world-leading research and innovation in strategic technology areas
Want to receive the latest news about the initiative?
Subscribe to Vinnova's special newsletter about clusters of excellence.
Register
