Funding
Sweden and Brazil invest in innovations in mining, aerospace and sustainable cities
In the strategic cooperation between Sweden and Brazil, the countries are now investing in a joint call for proposals in mining, bioeconomy and sustainable cities. Since the partnership was launched in 2009, Sweden and Brazil have implemented investments in aerospace, sustainable mining, sustainable cities, AI, bioeconomy and digital health where several project have led to successful innovations. The particularly strong cooperation in the aviation industry serves as a successful model for the other areas of cooperation.
There is now an opportunity for both small and large companies to create international R&D project with funding from Sweden and Brazil through the Eureka network project.
The projects should lead to marketable products, services or new competitive processes. Research institutes and universities can also participate.
200 years of industrial and technological cooperation
The strategic partnership has deep roots, and in 2026 Sweden and Brazil will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations. The partnership combines industrial relevance, academic excellence and innovative thinking.
– Sweden and Brazil are already collaborating successfully in smart cities, bioeconomy, AI, aerospace, sustainable mining and digital health. By deepening the partnerships, we strengthen knowledge exchange and innovation between our respective ecosystems, which constitutes an important building block for a long-term partnership between our countries, says Remy Kolessar, director of International Cooperation at Vinnova.
Sustainability in focus for talks with Brazil
Last week, Brazil-Sweden Innovation Week was organized, bringing together actors from business, academia and the public sector in Sweden and Brazil to discuss the energy transition and sustainable development. The event included sessions on sustainable mining, sustainable cities, circular economy and workshops on aerospace technology. The event highlighted concrete challenges and opportunities in sustainable development and technological innovation. After the event, two high-level meetings were held within the mutual innovation cooperation in the different areas.
– We at Vinnova can support innovation between Sweden and Brazil in various ways. For example, we have a new bilateral call for proposals that has just opened. Previously, there has been ongoing collaboration with Brazil on the aerospace industry, and from 2026 an international partnership in raw material supply, RAMP, which also includes Brazil, says Ninad Bondre, responsible for the collaboration with Brazil at Vinnova.
High-level aviation technical cooperation
By combining Swedish and Brazilian expertise, the countries are jointly developing advanced aeronautics that meets both today's needs and future challenges. The collaboration is successful at all levels and is often carried out in a triple helix format, where academia, business and the public sector collaborate. The strategic partnership strengthens both countries' positions as leading actors in the aerospace industry while contributing to defense capability and security.
– The Swedish-Brazilian aviation cooperation, from the JAS 39 Gripen to Embraer C-390 and joint research in aeronautics, is strong evidence of how long-term thinking and mutual trust create real innovation. Ten years of joint work show that our partnership is not only flying high, it continues to grow and develop, says Alma Jacobson, program manager for Aviation engineering research at Vinnova.
The cooperation in aeronautics taking place within the framework of the High-Level Group is a natural continuation of Brazil's investment in JAS39 Gripen from 2014.
Concrete results and long-term benefits
Cooperation in the aviation sector generates concrete values for both countries:
- Jobs are created in both countries through joint project.
- Competence exchange provides valuable knowledge and experience.
- Industrial relevance is combined with academic excellence.
- Innovative thinking is fostered through continuous collaboration
A prerequisite for future innovation collaboration
The Swedish-Brazilian cooperation in the field of aviation is a vital prerequisite for a mutually developing research and innovation partnership. This collaboration combines industrial relevance today and in the long term with academic excellence and creates a fertile ground for innovation.
Do you work with the aerospace industry? Read more about how Vinnova works to support the aerospace industry through Aviation engineering research.
Last updated 20 October 2025