VFT-1 2016 SLU Holding AB
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SLU Holding AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 295 956 |
| Project duration | December 2015 - April 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Since 2015, the Innovation Office at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), operated by SLU Holding AB, has had the opportunity to allocate Verification for Growth (VFT-1) funds to research-based innovation projects. The purpose has been to create a more efficient process for verifying ideas for the market. The VFT-1 funds have greatly contributed to SLU Holding´s ability to develop research results into innovations and thereby contribute to a positive social development. SLU´s possibilities for utilizing its research have also been strengthened.
Expected results and effects
The VFT-1 funds have contributed to meeting SLU Holding´s overall goal of creating utility in the community by providing innovations from SLU to the market. During the current funding period 48 innovation projects have been granted VFT-1 funds. Thanks to the VFT-1 funds, the researchers have quickly been provided with information about the commercial potential of their research results. A large number of the funded projects are currently being commercialised.
Planned approach and implementation
Initially the VFT-1 funds were not well known among the researchers. Through active outreach work, in the form of personal meetings and presentations at the university´s departments, interest has increased significantly. The researchers have made applications in cooperation with SLU Holdings Business Advisors. In 2017 a quarter of SLU Holding´s new innovation projects were awarded VFT-1 funds. All the new innovation ideas undergo a validation and verification process. During the project this process has iteratively been optimised to ensure effective and safe decisions.