Vinnova's annual report 2025

In an era characterized by interconnected crises and rapid technological development, Vinnova has strengthened Sweden's innovative power through strategic investments, international collaborations and the mobilization of strong ecosystems in 2025. Here we highlight some of the year's highlights and the annual report provides an in-depth view of our activities.

The Director General about the past year

We live in a time of interconnected crises. Increasing geopolitical uncertainty and the consequences of exceeding the planet's boundaries reinforce each other. Supply chains are becoming vulnerable, people's health is threatened and we are facing serious security threats. Sweden is part of Europe where it is clear that innovation that makes a difference is a prerequisite for our security, resilience, health and our future society.

Developments in strategic technology areas, from AI and quantum technology to energy and biotechnology, are changing the conditions for both research and innovation. During the year, we have, among other things, started investments in clusters of excellence in close collaboration with the Swedish Research Council and on a sustainable Swedish battery value chain. We have also developed international partnerships, for example within the EU and with Germany, and deepened cooperation with the Armed Forces on civil-military synergies.

By mobilizing strong innovation environments, we create the conditions for a strong, sustainable and resilient Sweden.

Darja Isaksson, director general

Some of the year's highlights

The future visits the present

28 future prototypes in mobility and food systems were showcased at Universeum in Gothenburg in a vernissage that Vinnova participated in and invited to on January 31.

Watch the seminar Making Impact Innovation in Volatile Time on Youtube

290 million for digitalisation of Swedish industry

In one of the largest calls for proposals of the year, 38 project have received funding under the Advanced digitalisation programme, which will help industry seize the opportunities of digitalisation. These include autonomous vehicles, rehabilitation with XR, integrated radar and communication for 6G, and skills development in new technologies.

290 million for digitalisation of Swedish industry

Cooperation for radical innovation between Sweden and Germany

Vinnova signed a cooperation agreement with the German innovation agency SPRIND. The partnership will promote and accelerate radical innovation, which has potential to change society and our lives.

Cooperation for radical innovation between Sweden and Germany

Almedalen Week

Vinnova arranged the Garden of the Future together with other actors, with a focus on defense innovation, international collaborations, talent supply and long-term gathering of forces.

What happened in Almedalen?

Three decades of Swedish innovation presence in Brussels

The Swedish Research and Innovation Office in Brussels, SWERI, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, with a speech by Darja Isaksson. The office has played a crucial role in strengthening Swedish interests in innovation and research.

Three decades of Swedish innovation presence in Brussels

Effort on excellence clusters for cutting-edge technology

45 project received funding within Vinnova's Cluster of Excellence initiative. The goal is to create world-leading research and innovation environments that strengthen Sweden's position in the technology landscape of the future.

Sweden aims for the world's top - 45 project begin effort on future technology

50 million to innovative startups

103 start-ups were granted support in the call for proposals Innovative startups with potential to reach international markets. Project ideas include a digital platform for Sweden's cultural offerings, defense against phishing and technology for recycling mixed-material clothing.

50 million to innovative startups

Sustainable and competitive Swedish battery industry

In 2025, Vinnova launched a multi-year effort on research and innovation that will contribute to a sustainable and competitive Swedish battery industry. The goal is to scale up and introduce technology and solutions along the entire value chain – from raw materials and production to recycling and reuse. The initiative began with seven project that will receive support with a total of 86 million for further development and scaling up of solutions.

New effort will strengthen Sweden's position in the global battery race

Civil-military collaborations strengthen innovation

During the year, Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces funded project within the civil-military innovation program to strengthen Sweden's defense capabilities and cooperation between civilian and military actors. The projects will make civilian innovations available and further develop them to meet military and security-related needs.

Civilian innovations strengthen Sweden's defense - new funding decisions