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§ Grant
Swedish innovation agency grants up to SEK 300K for early-stage startups to verify innovative business ideas.
Vinnova Sweden Innovative Startups is a government grant program administered by Sweden's innovation agency, Vinnova, to support early-stage companies developing scalable technology solutions. The initiative provides equity-free grants of up to SEK 300,000 for initial validation activities and up to SEK 900,000 for later-stage commercialization, covering up to 80% of eligible project costs. Eligible companies must be Swedish-registered startups fewer than five years old, targeting innovations at Technology Readiness Levels 2 through 7. The program operates on a rolling application basis with multiple annual deadlines, and is part of Vinnova's broader portfolio of approximately SEK 3.5 billion in annual innovation funding. Applications are evaluated based on innovation potential, scalability, team capability, and alignment with Vinnova's strategic priority areas including sustainability, digitalization, and life sciences.
Vinnova Sweden Innovative Startups provides up to SEK 900,000 to Swedish startups less than five years old at technology readiness levels 2 through 7. This program is specifically tailored for early-stage companies, offering grants that support the critical innovation activities needed to transform promising ideas into viable products and services. It is one of Vinnova's most popular programs for the Swedish startup community.
Swedish startups under five years old working on innovations at TRL 2 through 7 are eligible. Companies must be registered in Sweden and demonstrate an innovative product, service, or process with commercial potential. The program accepts startups across all technology sectors and industries. Companies should show how the grant will advance their innovation from its current readiness level toward commercial viability.
Grants of up to SEK 900,000 fund innovation development activities including feasibility studies, prototype development, testing, customer validation, and business model refinement. Co-funding requirements apply. Beyond direct funding, startups gain access to Vinnova's innovation support network including connections to Swedish research institutions, industry mentors, and international innovation programs. The grant provides credibility that can help startups attract private investment.
Applications are submitted through Vinnova's online portal during open call periods, typically several times per year. Proposals must describe the innovation, its current TRL, development plan, market opportunity, team, and budget. Vinnova evaluates applications on innovation quality, commercial potential, team capability, and societal impact. The application process is designed to be startup-friendly, with clear guidelines and reasonable documentation requirements.
The program has funded hundreds of Swedish startups across cleantech, digital health, AI, industrial technology, foodtech, and sustainability. Many recipients have used the Vinnova grant as a springboard to attract venture capital and scale their businesses. The program has contributed to Sweden's vibrant startup scene, with Stockholm, Gothenburg, and other Swedish cities producing a disproportionate number of successful tech companies relative to population.
Vinnova provides up to SEK 900,000 to Swedish startups under 5 years old at TRL 2-7, supporting innovation development from idea to commercial viability as one of Sweden's most popular startup grants.
Swedish-registered startups less than 5 years old with innovations at TRL 2-7 across all technology sectors. Companies must show how the grant advances their innovation toward commercial readiness.
Up to SEK 900,000 with co-funding required, covering feasibility, prototyping, testing, customer validation, and business model refinement, plus access to Vinnova's innovation network.
Apply through Vinnova's portal during open calls (several per year) with innovation description, current TRL, development plan, market opportunity, and budget. Startup-friendly process.
Hundreds in cleantech, digital health, AI, industrial tech, foodtech, and sustainability, many using Vinnova as a springboard to attract VC across Stockholm, Gothenburg, and beyond.