> ⚠️ **NOT SUITABLE FOR BERLIN-BASED COMPANIES**  
> This program requires **Swedish company/research institution** (Swedish registration).  
> **Requirement**: Company must be Swedish or research institution must be Swedish.  
> See `BERLIN_COMPANY_RECOMMENDATIONS.md` for programs suitable for Berlin-based companies.

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# Vinnova - Sweden's Innovation Agency

## Overview
Vinnova is Sweden's innovation agency that funds innovation projects across all sectors, with strong emphasis on sustainable solutions and circular economy initiatives.

## Managing Body
Vinnova - Swedish Innovation Agency

## Funding Type
Grants for innovation projects, research collaborations, and system innovations

## Funding Amount
- Varies by call and project type
- Multiple funding instruments with different budgets
- Support for SMEs, startups, and research organizations
- Collaboration grants available

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- **19 calls for proposals currently available** (as of November 2025)
- Continuous intake for some programs
- Multiple deadline windows throughout the year
- Check [Vinnova funding portal](https://www.vinnova.se/en/apply-for-funding/find-the-right-funding/) for current deadlines

## Eligibility
- Swedish companies (SMEs and larger firms)
- Research institutions
- Universities and research organizations
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- Must demonstrate innovation and Swedish impact

## Thematic Focus
- Circular economy and sustainability
- Digital innovation
- Green technologies
- System innovation
- Cross-sectoral collaborations

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Innovation funding for industrial symbiosis platforms
- Support for circular economy digital solutions
- Collaboration grants for research-industry partnerships
- System innovation approaches for resource efficiency
- Pilot testing and demonstration projects

## Links
- [Vinnova Website](https://www.vinnova.se/en/)
- [Find the Right Funding](https://www.vinnova.se/en/apply-for-funding/find-the-right-funding/)
- [Portal - Apply for Funding](https://portal.vinnova.se/)
- [Horizon Europe Support](https://www.vinnova.se/en/m/horizon-europe/)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify company/research institution eligibility:
  - [ ] Swedish company (SME or larger) OR
  - [ ] Research institution/university OR
  - [ ] Startup/entrepreneur with Swedish connection
- [ ] Review [19 current calls](https://www.vinnova.se/en/apply-for-funding/find-the-right-funding/) (as of November 2025)
- [ ] Identify most relevant call for industrial symbiosis/circular economy project
- [ ] Confirm project demonstrates innovation and Swedish impact
- [ ] Check if collaboration partners needed (research-industry partnerships)

### Required Documents (varies by call)
- [ ] Company/organization registration documents
- [ ] Project description with innovation focus
- [ ] Budget breakdown and funding request
- [ ] Project timeline and milestones
- [ ] CVs of key project team members
- [ ] Partnership agreements (if collaboration project)
- [ ] Letters of intent from partners
- [ ] Market analysis and impact assessment
- [ ] Sustainability/circular economy impact description
- [ ] Any relevant patents, prototypes, or previous results

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Visit [Vinnova funding portal](https://portal.vinnova.se/)
2. [ ] Browse [current calls](https://www.vinnova.se/en/apply-for-funding/find-the-right-funding/)
3. [ ] Select relevant call for circular economy/industrial symbiosis
4. [ ] Review call-specific requirements and deadline
5. [ ] Register/login to application portal
6. [ ] Complete online application form
7. [ ] Upload all required documents
8. [ ] Submit before deadline

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates innovation in circular economy/industrial symbiosis
- [ ] Shows clear Swedish economic/social impact
- [ ] Aligns with Vinnova's sustainability priorities
- [ ] Includes digital/technological innovation component
- [ ] Demonstrates system innovation potential (if applicable)
- [ ] Shows collaboration benefits (if partnership project)

### Call-Specific Research Needed
- [ ] Review each of 19 calls for best match
- [ ] Check specific deadlines for selected call
- [ ] Review funding amounts and eligibility criteria per call
- [ ] Verify call-specific thematic focus matches project

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save confirmation and reference number
- [ ] Monitor application status in portal
- [ ] Prepare for potential evaluation/interview
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Check current calls regularly (19 available as of November 2025)
- Focus on innovation and sustainability impact
- Leverage collaboration opportunities
- Consider system innovation approaches
- Explore EU funding through Vinnova support
- **Action: Review all 19 calls immediately to identify best match**