Deadline: September 03, 2025
In a rapidly evolving security environment, Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces are inviting innovation projects that address the unique challenges of the transparent battlefield while strengthening civil-military collaboration.
The call’s focus areas are minimize thermal and electromagnetic signatures (unique characteristics that different objects emit and that can be detected by sensors), collect, compile and process digital information, to mislead an opponent, mask personnel and equipment to reduce signatures across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, use the above in extreme cold, sustainability and gender equality.
The transparent battlefield represents a future where everything on the ground can be monitored in real time through advanced commercial technologies adapted for military applications. This increased level of visibility makes traditional methods of camouflage and concealment harder to employ, thus requiring new strategies and innovations to avoid detection and develop effective countermeasures. This funding call seeks solutions that adapt existing civilian innovations for military use, ensuring cutting-edge advancements can meet urgent defense needs.
Swedish companies and consortia, with mandatory participation from at least one small or medium-sized enterprise, are encouraged to apply. Large companies, universities, and research institutions can also join these projects. The projects may run for a maximum of twelve months starting in November 2025, with funding ranging from 1 million to 7 million SEK. A total preliminary budget of 36 million SEK is available for this initiative.
Eligible project activities include prototype development, testing, validation, technical requirement studies, and market mapping for military applications. Funding will also cover personnel, equipment, licensing, consulting, and other required costs, adhering to state aid regulations. Applications must demonstrate not only technical feasibility but also integration of sustainability and gender equality principles, which remain priority objectives for both Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces.
Assessment of proposals will be based on potential, feasibility, and the strength of project teams, covering expertise, implementation, gender equality, and environmental considerations. Selected projects must participate in program-related seminars during their duration and ensure proper acknowledgement of funding in disseminated results.
The deadline for applications is 3 September 2025 at 2 PM, and submissions must be completed online through Vinnova’s e-service platform. Swedish entities interested in leveraging civilian innovations for defense applications have a timely opportunity to contribute toward strengthening national defense capabilities while also advancing their own competitiveness in dual-use technologies.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
