Groundbreaking technology for strengthened defense

The Civil-Military Innovation Program is a joint mission for Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces to strengthen Sweden's defense capability by promoting collaboration between the defense sector and civilian actors with groundbreaking technology that can have military applications. The program started in 2024 and several new initiatives are planned this year.

– Innovation is extremely important for Sweden and the EU to be able to strengthen their military capabilities. Civilian actors, by virtue of their ability to technologically innovate, have an important role to play in solving military and security-related challenges. Therefore, during the year we will open several new calls for proposals for companies that want dual-use as part of their business, says Josefin van der Meer, program manager for the civil-military innovation program at Vinnova.

We strengthen the ecosystem

Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces are committed to continuing to develop the national innovation ecosystem to strengthen Sweden's defense capabilities.

– By supporting and developing innovation environments in the ecosystem to work with dual-use technologies, we can utilize groundbreaking civilian technology in defense, says Lars Resman, responsible for the ecosystem initiative.

Cutting-edge technology can advance our defense capabilities

Swedish small and medium-sized companies with groundbreaking civil technology have received funding from Vinnova in an acceleration call. The initiative will make it easier for companies to develop their technology so that it can also be used to solve defense-related challenges.

The focus is on companies that want to explore the potential for dual use of their technology. Applicant must be active in one of NATO's nine priority technology areas: AI, autonomous systems, quantum technology, biotechnology, space, hypersonic systems, new materials and manufacturing, energy or next-generation communication networks.

– Many civilian companies possess groundbreaking technology that can strengthen Sweden's defense and security. By exploring and developing the dual-use potential of their technology, they can contribute to meeting military and security-related challenges in new, innovative ways, says Alma Jacobson, responsible for the acceleration initiative at Vinnova.

How does a soldier who is always visible act?

Civilian technology can, through military application, contribute to meeting the challenge of the Swedish Armed Forces with modern battlefields that are constantly monitored. Commercially developed technology such as satellites, drones, thermal and electromagnetic sensors, and a constantly connected civilian population together constitute an extensive network of information sources for the enemy.

– A needs-driven call for proposals is about solving a challenge that exists for the Armed Forces. New solutions are needed for how troops and soldiers can hide and protect themselves in an area of operations where surveillance technology is used in real time, says Malin Tornberg, Head of the Development Coordination Section at the Armed Forces Headquarters.

Information about when calls for proposals open and instructions will be available on Vinnova.se. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media so you don't miss them