Vinnova Call: Demand-Driven Defense Innovation for the Transparent Battlefield

June 19, 2025

In a modern military operational environment, advanced technology and a vast network of information sources make it possible to gain an almost complete overview of enemy positions and activities.

This means that traditional methods for concealing and protecting troops and equipment are becoming increasingly challenging to use. The transparent battlefield demands new strategies and innovative solutions to avoid detection and to deter the enemy from carrying out military attacks.

This call aims to strengthen the conditions for Swedish companies to further develop civilian solutions for use in military contexts to address the challenges of the transparent battlefield.

Projects may run for a maximum of twelve months, starting in November 2025.

This call is part of the Civil-Military Innovation Program, a joint initiative by Vinnova and the Swedish Armed Forces.

The program aims to contribute to strengthening Sweden’s military capabilities and is to be implemented in a way that enhances the competitiveness of Swedish companies.
It also seeks to promote increased collaboration between civilian and military innovation systems to strengthen Sweden’s defense innovation capacity.

Deadline

The call closes on September 3, 2025, at 14:00 (CET).

Budget

Each project can apply for a grant of SEK 1–7 million for projects with a maximum duration of 12 months. Companies and consortia can apply for grants of at least SEK 1,000,000 and up to SEK 7,000,000 to carry out an innovation project for development and verification.

The preliminary budget for the call is SEK 36 million.

For whom

The call is directed at Swedish companies and consortia that have innovative civilian technology solutions with the potential to address defense-related challenges and needs on the transparent battlefield.

A consortium may consist of several companies, academic partners, and other relevant organizations.

At least one small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) must participate in each project, although it does not need to have a coordinating role if participating as part of a consortium.

Please note that companies granted funding through this call are not guaranteed future business or collaboration with the Swedish Armed Forces or other defense authorities.

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