Vinnova is providing funding for 18 new project that will solve challenges in Swedish industry using advanced digital technology. These include solutions for, among other things, electricity-intensive machines, secure handling of large amounts of data, digital twins and AI-support for cyber threats.
Swedish industry is facing an ever-growing need for digitalization. To meet this, new, digital innovations are needed that solve real problems. To strengthen innovation capacity, and meet the future's eligibility requirements on sustainability and resource efficiency, Vinnova is working together with others actors in the innovation and research program Advanced digitalisation.
Solutions that meet current challenges
Vinnova has now made decisions in three of the spring's calls for proposals: shared, sustainable and secure AI infrastructure, digital resilience, AI and cybersecurity for industry, and industrial flexible energy control. The calls for proposals closed in April, and includes project that meet some of the industry's most current challenges: managing the need for increased electrification, taking advantage of the opportunities of AI and at the same time strengthening cybersecurity in critical systems.
"Cybersecurity has traditionally been prioritized only after a serious incident has occurred. At the same time, rapid digitalization means that the cyber threat today encompasses an increasingly large part of industrial operations where AI is a central part. With this the call for proposals we want to strengthen collaboration between actors to develop solutions that contribute to increased security and resilience in Swedish industry," says Åsa Moum, call manager for digital resilience, AI and cybersecurity.
Smarter energy use is becoming increasingly important
The 18 projects develop new methods for flexible energy use, safe and resource-efficient AI and robust digital solutions that can increase productivity and resilience in Swedish industry.
"The electrification of industry increases the pressure on the electricity system. With flexible energy management, we can use the electricity we have much smarter, and cut power peaks, lower costs and at the same time strengthen the electricity system. The approved projects show how industrial digitalisation can be put into practice. By controlling, forecasting and coordinating energy use, industry can reduce power peaks without slowing down production," says Marlene Häggström, call manager for industrial flexible energy management.
In Swedish industry, there is also a growing need to manage large amounts of data linked to AI. This is a challenge in a time where both energy costs and sustainability requirements are increasing.
"To meet these challenges, more efficient use of existing infrastructure, new innovative solutions and reduced dependence on a few global actorsare required. Through this initiative, we want to promote cost-effective and sustainable AI infrastructures with a high utilization rate, strengthen expertise throughout the ecosystem and create solutions with broad impact that contribute to increased security, resilience and digital sovereignty in Sweden," says Andrea Birch-Jensen, call manager for shared, sustainable and secure AI.
Do you have a project idea?
New calls for proposals is opening soon to meet the industry's digitalization needs. Do you have an innovative solution based on advanced digital technology? Explore our upcoming offerings.
This article was first published on 18 June by Vinnova.
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