The war in Ukraine and cyber attacks creates threats against Swedens national security. In order to strengthen our national defense capability and give the Swedish Armed Forces access to civilian cutting-edge technology, the first projects within the civil-military innovation program have been granted funding.
Project that receive funding in the program include, among other things, the development of robot-based odor systems, ultralight vehicles and AI-driven camera systems in drones.
- The number of high-quality applications exceeded our expectations. I think this indicates a strong desire to participate in building a resilient defense and strengthen Sweden's military capability, says Josefin van der Meer, program manager for the civil-military innovation program at Vinnova.
Civilian startups collaborate with established defense industry
The actors who have been granted money for project come from both the civilian and military sectors and are at the technological forefront. The companies in both the startup sector and well-established defense companies are included in the program, which aims to strengthen collaboration between them.
- By strengthening the competence and innovative power of smaller companies, we increase the Armed Forces' opportunity to be at the technological forefront while strengthening our national defense capability. The civil-military innovation program enables the effective introduction of new solutions and ensures that the Swedish Armed Forces remain relevant over time, says Sara Pelsenius, program manager for Defense Innovation at the Swedish Armed Forces.
Accelerator Program for Civil-Military Innovations
By strengthening the cooperation between civilian and military actors, the program must ensure that the Armed Forces have access to the innovative power needed to meet the security challenges of the future. An important part of the work is to accelerate the development of military use of civilian developed technology.
In December, the national accelerator program of civil-military innovations starts at the business incubator LEAD in Östergötland. 15 applicant project with different orientations have been granted a place in the program.
- We at LEAD are very happy that the companies for the civil-military accelerator program have now been selected. We have worked hard during the autumn to package a really good and content-rich programme. Now the work is further accelerated by adding the right coaches and experts to participating companies. That work is carried out in close collaboration with both industry and the Armed Forces. We really look forward to welcoming the selected companies here to LEAD, says Catharina Sandberg, CEO of LEAD.
- We want to create a basis for innovations that strengthen Sweden's defense capabilities and contribute to increased resilience in society. By supporting these selected companies, Sweden not only develops ground-breaking technical solutions, but also builds a stronger preparedness and ability to meet future challenges. The companies represent excellence in designated technology areas. Their development within the program will be an important part in promoting Sweden's security and competitiveness, says Alma Jacobson, responsible for the accelerator function within the civil-military innovation program.
Take part in project that receive money from the civil-military innovation program.
Offer acceleration of civil-military innovations
Tendering collaborative project for civil-military synergies
Offer Infrastructure for Civil-Military Synergies - Stage 1
This article was first published on 19 November by Vinnova.
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