RFAs: International Collaboration for Metals and Minerals Innovation (Sweden)

Deadline: 20-Oct-2026

The Vinnova Impact Innovation Call supports international collaborations that strengthen research, education, and innovation for a sustainable and resilient supply of metals and minerals. Projects must bring together Swedish and international partners to develop long-term collaboration models that can address challenges across the metals and minerals sector.

About the Impact Innovation Call

The call is part of the Swedish Metals & Minerals programme, a joint initiative involving the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova. The programme aims to strengthen Sweden’s capacity for international research and innovation while addressing the growing need for secure, sustainable, and resilient access to metals and minerals. The Impact Innovation call specifically focuses on building international partnerships that can: Strengthen research collaboration in metals and minerals. Improve the long-term sustainability and resilience of mineral supply chains. Explore future management and financing models for international partnerships. Create stronger connections between research institutions, businesses, and international actors. What Does the Grant Support? The funding supports the development of international collaborations rather than standalone research projects. Proposed activities should contribute to stronger long-term partnerships in the metals and minerals sector and demonstrate how the collaboration can continue beyond the funding period. Exploration of future funding and management mechanisms. The overall objective is to create collaborations capable of contributing to Sweden’s and its international partners’ capacity to address future metals and minerals challenges. Grant Amount Successful projects can receive up to SEK 1.3 million. The funding covers a maximum of 70% of eligible project costs. Applicants must therefore provide the remaining share of project financing from other eligible sources. Projects should ensure that the proposed budget is realistic and directly connected to the international collaboration and its intended outcomes. Who Is Eligible? The call is open to consortia involving Swedish and international partners. Each eligible consortium must include at least three participants: One Swedish research organisation One Swedish company One foreign actor The required combination is intended to ensure collaboration between research, industry, and international partners. Applicants should therefore establish a consortium that brings complementary expertise and clearly demonstrates why international cooperation is necessary to achieve the project’s objectives. Why This Opportunity Matters The global transition toward clean technologies, electrification, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing is increasing demand for many metals and minerals. At the same time, supply chains face challenges related to geopolitical risks, environmental impacts, resource availability, processing capacity, and technological development. International research and innovation partnerships can help address these challenges by combining expertise across countries and sectors. The Impact Innovation call is particularly relevant for organisations seeking to build long-term international cooperation in sustainable mineral supply, circularity, innovation, research, and education. Key Requirements Applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates: A strong connection to the metals and minerals sector. A Swedish research organisation and Swedish company in the consortium. At least one foreign partner. Clear research, education, or innovation objectives. Potential for long-term collaboration. A credible approach to managing the partnership. Consideration of future financing and sustainability. A realistic project budget. Value for money and potential sector-level impact. How to Apply Applicants should first establish an eligible international consortium before developing the project proposal.

Step 1: Build the Consortium

Identify partners that meet the mandatory consortium structure: Swedish research organisation. Swedish company. Foreign actor. Partners should have complementary expertise and a clear role in the proposed collaboration.

Step 2: Define the Challenge

Clearly identify the metals and minerals challenge that the collaboration will address. The proposal should explain why the issue requires international cooperation and how the partnership can contribute to a sustainable and resilient supply.

Step 3: Develop the Collaboration Model

Describe how the partners will work together through research, education, innovation, knowledge exchange, or other relevant activities. The collaboration should have potential to continue after the funded project ends.

Step 4: Address Long-Term Sustainability

Explain how the partnership could be managed and financed in the future. This is particularly important because the call seeks collaborations capable of developing long-term management and funding opportunities.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Prepare a detailed budget covering eligible project activities. Remember that the grant can cover a maximum of 70% of eligible costs, with the remaining costs requiring other financing.

Step 6: Submit the Application

The consortium should submit its proposal through the application process specified by Vinnova and ensure that all required information and supporting documentation are included before the applicable deadline. Tips for a Strong Proposal Applicants can strengthen their proposals by: Clearly explaining the international added value of the project. Giving each consortium partner a defined and meaningful role. Connecting research and innovation activities to real industry needs. Demonstrating benefits for Sweden and international partners. Providing a realistic plan for continuing the partnership after funding ends. Explaining potential future sources of financing. Linking the project to sustainable and resilient metals and mine