Matchmaking R&D&I 2025 – Canada

The project aims to strengthen the capacity of Swedish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to initiate and participate in international research and innovation collaborations in Canada. Through coaching before, during, and after the program, companies are supported in engaging with researchers, businesses, clusters, and public actors. The objective is to establish long-term partnerships that may lead to joint project applications, for example within Horizon Europe.

As part of the program, needs analyses and partner scouting are carried out via the Enterprise Europe Network, the world’s largest business network with 600+ organizations in 60 countries. Participating companies will take part in the Sweden–Canada Innovation Days in Ottawa (November 2025), with opportunities for tailored matchmaking, study visits to innovation clusters in Ontario and Québec, and advisory support for consortium building and project applications. At the same time, a methodology for international matchmaking is developed and documented, to be reused in future initiatives.

The project targets SMEs within:

• Advanced Technology
• Electrification of Society
• Defence and Security

These activities will strengthen the companies’ innovation capacity and international competitiveness. Expected results include 10 participating SMEs (with the possibility of travel grants from Vinnova), concrete project ideas, and new partnerships between Swedish and Canadian actors. The societal impact lies in the potential of these collaborations to address global challenges. Furthermore, gender equality and inclusion are considered in the selection of participating companies.

Is your company ready to take the next step in Canada?

Submit your expression of interest here – the deadline for applications is September 28, 2025.