Startups in Västernorrland get support to apply for funding from Vinnova

Startups in Västernorrland now have the opportunity to apply for up to SEK 500,000 from Vinnova to develop their business ideas. In conjunction with the opening of the Innovative Startups 2025 call, a regional initiative is being implemented to support companies in writing competitive applications.

The call is aimed at innovative companies with ideas based on research, technology or cutting-edge expertise and which have the potential to create sustainable social benefits and growth. An important innovation in this year's call is that companies that have been active for five to ten years now also have the opportunity to apply for funding.

More startups in Västernorrland can now take advantage of the support

To enable more companies in the region to benefit from the call, RISE, through Processum Biorefinery Cluster, together with BizMaker and other incubators in northern Sweden, has developed a joint support process. The initiative includes workshops, individual counselling and feedback from experts in areas such as technology, business development and intellectual property.

Erica Markusson, funding advisor at BizMaker, is responsible for the initiative and emphasises the importance of working strategically with the application process.

"This kind of support is more than just money. It's an exercise in articulating your value proposition, structuring your business and starting to think in partnership. It can be crucial for daring to take the next step and scale up," says Erica Markusson.

Advice and feedback from RISE

From June to August, participating companies will have the opportunity to discuss their projects with RISE specialists and experts, who will offer technical expertise and experience in strategic project development.

“Getting qualified feedback early on can mean the difference between a good project and a bad one,' says Johan Börjesson, Group Manager for Innovation Systems at RISE. At RISE, we help raise the technical bar, refine the wording, and identify the common thread that strengthens the application and makes it relevant for future collaboration,” says Johan Börjesson, Group Manager for Innovation Systems at RISE.

The deadline for applications is 26 August

Vinnova's call is open until 26 August 2025. Decisions will be announced on 28 October, with projects due to start by 25 November at the latest. Companies requiring support with the application process are encouraged to contact BizMaker well in advance.

Read more here

Contact

Erica Markusson, Funding Advisor, BizMaker:
070 375 03 19 Email: erica.markusson@bizmaker.se

Johan Börjesson, Group Manager, Innovation Systems, RISE:
073 803 23 15, johan.borjesson@ri.se