Vinnova’s calls range from start-up grants such as Innovative Startups to collaborative innovation projects, but applications are judged on the same three criteria. The call text explains what each criterion means for that call, and formal eligibility comes first: incomplete applications, and applications that fail the requirements, are not assessed at all.
Who this is for
- Swedish companies and start-ups preparing an application to a Vinnova call
- Research organisations and partners taking part in Vinnova-funded projects
- Consultants and grant offices preparing Vinnova applications for clients
How Vinnova applications are assessed
Evaluators with knowledge of the relevant area read the applications, discuss them with Vinnova’s programme manager at an assessment meeting, and recommend which to fund. Vinnova then decides, and may interview applicants first. The three criteria are:
| Criterion | What it evaluates |
|---|---|
| Potential | The expected effects and value of the project, and its significance for society if the project reaches its objective. |
| Actors | Whether the participants can actually carry out the project and achieve the intended results and effects. |
| Feasibility | How realistic and credible the project plan is. |
Where Vinnova applications tend to weaken
Eligibility not confirmed up front
Applications that fail the formal requirements are not assessed, so company age, size, ownership and funding conditions need to be checked before any writing starts.
Potential asserted, not evidenced
Claims of market or societal value without data on who benefits, how many, and what changes if the project succeeds.
Actors don’t match the plan
The roles, competences and capacity of the team and partners are not tied to the activities they are meant to deliver.
Feasibility and co-funding not credible
Vinnova usually does not finance the whole project, so the plan needs realistic activities, a budget that fits state aid rules, and a clear answer on where the rest of the funding comes from.
Frequently asked
What are Vinnova's assessment criteria?
Vinnova assesses applications on three criteria: Potential (the expected effects and value of the project), Actors (the participants' ability to carry out the project and achieve the intended results) and Feasibility (how realistic and credible the project plan is). Each call text explains what the criteria mean for that call, and formal eligibility is checked before assessment.
Does Vinnova use numeric scores?
Vinnova's published guidance does not describe a numeric scoring scale, weights or thresholds. Evaluators with knowledge of the area recommend which applications to fund after an assessment meeting with Vinnova's programme manager, and Vinnova decides. Applicants may be interviewed before a decision.
What share of applicants receives funding?
Vinnova states that on average about 30 percent of applicants receive funding.
Can I appeal a rejection?
No. Applicants cannot appeal a rejection, but they can reapply in a later application period or apply to another call.
Does Vinnova fund 100% of project costs?
Usually not. For each beneficiary, Vinnova's decision sets a maximum amount and a maximum aid intensity under state aid rules, and organisations must secure other funding for the rest. Aid intensity varies by call.
Can GrantGenix evaluate a Vinnova application?
Yes. Upload your draft together with the call text, and the evaluation reviews it against the call's Potential, Actors and Feasibility criteria and flags eligibility and co-funding questions.