The application period for the 2026 call opens on 10 September and closes on 25 November 2026.
The call text with application instructions will be published in June.
In the programme Early academic career, early career researchers are offered funding to independently pursue a research project in co-production with the business sector. Starting in 2025, this programme replaces the former Prospekt programme.
Today’s knowledge-intensive society is in great need of cutting-edge research results and individuals with both scientific excellence and understanding of conditions in the business sector. One way to meet these needs is to give promising researchers good opportunities for an academic career with links to the business sector.
The objective of the programme is for a recently doctoral awarded researcher to independently lead a research project in collaboration with business partners. The objective is also for the researcher to develop professionally and qualify for a further academic career. The purpose is to strengthen research and education environments and collaboration between academia and industry, thereby contributing to both scientific development and value for the business sector.
The programme provides funding for research projects that address a scientific question in close collaboration with business partners. However, as the main objective is to support the professional development of the project manager and to strengthen their qualifications for a continued academic career, the project should also include career-enhancing activities.
Career-enhancing activities may include teaching, participation in other research projects, departmental duties, network building, internationalisation, skills development in project management or supervision, and similar initiatives. The project manager is expected to allocate 60–80 percent of their working time to the research project, with the remaining time dedicated to career-enhancing activities.
Applicants: Universities within the Knowledge Foundation’s target group. The programme can be carried out in collaboration between research and educational environments at several universities. Read more about the universities we support.
To apply for funding within Early academic career, the project manager must be an early career researcher. This means they must not have been academically active for more than three years as of the call’s closing date. Periods of inactivity in academic work may be excluded — so-called deductible time.
Co-funding requirements: The total co-funding from industry partners must correspond to at least the amount requested from the Knowledge Foundation. At least two mutually independent business actors should co-finance the project. Criteria for co-financing business actors.
Maximum funding amount: SEK 2.5 million.
Project duration: 2–3 years.
Applications are submitted through our application and reporting system, SBS Manager. The application period opens on 10 September 2026.
Please note that the call text attached below applies to the 2025 call. An updated call text for the 2026 call will be published in June.
