Application period: 9 september 2025 – 2 February 2026.
Final date to sumbit an notice of interest: 10 October 2025.
Funding decisions: May 2026.
Project start: Between August 2026 and December 2026.
In the programme Research profiles, universities together with business partners develop and strengthen an internationally competitive research profile.
The programme Research profiles is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting the profiling of higher education institutions and research environments. The programme targets institutions with well-established research and education environments that have clear ambitions for the future. It should involve well-coordinated environments with a strong scientific foundation and a high capacity for collaboration with the business sector.
The Knowledge Foundation’s support of up to SEK 40 million over eight years, combined with co-funding from business partners, creates significant resources for driving the cohesive development of a business-relevant research area. A profile initiative should, during the project period, be strengthened by additional efforts from various funders, ensuring sustainability even after the Foundation’s funding has ended.
Applicants: Universities within the Knowledge Foundation’s target group. The programme can be carried out in collaboration between research and educational environments at up to three universities. Read more about the institutions we support.
Co-funding requirements: Several mutually independent business actors should co-finance the project. The total co-funding from industry partners must correspond to at least the amount requested from the Knowledge Foundation. Criteria for co-financing business actors.
Maximum funding amount: SEK 40 million
Project duration: 8 years
The Research profiles programme offers an opportunity for long-term profiling of research within the framework of a overarching research agenda. The profile also enables the environment to deepen and expand its collaboration with business partners in shared fields of research with high business relevance. The project duration of eight years facilitates the recruitment of new competence and the alignment of the chosen research domain with related degree programmes.
Applications are submitted through our application and reporting system, SBS Manager. Please note that the application period opens on 9 September 2025.
If your institution plans to apply for a research profile, you must first send a non-binding notice of interest to the Foundation at info@kks.se. The letter should reach us by 10 October 2025.
