Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and the WISE research program have launched a Proof-of-Concept Grant program with the purpose to bridge the gap from academic research to innovations in materials science for sustainability.
The grant gives researchers the opportunity to develop their early-stage discoveries towards validated methods, products or processes and provides the opportunity to conduct activities that validate and accelerate the development of the project towards validated innovations and eventual commercialization.
Magnus Berggren, Program Director of the WISE program, points out the importance of the Proof-of-Concept (PoC) Grants.
“Advanced materials are a key to reach a sustainable society. To boost the implementation and deployment of new materials for a circular economy and crucial energy technologies, it is important that research results are translated into innovations that enable fast upscaling to make impact. The granted KAW-PoC projects provide a fast and significant route towards sustainability,” says Magnus Berggren.
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation awarded the first Proof-of-Concept grants in 2017. In 2019, the Wallenberg Launch Pad, WALP, platform was created. Researchers who have or have had grants from the Foundation can apply to WALP with their ideas. Researchers who progress through the process will receive support and coaching within WALP.
Overall, a total of 115 Proof-of-Concept grants have been granted since 2017, this call included.
"Proof-of-concept grants make it possible for research funded by the Foundation to also lead to innovations and jobs by bridging the gap between academic research and the possibility of commercialization. This is also fully in line with the Foundation’s purpose of being beneficial to Sweden. The grants are awarded to the researcher’s host university and must comply with the university’s regulations,” says Sara Mazur, Executive Director, Knut and Alice Wallenberg
This was the first round of the Proof-of-Concept program for materials science for sustainability. A second call will open on September 1 with the application deadline on October 15, 2025.
Between one and four million SEK
The projects that have been granted funding will receive between one and four million SEK each over a project period of a maximum of two years. In addition to funding, the project leaders will receive continued support from the Wallenberg Launch Pad, WALP, team to develop their innovations to commercial maturity.
”We are very excited and grateful for the grant which will allow us to mature our nanomaterial technology towards commercialization. We will now address challenges in up-scaling of the synthesis and the development of high-performance demonstrators, which will be crucial for approaching future customers within the printed sustainable electronics segment,” says Klas Tybrandt, Professor of Material Science at Linköping University.
“We are honored and grateful to receive this support, which helps advance sustainable innovation. The proof-of-concept funding allows us to accelerate the development of biobased wood adhesives that reduce reliance on fossil-derived materials, valorize underutilized industrial sidestreams, and enable more efficient use of wood resources – thereby promoting the transition to a circular economy,” says Eva Malmström Jonsson, Professor Coating Technology at KTH, Royal Institute of Technology.
Awarded Proof-of-Concept grants in the 2024 call
Vladimir Krasnov, Stockholm University
A paradigm shift from Semi - to Super–conductors for a next generation of classical supercomputer
Erica Zeglio, Stockholm University
Hybrid systems for e-methanol production from CO2
Levente Vitos, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Quantum-Mechanical Alloy Software for materials engineers (QMAS)
Ulrica Edlund, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Multifunctional bio-composite for broad spectrum water purification
Martin Lawoko, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
DESIRABLE- Design for Recyclable Thermosets based entirely on Renewable feedstock
Klas Tybrandt, Linköping University
AuNano inks for transparent flexible printed electronics
Mark Rutland, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Fluorine Free Supercapacitors
Eva Malmström Jonsson, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Innovative biobased wood adhesives
Aman Russom, KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Sustainable Lab-on-a-Chip Manufacturing with Glass 3D Printing
Background Proof of Concept grants in materials science
The call covers innovations in materials science in a broad sense but must target a specific sustainability aspect. The intention is to give researchers the opportunity to develop their early-stage discoveries in scientific projects towards innovation and commercialization.
To be eligible, the applicant must be employed at a Swedish university and have or have had grants from the Wallenberg Foundations, or be part of WISE, WWSC, WASP or WAQCT programs. Earlier calls for Proof-of-Concept grants have been made within the program for life science, which has been announced at KAW’s web site.
Contact:
Sara Mazur, Executive Director Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
+46 (0)8-545 017 80
[email protected]
Magnus Berggren, Program Director, WISE
+46 (0)11-363 637
[email protected]
Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation was established in 1917. The Foundation’s aim is to benefit Sweden by supporting Swedish basic research and education, primarily in medicine, technology and the natural sciences. This is achieved by awarding grants to excellent researchers and projects.
Over SEK 39 billion in grants has been awarded since the Foundation was established. In 2024 the yearly grants to excellent basic research and education in Sweden was in total almost SEK 2.4 billion, making the Foundation the largest private funder of scientific research in Sweden, and one of the largest in Europe.