India and Sweden are increasingly recognizing the potential of combining their respective strengths to create a mutually beneficial model for research and innovation, particularly in the realm of sustainable technologies. India's large-scale infrastructure and growing economy, coupled with Sweden's expertise in clean technologies and sustainable practices, offers a unique opportunity for collaboration that can drive global growth while addressing critical environmental challenges.
The two nations have a long history of collaborative research and co-innovation. A Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology was signed between the Indian and Swedish governments in 2005, encompassing all fields of science and technology. High-level diplomatic visits have further strengthened bilateral collaboration. In April 2018, India and Sweden agreed to deepen their collaboration through the Joint Declaration on Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Stockholm. This partnership aims to amplify the impact of bilateral cooperation in innovation, science, and technology by creating platforms for knowledge sharing and fostering demand-driven innovation.
Several key areas have been identified for collaboration, including smart cities, green energy and transportation, smart industry, AI, digitalization, new materials, advanced manufacturing, space and aeronautics, circular and bio-based economy, and health and life sciences. These areas align with the global need for sustainable solutions and offer significant opportunities for joint research and development initiatives.
One such initiative is the India-Sweden Collaborative Industrial Research & Development Programme, which encourages applied joint R&D projects focused on technological development and innovative solutions related to the green transition in the steel and cement industries. This program is a collaboration between Sweden’s Innovation Agency (Vinnova) and the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, along with the Technology Development Board (TDB) at India's Department of Science & Technology. The program supports projects that are innovative, market-driven, and focused on co-development of new technologies, services, or processes. Projects can receive funding up to 50% of the total project cost, with a limit of ₹150.00 Lakhs per project. The application window is open until November 14, 2025.
The collaborative projects should be led by commercial companies in both countries, with the possibility of including research organizations such as universities and research institutes. These projects should be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) between 4–8. Example sub-themes for the projects include improving energy efficiency in steel and cement production, reducing emissions, and utilizing AI to drive innovation and efficiency in green transition initiatives.
Through initiatives like LeadIT and private sector engagement, India and Sweden are forging scalable innovation models for sustainable global growth. This collaboration seeks to accelerate green transformation and build resilient, sustainable supply chains, positioning both nations as leaders in climate action and circular economy practices. By combining India's scale with Sweden's strengths in research and clean technology, the two countries can create a win-win model that benefits not only themselves but also the world.
