Test environments where system-level solutions are tested in real life

Just over a year ago, eight projects were awarded funding in one of the programme’s first calls for proposals, with a focus on system demonstrators. Now, four of them have received additional funding in a second phase.

“An important strength of the system demonstrators is that they operate in realistic environments and develop solutions that can be scaled up,” says Cecilia Ramberg, responsible for calls for proposals at Net Zero Industry.

The manufacturing industry faces an enormous challenge – to be competitive and become climate neutral. Through the call for proposals ‘System demonstrators for the sustainable manufacturing industries of the future – stage 2’, Net Zero Industry wants to accelerate the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions while building both competitiveness and resilience.

“It’s not just about technology. Reducing emissions to zero requires a holistic perspective where technology, business models, regulations, behaviours and infrastructure interact and change simultaneously. That’s why we’re funding projects that show how these pieces of the puzzle can be put together in practice – through so-called system demonstrators. These are large-scale tests in real environments that show how the circular and resilient production of the future really works. We have had eight projects in the first stage, and now four have received continued funding in stage 2, says Cecilia Ramberg, who is also deputy programme manager for Net Zero Industry.

The call for proposals is based on a mission-oriented approach where projects are encouraged to collaborate, share a common direction and have the courage to aim high. The projects should mobilise actors from across the value chain.

In the short term, the projects should deliver a clear target, demonstrate solutions in a real environment and develop a plan for upscaling. In the longer term, they should contribute to a Swedish manufacturing industry that is competitive, resilient and completely free of fossil emissions. This initiative is in line with Agenda 2030 and Vinnova’s priorities regarding gender equality and climate change.

The projects that have received continued funding are:

• Ways to create net-zero foundries (CASTWELL)
• Resilient and resource-efficient additive manufacturing of large/advanced products (RES2AM)
• Woolution – scalable solutions for a circular and resilient textile system
• Fashion2House – Polycotton to Plastic for Household Products (Step 2)

More information about the projects will be published shortly in our project portfolio.

What is a system demonstrator?
A system demonstrator is more than a prototype. It is a living test environment where solutions meet reality. Here, not only new technology is tested, but also new ways of organising, investing and collaborating. The projects should take a holistic approach and include five perspectives: technology, business models, policy, behaviour and infrastructure. The goal is to create solutions that can be scaled up and disseminated – both in Sweden and internationally.