Each year, around 40 researchers and students at Linköping University receive support through Vinnova’s program Verification for Growth (VFT). The funding is used for, among other things, patents, regulatory guidance, and market validation—critical efforts for advancing research ideas toward commercialization. New funding is now available to apply for.
The VFT program makes it possible to explore market needs at an early stage, protect ideas, and in some cases strengthen the team with business expertise.
– For many researchers, commercialization is a big step, and VFT support creates a sense of security and better conditions for a successful journey, says Magnus Krogh, business coach at LEAD.
One of the projects that has received support in recent years is TRiXi, which is developing a method to detect skewed X-inactivation—something that could contribute to faster diagnoses of certain genetic diseases.
The project has received VFT funding to apply for patents and prepare regulatory steps. Today, TRiXi has been accepted for incubation at LEAD and is on its way toward company formation.
For Colm Nestor, researcher at Linköping University and founder of TRiXi, the support was crucial:
– The VFT funding acted as a catalyst that took us from a promising idea to a concept with clear commercial potential. This type of early support gives researchers the confidence to believe in their idea and take the first steps from research to innovation, says Colm Nestor.
Several projects from 2024–2025 demonstrate how early support can deliver concrete results; Cognible AI has refined its offering and secured investment. Radar Reticence has recruited a CEO, secured funding, and demonstrated its technology. The materials project Goldene has filed patents and reached an industrial partnership agreement.
What they have in common is that early, targeted efforts create decisive progress—from research results to business.
– With the right support at the right time, the chances increase that ideas develop into solutions that actually reach the market and make a difference in society, says Magnus Krogh.
Researchers and students at Linköping University with a business idea can apply for VFT support via LiU Holding by contacting LiU Innovation or their business coach at the LEAD business incubator.
– We are pleased that Vinnova sees the results of the work with VFT at LiU and has granted new funding for the period 2026–2027, concludes Johan Lilliecreutz, CEO of LiU Holding.
