About Sweden Water Research

Sweden Water Research is the joint research, development and innovation company of NSVA, Sydvatten and VA SYD. Together with our owners, we address the future challenges of the water services sector with new, efficient solutions.

We conduct nationally applied research, development and innovation, with the benefit of our owners as the main focus. In our projects, we work together with our owner companies, other water utilities, businesses, research institutes and universities.

These collaborations, combined with our expertise in project management, enable us to lead large and complex research projects involving many stakeholders. This also allows us to tackle bigger and more complex problems than each owner could manage individually. Read more about the areas we focus on.

Our Owners

Sweden Water Research was founded in 2013 and is owned by NSVA, Sydvatten and VA SYD. Through our owners, we are rooted in 20 municipalities in Skåne. Our head office is located in central Lund.

Strategic focus

Our work is project-based, with research, development and innovation carried out in open networks and collaborations.

Our three overall strategic goals are:

1. In 2027, Sweden Water Research has well-established collaborations to effectively address common challenges related to water quality, digitization, and circular economy
2. In 2027, Sweden Water Research is a natural collaborative partner in the research and development efforts of the owner companies
3. In 2027, Sweden Water Research is a key success factor in our owners’ efforts to secure future competence supply for the water sector

Funding

Sweden Water Research receives an annual funding framework, fixed for three years and decided by the owners through their representatives. For 2026, the budget is approximately SEK 19 million. The framework and its allocation are reviewed every three years. Each year, the budget is adjusted according to wage developments based on the Labour Cost Index (AKI) or similar.

The owners’ funding is intended to cover Sweden Water Research’s core functions and contribute to co-financing research projects. Larger projects outside the ordinary framework are decided separately by the owners.

In addition to owners’ contributions, Sweden Water Research actively seeks external research funding and other financing opportunities.

Our board

Sweden Water Research’s board consists of two members from each of the parent company’s boards. The chairmanship rotates between the owners. The board consists of the following individuals:

Ilmar Reepalu, chariperson (S), Sydvatten
Magdalena Beck, vice chariperson (S), VA SYD
Jonas Jacobsson Gjörtler (M), NSVA
Annika Segerlund (M), NSVA
Elvir Mesanovic (MP) Sydvatten
Lars Leonardsson (M), VA SYD

In addition, the directors from the owner companies are co-opted onto the board.