Innovation Norway invites Norwegian companies to develop the artificial turf of the future
‘Microplastics are a major environmental problem, and plastic granules from artificial turf pitches are a significant source of emissions. The EU has therefore introduced a ban that will take effect in 2031. We are now inviting businesses to take part in an innovation competition aimed at developing alternative, sustainable solutions. If we succeed in Norway, these solutions could be exported and used to upgrade pitches across Europe,’ says Håkon Haugli, CEO of Innovation Norway.
In Norway alone, more than 1,500 artificial turf pitches must be upgraded before the EU ban comes into force in 2031, according to a new report from the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF).
In response to the NFF report, we are offering Norwegian companies a grant of up to NOK 25 million until 1 June 2025 to develop and commercialise environmentally friendly artificial turf.
– Important for the footballers of the future
According to the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF), football is Norway’s largest community, with more than 400,000 members. Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness believes it is good news for them that we are supporting projects aimed at tackling the challenges posed by artificial turf.
‘It is fantastic that we are allocating NOK 25 million for this purpose. There are more than 40,000 artificial turf pitches in Europe. The company that cracks the code will have huge opportunities in a large international market,’ says Klaveness.
The NFF report was prepared by Samfunnsøkonomisk Analyse AS on behalf of the Norwegian Football Federation.
About the Innovation Norway scheme
Innovation Norway is part of Bionova. The grant is available for projects that aim to develop, test, pilot or demonstrate alternative solutions for artificial turf pitches. Projects involving the reuse of collected rubber granules and artificial turf pitches may also be eligible.
The primary target group is small and medium-sized enterprises, but large companies may also participate in projects. Both individual companies and companies collaborating through business networks, clusters or consortia can apply.
‘The company must have ambitions for its project, and the results must have the potential to scale up both nationally and internationally. For the right ideas, our full range of services is available, including support for scaling up and exporting. We are ready for kick-off,’ says Silje Lesjø, EVP for Bionova and Agriculture at Innovation Norway.