We award millions to students following record interest

‘STUD-ENT aims to help create more companies in Norway based on research and knowledge from universities and university colleges. The entrepreneurs receiving funding in this round are truly impressive. They and the educational institutions they come from play an important role in transforming the Norwegian economy and developing new, innovative and profitable companies,’ says our CEO, Håkon Haugli.

The high level of interest and the scheme's reduced budget made the competition even tougher than before. As a result, several projects we consider worthy of support were unsuccessful. The projects receiving support come from nine different institutions, with NTNU in Trondheim leading the way with seven awards. The University of Oslo and OsloMet also have several projects receiving support.

'Starting a business is really tough. The STUD-ENT scheme aims to help students and recent graduates with innovative ideas that have strong growth potential. I believe this can lead to more innovative businesses in Norway – and we need them,' says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

'This year’s projects are consistently high quality and confirm the strong progress in entrepreneurship and innovation at universities and university colleges, as well as in the start-up communities around them. It is also exciting to see so many recipients using artificial intelligence, alongside several strong contributions in health and robotics,' says Håkon Haugli.

• BipBop Robots, NTNU: Climbing robots for automated pipe inspection.
• Neuroflex Robotics, UiA: An assistive device controlled by muscle movement for people with partial paralysis of the foot.
• Augr, OsloMet: A system for training people to respond to attack drones.
• Bedrock Group, NTNU: AI-based procurement solution for the electronics industry.
• Reliable AI, UiO: AI-powered tool for precise search and navigation across large volumes of text.
• Fgr. Land, NTNU: Developing Vedtak.ai, a tool that helps municipalities process building applications.
• Menomed, NTNU: A digital platform designed to reduce menopause-related sickness absence.
• Juridex, OsloMet: Developing an AI platform specialising in legal analysis.
• Staaltro, OsloMet: A circular value chain for reusing steel materials.
• Skriptr, NTNU: AI-powered tool for academic writing that ensures the appropriate use of AI and sources.
• Tellme, NTNU: AI-generated news podcasts.
• Aeptech, UiT: Digital training solution for competitive shooters.
• J Rydsaa, UiO: Outrun – wearable sensor for continuously measuring lactate levels during exercise.
• Eldion, UiS: Developing an adapter that makes industrial measuring instruments wireless by generating electricity from waste heat.
• Niumetrics, UiO: NIUsleep – a sensor that continuously and wirelessly monitors melatonin levels.
• Servanda, NMBU: AI-powered company due diligence for commercial real estate.
• Bifrozt, NTNU: Visor – a cyber preparedness platform that enables businesses to prepare for and respond to hostile cyberattacks.
• Skjenken energi, HVL: Thermal battery that captures surplus energy and makes heat delivery more efficient.
• Hosseini Environmental Consultancy, NTNU Ålesund: Digital solutions for prediction and maintenance in the water and wastewater sector.
• Cadran, University of Oslo: Digital assistant for watchmakers and goldsmiths.

You must be nearing completion of a master's degree or have recently graduated, and you must establish a limited company before we can disburse the funding. Your core team must consist of students or recent graduates who own at least 80 per cent of the company. The grant can cover internal and external costs and is worth up to NOK 1 million. Universities and university colleges enter into an agreement with the students, providing academic support and requiring the students to give something back to the student innovation ecosystem.

You are welcome to contact us if other funding schemes may be relevant to your company.