Record number receive STUD-ENT grants for projects

'STUD-ENT will help create more companies in Norway based on research and knowledge from universities and university colleges. Harnessing the expertise of our educational institutions to create new, innovative and profitable companies is vital to transforming and renewing Norwegian business and industry,' says our CEO, Håkon Haugli.

This year, we received 69 applications from 15 different universities and university colleges. The 32 companies we have now offered grants come from 11 universities and university colleges. This means that applicants and successful candidates represent more educational institutions than before. NTNU in Trondheim leads the list with 13 grants, while NMBU, OsloMet and Nord University each have several projects receiving support.

'We are impressed by the quality of this year's projects. Not only are we receiving more applications, but their quality is also improving. I would like to commend Norwegian universities and university colleges for the excellent work they do every day to promote entrepreneurship and innovation,' says Haugli.

More universities and university colleges are sharing experiences and collaborating across the sector, including through the Ally network.

One of the companies receiving support is Arctech Robotics. Founded by three students from OsloMet, the company is developing technology to remove batteries and other problematic products from waste at sorting facilities. 'This allows us to support the EU's environmental policy and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. At the same time, we maximise the use of resources found in waste,' says Thelma Matfeld Annweiler.

Andrea Bao Fredriksen, Nord University: SMARTthrow – technology to reduce injuries in handball

Aniva Media Brendehaug, NTNU: Vörn – automates IT security and compliance for SMEs

Apotrox Aquaculture, Nord University: Predictive model for protecting salmon against winter sores

Arctech Robotics, OsloMet: Improving waste sorting with robotics

B Boutique, NTNU: Seasy Data – sustainability reporting for the maritime sector

Emailer, NTNU: A platform designed to make job applications simple and efficient

Ersdal chemicals, NMBU: Thermal Green Nordic – nanoparticle coating for passive cooling

Evalo, UiO: AI-based tool that helps teachers create and mark tests and provide feedback

Gustad arbeidskraft, NMBU: Tracking solutions for farmers

Hanne Dahl Vonen, NTNU: Hugin – AI solution helps radiologists identify referrals for low-value examinations

Hydroflow Technologies, NTNU: Mobile hydropower plants for temporary energy needs

Intersikt, UiO: Digital platform that helps researchers optimise their workflow

Klarweb, UiS: Wellvector – AI-powered document solutions designed specifically for the petroleum industry

Kleda Group, OsloMet: A platform that matches clothes to body shape and style to reduce return rates

Klippestad Finnvest, NTNU: EquaFish – a decision support, evaluation and analysis tool for land-based aquaculture

Langeweg Mycology, NTNU: Demp – sustainable sound-absorbing panels made from wood waste and mycelium

Marine Spark X, UiT: Sustainable dietary supplement and feed ingredient made from sea urchins

Midpilot, HVL and NHH: Autonomous AI agents that use computers like humans

MOCA3D, NIH: Three-dimensional motion analysis

Mozaffari AI Autolyze, OsloMet: Assessing vehicle damage using AI and computer vision

MTP Engineering, UiA: Motorised prostheses for people with below-elbow amputations

Odin Berre Holding, NTNU: Echomedic – AI in the ambulance service

Pernille Opheim, NTNU: TuniSea - tunicates (sea squirts) as a sustainable raw material

Pling, OsloMet: Digitising hospital call bells

Rathy Tech, NMBU: Mowell – a digital solution for farmers in Europe to report on animal welfare

Rein G Bentdal, NTNU: Wavy Industries - electronic instruments that make music creation more accessible

Scanditech Solutions, NMBU: Wrap Pro – an ergonomic product for wrapping pallets in plastic

Scoped Solutions, NTNU: Tool to streamline sustainability work in the real estate industry

Sjø Protection, NTNU: Water sports helmet combining advanced impact and cut protection with user-centred design

SVVY, NMBU: Platform connecting students from the Global South with educational opportunities in Europe and Asia

WordSea, NTNU: Sharing platform for literature and knowledge

Kasi, UiB: Diagnostic app and learning tool for healthcare professionals

The scheme aims to encourage entrepreneurship among students. To apply, you must be nearing completion of a master's degree or have recently graduated, and you must have established a limited company. Your core team must consist of students or recent graduates who own at least 80 per cent of the company. The grant can cover both internal and external costs, up to NOK 1 million.

Companies can become our customers even if they were not selected in the competition, for example through the scale-up and entrepreneurship centre.