Business development grant – Arctic 2030

Snødekkede fjell som går ned i havet
© Foto: Sizun Eye
Type of service
Grants
Target group
Primarily for SMEs with projects in the Arctic
Application deadline
Ongoing
How much
Depends on the project

Norway aims to lead the way in knowledge about, for and in the north. This will help create new jobs and enable Norway to shape the development of the High North. A key goal is to increase value creation in Northern Norwegian businesses by building on the region's rich resources.

To unlock the potential of our natural resources and expertise, we need stronger business communities and companies that can capitalise on these competitive advantages. We believe that technology and solutions developed for Arctic conditions can help address global societal challenges. We see significant potential in connecting businesses in Northern Norway with relevant communities in Norway and abroad, as well as with global markets.

Since 2014, on behalf of Troms County Council, we at Innovation Norway Arctic have managed the 'Arctic 2030' grant scheme. Through our offices and global networks, our market insight into technology and solutions for the Arctic, and our business development expertise, we aim to support sustainable value creation in the High North.

The scheme is primarily aimed at SMEs. Organisations such as business gardens, clusters and incubators may also receive funding. Large companies may receive funding if they can demonstrate a likely market failure.

You do not need to be based in Northern Norway, but you must clearly demonstrate that the results of the funded activities will benefit the northern regions (Nordland, Troms and Finnmark).

The projects must help increase business activity and value creation in Northern Norway. We also encourage projects that foster collaboration between national and international partners.

The priority areas are

  • developing technology and solutions for Arctic conditions
  • developing innovative ecosystems in the Arctic

We support feasibility studies, pilot projects, main projects, investments, business networks and multi-company or collaborative projects.

The programme does not provide grants for projects in the industries listed below, as we already offer dedicated products for these:

  • Agriculture
  • Fishing fleet
  • Tourism and experience industries
  • Creative industries
Key eligibility criteria for funding

To receive services from us, your company must uphold the principles of responsible business conduct and actively assess its sustainability risks. Read more about sustainability and responsible business conduct.

State aid rules

Funding from Innovation Norway must comply with State aid rules. There are five general conditions for State aid that must be met.

The General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) is part of the State aid rules. It comprises a set of articles and legal bases that allow us to provide support to businesses in various circumstances. One or more articles may apply to each case. Read more about GBER.

Legal basis for the scheme

Our funding schemes have been notified to the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA). The legal basis for these notifications is available on the National Legal Basis page.

Other public funding

The application must state whether other public funding has been or will be sought for the project. The amount of funding we provide is also based on an overall assessment of how much public funding is needed for the project to go ahead.

When determining the grant amount, we therefore assume that you will not receive any other public funding, including SkatteFUNN, beyond what is stated in the application. This applies to funding for the project costs on which we have based our grant calculation (eligible costs). If you nevertheless receive other public funding, including SkatteFUNN, after we have made our offer, and it covers the same costs, we may reduce our grant accordingly or withdraw it.

This does not prevent your company from receiving other public funding for project costs other than those on which we have based our assessment.

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