Norway’s startup scene has undoubtedly gained momentum in the past few years. Thanks to a robust network of accelerators, incubators, innovation hubs, investors, and support funds, Norwegian entrepreneurs now have access to a wealth of resources to help them grow and reach local and worldwide markets. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all incubator and accelerator programs in Norway, along with a short overview to help you find a suitable program. The incubators and accelerators in this list have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages.
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN NORWAY
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Norway
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Norway:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Oslo International Hub is a startup incubator and entrepreneurial center that fosters innovation, development, and networking. They offer tailored support to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals, regardless of the stage of your firm, from startup to completely established. With their team of highly experienced international and Norwegian specialists, they will provide you with long-term knowledge, tools, and network within Oslo, Norway, and abroad.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic, Immigrant Founders
For immigrants who have a business idea and would like to turn it into a real business, then Charge is the right program for you. The Charge is a free incubation program that is designed to provide you with the network and expertise you need to build a successful business in Norway as an immigrant entrepreneur. The program runs for 4 months and is divided into three parts: Pre-incubation to prepare your founder mindset, Kickstart to establish a solid foundation for your business, and Incubation to construct your MVP through prototyping and testing.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: BioTech
ShareLab is Norwegia's leading biotech lab incubator for academics, startups, and industry partners. ShareLab will help you take your bio business idea from lab to market. Situated in Oslo Science Park, the incubator offers a comprehensive set of startup services, including a fully equipped lab, coworking spaces, lab management services, a commercial and scientific network, and mentoring.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Health
Aleap is a premier incubator for health businesses in Norway. They assist entrepreneurs in establishing high-growth firms by providing them with world-class expertise, network, and capital. The incubator offers its services through a paid membership model which costs KR3,700 per employee desk per month (excluding tasks). As a member, you can benefit from personalized assistance from business advisors with specialized health sector knowledge, discounted or free business support services from Aleap's partners, assistance in talent recruitment, and access to a worldwide network of specialists, mentors, and industry players.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Oncology
Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator accelerators the development of cancer solutions and supports promising oncology biotechs to successfully commercialize. Integrated with the Oslo Cancer Cluster Innovation Park and situated next to the Institute of Cancer Research, the incubator facilitates a comprehensive cancer innovation ecosystem. As a startup member, you can gain access to a specialized team that will provide business development services, research facilities, IP and regulatory insights, as well as mentoring. Furthermore, you can gain access to their large worldwide network of major investors and industry participants,.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Antler is a renowned early-stage investor who is actively investing in game-changing European founders. They are searching for experienced business operators, technologists, and serial entrepreneurs to join their residency program and develop groundbreaking companies. Whether you are an individual founder or an early-stage team, their programs are open to you and tailored to your requirements to guarantee the best chance of success. As part of the program, you or your team will take residency in Oslo, Copenhagen, or Stock for six to twelve weeks and participate in their industry expert lectures and seminars, team challenges, idea sprints, and coaching sessions.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Validé is a non-profit innovation organization that provides early-stage firms with incubation services, accelerator programs, and full-service startup packages. Validé supports projects from the early stages of research and development until commercialization. Their objective is to maximize the likelihood of ideas being realized by providing entrepreneurs with the resources, environment, skills, and funding they need to build their firms. Their program provides hands-on, one-on-one guidance from their business developers, and their curriculum is jam-packed with lectures, seminars, and professional guest speakers to provide startups with a solid basis for growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Energy, Space, Bioeconomy, Smart Societies/Mobility
Kjeller Innovation is a renowned innovation firm that provides business development services and programs for Deep Tech startups. From the Research Park in Kjeller, they contribute to the generation of value from business and research, as well as the growth of competitive businesses. Some examples of initiatives that they operate are ESA BIC NORWAY, a Norwegian space incubator, and a Siva-supported incubator for technology-oriented startups. Through their program, you can get 1:1 support and advice in developing your product, securing intellectual property rights, finding your first client, securing funding, and creating valuable partnerships.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Norway
Full list of launch-stage startup incubators and accelerators in Norway:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Established in 2010, Startup Norway is a private impact organization founded by entrepreneurs with the goal of building a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem. Through Startup Norway, you may join one of their many programs to access resources that'll help you grow your firm. For instance, you may obtain growth advice from industry experts, get mentoring from major organizations and investors, and access a network of investors for funding.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
6AM Accelerator assists entrepreneurs and first-time founders in building exceptional businesses around their ideas and products. Through their 6-month accelerator program, they provide tailored support that will help early-stage startups to navigate common challenges when building their company. This includes assistance in areas such as sales, finance, startup law, intellectual property, go-to-market strategy, capital raising, communication, HR, GDPR, and others.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Startuplab is an incubator, accelerator, and early-stage investor with a focus on Norwegian technology startups. Their three-month accelerator program is aimed to help digital entrepreneurs in the early stages of growing their businesses. All selected firms will get a 1-3 MNOK investment, as well as support from the Startuplab team and access to experienced founders, investors, industry experts, and Startuplab's extensive network.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology, Energy, Cities & Infrastructure, Food Systems, Natural Assets, New Frontiers, Transport
Katapult Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on highly scalable impact-driven startups. Since 2017, they have conducted a number of initiatives to accelerate tech startups with a positive impact on the world. Their tailored curriculum is intended to coach entrepreneurs through complicated business challenges, offer structure, and assist you in raising your next round of funding. Their program also provides startups with financial investments and access to Katapult’s global network of impact investors, mentors, experts, partners, and alumni.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
TheFactory is a top Nordic accelerator and incubator focused on finance, proptech, and retailtech. At TheFactory, you may obtain advice from over 120 experienced mentors, access a large network of top industry partners, clients, and investors, and get funding through their programs. They also run one of Norway's largest accelerator programs, GründerAcademy, which connects entrepreneurs with mentors and market experts from various verticals, as well as systematic connections with seasoned entrepreneurs and facilitators to help your business grow.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Norway
Norway's emphasis on helping new businesses to thrive has undoubtedly paid off. Norway's startup environment is rapidly expanding, and an increasing number of new firms tackling modern-day challenges continue to be born and make a name for themselves in the market. Norwegian companies today have the opportunity to take on a significant, impactful, and lucrative role in the global ecosystem.