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Call: UiO Growth House seed funding for innovative researchers 2024

Do you have an innovative idea based on your research for a new product or service, but need funding to develop your early-stage technology or service further? Apply for seed funding from the UiO Growth House! The application deadline was 4 April 2024. 

Researcher with idea and guidance, seed funding and mentor

This call is now closed

1. Before you apply – read this call text carefully

Who can apply

  • This call is aimed at applicants (faculty/staff, clinicians, postdocs, and PhD candidates) who (i) are employed at the University of Oslo (UiO) and (ii) have an innovative idea or are working on an early-stage technology or service.
  • The application including a detailed cost budget must be acknowledged by the head of the department/centre.
  • The project manager is employed at UiO for the entire project period.
  • This call is aimed at technologies or services that have not yet been taken up by UiO’s technology transfer office Inven2 (registered DOFI or project), SPARK Norway, SPARK Social Innovation, or an accelerator/incubator. Rejection of DOFI or commercialisation projects may apply. You may however apply if your SPARK project is coming to an end within 6 months.
  • The project must not come into conflict with government aid regulations (state aid)
  • Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered

Available funding

  • In 2024, the UiO Growth House dedicates NOK 1.5 M to this round of seed funding to support the development of innovative early-stage ideas.
  • Each project team will work together with one of the UiO Growth House innovation advisers to help realize the full potential of the project. All Seed II projects additionally will be paired with a suitable mentor for further support.

Seed I – funding up to NOK 50 000

A total of up to 10 projects will be granted.

Seed II – funding up tp NOK 200 000

A total of up to 5 projects will be granted.

What is funded?

  • Consulting services: Costs related to the purchase of services from subcontractors or other development services, including external R&D and consulting services.
    The applicant is responsible for entering into cooperation agreements with external institutions that are expected to contribute to the project.
  • Materials and equipment: Costs related to the purchase of materials and equipment for the production of prototypes, necessary equipment for laboratory tests and more that cannot be rented elsewhere at UiO (including “Leiested”) or externally (Sharelab AS and similar).
  • Other costs: All costs that do not fit under the above categories must be specified and must be directly linked to the project's development goals in order to be covered by the innovation funds.

What is not funded?

  • Salary
  • Basic research, development or marke