So far this year, NOK 45 million has been allocated to 91 qualification projects that will use knowledge to create value for society and business. New this year is that parts of the commercialization budget are earmarked for projects that are based on groundbreaking, basic research, with high risk and great scientific ambition.
Qualification projects aim to contribute to innovative products and services within a number of areas, such as health, ICT, media and culture, energy, education, agriculture and maritime. The projects, which can receive up to NOK 500,000 in support, take important steps on the path from research findings and results to innovation for society or business.
– The Research Council shall facilitate the use of ideas, findings and results from research institutions. Qualification projects are often the first phase in a longer process, and the projects shall contribute to clarifications and to target the next steps on the path towards creating economic and social value, says Anne Kjersti Fahlvik, Area Director for Innovation at the Research Council.
Support for commercialization of research results
In addition to the qualification projects, the Research Council supports innovation and commercialization from research institutions with TTO functional support to strengthen the early-phase work of the institutions, and with verification support to mature technology and reduce technology risk. The goal is to trigger interest and funding from industry, investors, the regulatory apparatus and the EU.
The Research Council both receives and supports more projects than in previous years – in healthcare companies, universities, colleges, research institutes, their TTOs and start-up companies from these.
