Project financing
Ard Innovation helps you apply for funding for your project.
We create a good application together
For a successful innovation race, it is important to have an overall strategy, this includes funding. Good cooperation between the idea owner and Ard Innovation throughout the application process is central to preparing a comprehensive application. We assist employees at NMBU and NIBIO to make visible how research results should contribute to societal benefit. On this page you will find an overview of instruments that can help finance your project.
Commercialization funds from the Research Council of Norway
Commercialization funds from the Research Council of Norway are divided into qualification projects and verification projects. The purpose of a qualification project is to carry out initial investigations of the commercial potential of research results. The purpose of a verification project is to reduce technological and market uncertainty in the project.
In autumn 2020, the Research Council of Norway changed its program arrangements to 15 portfolios. The Research Council invests in research and innovation through these portfolios.
Idea Stimulation for employees at NMBU
NMBU has established a scheme for assistance in early phase idea development. Employees at NMBU can apply for funds for the following:
- Purchase of services (e.g. design, programming, prototyping, etc.)
- Examinations, testing, laboratory experiments
- Advisory services
The purpose of the scheme is to bring innovative ideas one step further on the way to the market. The range for application amounts is from NOK 30,000 to NOK 100,000. There is no application deadline. The idea stimulation funds are available for selected early-phase projects that Ard Innovation works with, contact us if you want to know more about this funding scheme.
Examples of other means of funding
Norwegian actors can apply for funds in Horizon Europe in the same way as companies, public enterprises and research institutions in EU member states.
Horizon Europe is divided into 3 pillars:
- Outstanding research
- Global challenges and competitive business
- Open innovation.
Ard Innovation mainly focuses on pillar III, including the following announcements:
Pathfinder: Support for the development of cutting-edge and innovative technologies (TRL 1-3) with commercialization potential.
Transition: Supports innovative activities that follow proof-of-concept, i.e. means to validate and demonstrate technology in the relevant environment.
Read more about Horisont Europa
The Grofondet supports projects that increase the sales value and consumption of Norwegian fruit, berries, vegetables and potatoes. The Grofondet provides support for specific projects upon application. The scheme has set an application deadline and a total limit of NOK 10 million for all projects per year. We assist in the application work for innovation projects with us.
Read more about Grofondet
FHF is a state owned by the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries which is financed 100% by the seafood industry through an R&D tax on the export of all seafood of 0.3%. FHF’s overall goal is to create added value for the seafood industry through business-oriented research and development. It requires that FHF’s priorities and activities are firmly rooted in the industry, it requires that players in the industry are involved in FHF’s activities and it requires that FHF is able to contribute to ensuring that R&D results can be used in the industry and contribute to value creation and growth. Open calls are posted on the website continuously.
Read more about Fiskeri- og havbruksnæringens forskningsfond
Innovation Norway has several funding schemes that can assist different projects, in addition to offering other services that can be useful.
Market clarification grants are financing of innovative projects with significant growth and value creation potential in the international market or in the rural areas.
Commercialization grants are grants for innovative projects with significant growth potential in the international market, or which contribute to an adaptable business life in rural areas.
Start-up loans can be granted once per company during the commercialization phase. In this phase there are two possibilities, either Commercialization grant or Start-up loan.
Innovation Norway can contribute to sharing risk through grants for innovation contracts.
Read more about Innovation Norway