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If you happen to enjoy architecture, museums and natural landscapes, Oslo is a fantastic choice to set down your roots.

In case you didn’t know, it’s one of the healthiest cities in the world and has an entrepreneurship-friendly environment.

The Oslo startup ecosystem is on the rise: a total of $185.8 million was invested in Norwegian startups just in the first half of 2018 (the majority of these investments were made in Oslo). There are government initiatives, such as Innovation Norway, with a specific mission in mind: to promote growth and innovation in the area.

You’ll also find numerous startup incubators and accelerators that cater to different verticals; plus, those who focus in helping newcomers establish their innovations in the city.

Do you want to take your venture to Oslo? Here’s a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators that will come in handy!


1. Antler

  • Description: "We identify and invest in exceptional people. We're a global startup generator and early-stage VC firm that builds groundbreaking technology companies."
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
  • Antler Requirements: They are looking for motivated, energetic founders with previous work experience; plus, strong knowledge in their area of expertise to give their startup a competitive advantage.
  • Antler Deal Terms: The program is divided into two phases: in the first phase, participants are able to develop their skill sets and find a cofounder. The second phase is about executing ideas, acquiring customers and gaining traction for funding. Startups receive around $100,000 in investment for an undisclosed small equity stake; plus, founders also receive mentorship, networking opportunities, etc.
  • Notable Antler Alumni: Airalo, ami Lab, Base, Bookself, Equality Check, MATTRVEST, robin, Sampingan, xNomad.

2. Arkwright X

  • Description: “We combine our knowledge and competencies from management consulting with the know-how and expertise from seasoned entrepreneurs and founders. We believe that there is a large potential in establishing a professional incubator building a bridge between startups and well-established companies enabling both sides to further grow and develop.”
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All B2B tech or tech-enabled businesses.
  • Arkwright X Requirements: Ambitious B2B startups with a strong value proposition and a disruptive, scalable business model.
  • Arkwright X Deal Terms: It’s a 12-18 month program where startups reside in the Arkwright offices. Startups receive access to an office space, a dedicated advisory team and to the Arkwright network, etc. Pre-seed and seed stage startups receive between 0.5 - 1 MNOK; plus, there are co-investment opportunities with business angels.
  • Notable Arkwright X Alumni: Enin, Imerso, Spacemaker AI, Unloc.

3. Charge

  • Description: “Charge is a startup incubator for immigrants who are passionate about growing their idea into a successful business.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses. 
  • Charge Requirements: Innovative entrepreneurs who are first generation Norway immigrants with a resident and work permit looking to take their viable ideas to the next step.
  • Charge Deal Terms: It’s a 10 month incubator and accelerator program where participants  receive office space, workshops, business development support, round table discussions, networking and community events, etc.
  • Notable Charge Alumni: Cloudberry, Generation Mobility, Hobbsters, InMarket, Network For Work, TROP X.

4. DNB NXT Accelerator

  • Description: “We want more great Norwegian tech companies, and we work to support tech entrepreneurs in the earliest phases of building such companies. Starting up is super hard, and our accelerator program is an attempt at making it easier.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: FinTech. 
  • DNB NXT Accelerator Requirements: Disruptive teams looking to bring innovation to the financial sector. Startups must have launched their product or are planning to launch within the next six months.
  • DNB NXT Accelerator Deal Terms: It’s a 3 month program where startups receive an investment between 1-3 MNOK for an equity of 10%. Startups also receive advice and mentorship from experts, legal consultations, access to resources and customers; plus, platform discounts, AWS and Google Cloud credits, etc.
  • Notable DNB NXT Accelerator Alumni: FundingPartner.

5. Driv Inkubator

  • Description: “Driv Inkubator provides startup help for businesses within the field of health.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Hardware, Healthcare, Impact, Software. 
  • Driv Inkubator Requirements: Entrepreneurs who are looking to develop their high growth, unique ideas to improve the healthcare industry.
  • Driv Inkubator Deal Terms: The program has two phases: one for idea development and the other is the marketing and sales phase. They provide office space, workshops, access to capital and networking.
  • Notable Driv Inkubator Alumni: EVOLVR, JodaCare.

6. Founder Institute Oslo (pre-seed accelerator)

  • Description: The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs and teams in the pre-seed stage, typically before they are advanced enough to gain acceptance into a seed-accelerator program. The program helps you build an enduring business by providing Oslo startup experts that are invested in your success, and a structured business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.75BN. 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus:  All tech or tech-enabled businesses
  • Founder Institute Requirements: Both solo founders and teams at the pre-seed stage are welcome, including those at the idea or very early-stages of a company (including pre-incorporation). If your company has significant funding, traction, or revenue, then you are probably too advanced for the Founder Institute and should consider applying to the seed-accelerators on this list.
  • Founder Institute Deal Terms: To create a strong support network, participants join an "Equity Collective" where they contribute 4% of their company to a shared pool. Any financial returns to this pool are then shared equally with each cohort's alumni, the program mentors, Local Leaders, and Founder Institute.   
  • Notable Founder Institute Alumni: Udemy, Acudeen, Appota, Ovamba, Realty Mogul, TravelCar, and more.

7. Insj Accelerator

  • Description: “Kick start your idea into a business.”
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses. 
  • Insj Accelerator Requirements: Students in Oslo looking to take their ideas to the next level.
  • Insj Accelerator Deal Terms: It’s an equity-free, 9 week program where participants receive coaching and resources to start their business, workshops, office space, community events and a demo day to pitch your idea.
  • Notable Insj Accelerator Alumni: N/A on website.

8. Katapult Accelerator

  • Description: “We believe in making a positive impact. We believe in technology as the key driver for change. We believe in the untapped talent of the world.”
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Exponential Technologies (AI, Blockchain, IoT, etc.), Environmental Domains (Clean Energy, Ocean & Land Use, Smart Cities, etc.) and Societal Domains (Education, Food & Water, Thriving Societies & Collaboration, etc.). 
  • Katapult Accelerator Requirements: They are looking for talented and mission-driven founders.
  • Katapult Accelerator Deal Terms: It’s a 3 month program where startups receive mentorship and advice from industry leaders to help them scale. Also, they provide an investment of $150,000 for an 8% equity stake and possibility of additional funding.
  • Notable Katapult Accelerator Alumni: Beringar, CodersTrust, Deversify, Diwala, FinAccess, NeedsList, Sensefinity, SimbaPay, WeFitter.

9. Kjeller Innovasjon Incubator

  • Description: “Kjeller Innovation is an international organisation uniquely located at the heart of the Kjeller Research Park in Lillestrøm, Norway. We also have close ties to the research and education centre at Ås, south of Oslo, and a number of other research centres in Norway. Kjeller Innovation is working to generate value from research. Achieving success often means taking risks at an early stage. This requires an ability to recognise good ideas and the needs of the market. Not least, it requires a culture of innovation. Our team believes in teamwork, commitment, know-how, creativity and determination – and a desire for renewal. During the last 20 years we have developed a unique way of working. We guide the innovation process – from an initial idea to a growing company. Our aim is to establish successful companies providing solutions that society needs. This is how we generate value and leave our mark.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Bio-economics, Energy, Environment and IT/ICT. 
  • Kjeller Innovasjon Incubator Requirements: Disruptive startups building technology to solve society’s current and future needs. 
  • Kjeller Innovasjon Incubator Deal Terms: Startups are provided with a workspace, legal advice, business development resources, access to networks and funding, etc.
  • Notable Kjeller Innovasjon Incubator Alumni: GIAMAG, Previwo, Sea-Lix, SYNQ, Visavi Technology.

10. NORSELAB

  • Description: “Norselab is Norway’s leading co-founder for meaningful technology companies. Since 2000, they have grown into a powerhouse for disruptive tech ideas where companies with clear purpose and real-life impact come to life." 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Industrial tech and tech-enabled businesses. 
  • Norselab Requirements: Experienced industry professionals or talented entrepreneurs who focus on solving specific problems to radically change traditional industries. 
  • Norselab Deal Terms: Norselab fuels idea development and provides hands-on strategic and operational support for their startups across all critical business areas. During the first 12-18 months, the Norselab team is heavily involved with strategy and business development, finance, product design, tech development, brand and marketing. Norselab also provides access to an extensive network of talents and investors. 
  • Notable NORSELAB Alumni: Varig, Farmable, Ivaldi, VesselAdmin, Documaster, Qlearsite, Disruptive Technologies, Skitude, Concilio Labs.

11. Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator

  • Description: “Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator accelerates the development of cancer diagnostics and therapy by facilitating a comprehensive cancer innovation ecosystem.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Biotechnology (Cancer Diagnostics, Oncology and Therapy). 
  • Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator Requirements: Scientists and startups looking for a dynamic and professional growth environment.
  • Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator Deal Terms: Members have access to research facilities, business development services and to a global network of investors and leaders.
  • Notable Oslo Cancer Cluster Incubator Alumni: Curida, GIAMAG, Immedica, INANOD, NEC OncoImmunity, NorgenoTech, Onsagers, Ultimovacs.

12. Oslo International HUB

  • Description: “We are an international startup incubator, an environment for innovation and development where social and professional networks go hand in hand.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses. 
  • Oslo International HUB Requirements: Underrepresented entrepreneurs who contribute innovation to the Norwegian business sector.
  • Oslo International HUB Deal Terms: Their programs provide workshops and mentorships for growth, a coworking space, access to investor networks and events, etc. 
  • Notable Oslo International HUB Alumni: N/A on website.

13. Pangea Accelerator

  • Description: “Pangea is an accelerator program and an investment platform that matches African startups with investors. We create an enabling environment, where African entrepreneurs can develop competence, access relevant network and capital in order to reach their full potential.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Energy, Housing and Water. 
  • Pangea Accelerator Requirements: African entrepreneurs looking to validate their ideas and scale their startups. 
  • Pangea Accelerator Deal Terms: Participants have the possibility to receive up to $50,000 in funding; plus, the opportunity to work with experts to establish a business model and marketing strategies. Also, the accelerator connects startups to capital and investors.
  • Notable Pangea Accelerator Alumni: Helpmum, Onesha, Skolera, TozzaPlus, Usalama Technology, Yusudi.

14. ShareLab

  • Description: “ShareLab is a launchpad for entrepreneurs and start-ups aiming to develop new products and services based on life science and biotechnology.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Biotechnology and Life Sciences. 
  • ShareLab Requirements: Innovative startups and entrepreneurs looking to disrupt the biotech industry.
  • ShareLab Deal Terms: Startups have access to an office space, a fully-equipped lab, mentorship and networking opportunities. 
  • Notable ShareLab Alumni: B'ZEOS, Diatec Monoclonals, Eppendorf, Hemispherian Oncology, Inhibio, MecSense, Norimun, Vaccibody.

15. SmartOslo Accelerator

  • Description: “An accelerator created to establish a dialogue between Oslo and the startup community.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Smart City Solutions. 
  • SmartOslo Accelerator Requirements: Startups who are passionate about the city of Oslo and who bring ideas that will provide a better quality of life for its citizens.
  • SmartOslo Accelerator Deal Terms: Although the investment amount is undisclosed, startups will also receive dedicated mentoring from experts to help them scale their ideas.  
  • Notable SmartOslo Accelerator Alumni: N/A on website.

16. Startup Norway

  • Description: “Startup Norway is a private impact organization started in 2011 by passionate entrepreneurs, wanting to create a stronger and more inclusive startup community.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses. 
  • Startup Norway Requirements: Entrepreneurs and startups who want to contribute to the growth of Norway’s startup ecosystem.
  • Startup Norway Deal Terms: Participants have access to a coworking space, showcasing events to promote startup growth, fundraising and investment opportunities, etc. 
  • Notable Startup Norway Alumni: N/A on website.

17. StartupLab

  • Description: “We want more great Norwegian tech companies, and we work to support tech entrepreneurs in the earliest phases of building such companies. Starting up is super hard, and our accelerator program is designed to make it easier.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Data Science, Hardware, IoT and Mobility.
  • StartupLab Requirements: They are looking for Norwegian startups with a global vision who have or will create products and services for businesses or consumers. These startups must have launched their product or are planning to launch within the next six months.
  • StartupLab Deal Terms: It’s a 3 month program where startups receive an investment between 1-3 MNOK for an equity of 10%. Startups also receive advice and mentorship from experts, a working space, legal consultations, access to resources and customers; plus, platform discounts, AWS and Google Cloud credits, etc.
  • Notable StartupLab Alumni: Confrere, Imerso, Oivi.

18. Techmakers

  • Description: “Techmakers gives innovative startup companies a unique access to the industry, to investors and business development competence.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency, Environment, Smart Cities, Smart Grid.
  • Techmakers Requirements: They are looking for innovative startups who want to accelerate growth.
  • Techmakers Deal Terms: Even though there are several programs, it’s a 3 month commitment which includes mentorship from industry experts, assistance with business development, entrepreneur support system, access to partner and investor networks, etc.
  • Notable Techmakers Alumni: Kitemill, Kube Energy.

19. Techstars Energy Accelerator

  • Description: “Techstars Energy Accelerator is an intensive 13-week programme for those who work on disruptive solutions within oil and gas, renewables, new business models and digitalisation.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: Digitalization, New Business Models, Oil and Gas and Renewables.
  • Techstars Energy Accelerator Requirements: Startups working on innovative technology to disrupt and shape the energy industry of the future.
  • Techstars Energy Accelerator Deal Terms: Ten startups are selected to participate in a 13 week program where Techstars invests up to $120,000. Startups have access to a global network of experts to accelerate growth, Techstars resources and firms such as: Equinor, KONGSBERG and Capgemini. 
  • Notable Techstars Energy Accelerator Alumni: salient energy, interface fluidics, fieldmade, ampaire, opus 12, and seeo2energy


20. TheFactory

  • Description: “The leading Nordic accelerator & incubator.” 
  • Sectors / Markets of Focus: AI, Blockchain, Fintech and Proptech.
  • TheFactory Requirements: Being a driven, passionate early-stage entrepreneur looking to accelerate their innovative idea or product.
  • TheFactory Deal Terms: It’s a 3 month program where startups receive up to NOK 400.000 for an equity between 5-12%. Participants also have access to a coworking space, mentorship from industry leaders, partner and investor networks, business development, etc. 
  • Notable TheFactory Alumni: Capassa, House of Living, lendonomy, Officematcher, riskrate, Romly, SAFEDESIGN, Shineup, TAG Arkitekter.

 



Are you looking to build a great startup in Oslo?

The Founder Institute is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. In the program, early-stage entrepreneurs and teams build their business alongside a critical support network of local startup experts that share equity in their success, and through a structured and challenging business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.75BN. 

Leaders of the world’s fastest-growing startups have used the Founder Institute to raise funding, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more. 

Learn more about the Founder Institute at FI.co, join a free startup event in Oslo, or apply to build a startup today.

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