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Grants for Student Entrepreneurship (STUD-ENT)

To studenter sitter i en trapp© Getty Images
Are you studying at a Norwegian university or college and have a business idea and ambitions to start your own company? Have you researched whether there’s a need or market for your idea? Do you have a team ready to work on it? If so, you can apply for funding to develop and commercialise your solution.

Type of Service: Call for proposals

Target Group: Students planning to establish their own company

Application Deadline: The application form opens December 10, 2025, and the deadline is February 12, 2026.

Amount: Up to NOK 1 million

Who can apply

Recent graduates from Norwegian universities and colleges who aim to start a company based on knowledge gained during their studies. The company must consist of a team of students, and collectively they must hold at least 80 % ownership. The project leader must either be currently enrolled or have completed their education within 12 months prior to the application deadline. Education refers to a master’s programme, a six-year professional degree, or a PhD.

Requirements for project leader

  • Master’s level: The thesis must be submitted before the project begins.
  • Professional level: At least four years of the programme must be completed before the project starts.
  • PhD level: You must provide confirmation from the awarding institution that the STUD-ENT project can run in parallel with your studies.

In addition, there must be written confirmation from the institution regarding ownership of intellectual property rights (e.g., a waiver or licence).

Goal: 40 % of funding should be allocated to projects led by women.

Applicants must have a registered company with an organisation number. At the time of application, you may apply with an ENK or AS registered in the Business Register. Before the project begins, the company must be registered as an AS and comply with the target group requirements and state aid regulations (GBER Article 22).

What projects can receive support?

STUD-ENT supports innovative startups with documented market acceptance and strong growth potential. Projects with both short and long routes to market may receive funding.

  • Innovative idea: Identify a need or problem in the market that currently lacks a satisfactory solution. Demonstrate market insight and explain how your idea solves the problem more effectively. Include a competitor analysis.
  • Documented market acceptance: Confirmed interest from customers, users, investors, or partners through letters of intent or similar agreements.
  • High growth potential: Describe your commercialisation strategy and present a scalable business model with national or international potential.

Funding details

  • Maximum grant per company: NOK 1 million
  • Coverage: Up to 100 % of approved costs (no co-financing required)
  • Payment schedule: 50 % upfront, 30 % after mid-term evaluation, 20% after final report and audited accounts

Application must include

  • Market acceptance documentation
  • Collaboration agreement with the educational institution
  • At least one agreement with a commercial mentor
  • 3-5 year operating budget
  • Accounts

Special requirements

Contact

grunder@innovasjonnorge.no

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