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USN idea financing

We provide students and staff with the opportunity to test, develop and realise innovative solutions. We offer the funding you need to get started. Staff can apply for up to NOK 100,000 and students can apply for up to NOK 25,000.

Ikon av en rakett med en lysende idé
Ideas start somewhere. Maybe with you?

Submit application 

Submit an application describing your idea and the problem you wish to solve

Get assessment

Your idea will be assessed by our team. You will receive feedback within four weeks after the application deadline

Start the project

If you are granted funding, you will be offered support from Sprout if you are a student, or from KOIN if you are an employee 

USN’s Idea Funding

What is it? A financial programme to further develop product ideas at an early stageIcon of a rocket with a glowing idea

For whom? Academic staff at USN and students at USN 

Project objectives: to carry out initial technology and market clarifications. For employees, this can strengthen applications to the Research Council’s commercialisation programme. 

Calls for proposals: up to four during 2026 

Application deadline for the second call (employees and students): 5 June 2026

Amounts:

  • Employees: up to NOK 100,000
  • Students: up to NOK 25,000

The programme is run by the Unit for Commercialisation and Innovation - KOIN

How to know if an idea is good?

Many ideas start small – perhaps an observation in everyday life, academic curiosity, a question you can’t get out of your head, or a hobby that begins to take shape. Even if you don’t necessarily see yourself as an entrepreneur, you often have experience and insight that can solve real problems. But how do you really know if an idea has the potential to be realised?  

When describing the idea, it can be wise to keep these questions in mind:

  • Does the idea solve an actual problem?
  • In what way is it unique? Does it differ from what already exists?
  • Who is the target audience? What is important to them? 
  • Can the idea grow with you? Do you have, or can you acquire, the expertise and resources needed to develop the idea further?

 

For questions, contact: idefinansiering@usn.no

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