Backed by world-class research, forward-thinking policies and a thriving startup ecosystem, Norwegian tech companies are helping to shape a smarter, more sustainable future.
Building a competitive tech sector
Norway has many of the prerequisites for further developing a thriving tech sector.
In the 2025 national budget, the Norwegian Government proposes to strengthen support for startups with NOK 52 million (roughly USD 5.1 million), in addition to the NOK 70 million (roughly USD 6.9 million) boost already allocated in 2024.
This sum is split between venture capital managed by the state-owned investment company Investinor and startup schemes and scaling programmes under Innovation Norway, the official Norwegian trade promotion organisation.
Norway has world-class infrastructure, especially digital infrastructure. The country tops digitalisation rankings in Europe, with nearly 100 % Internet and mobile coverage and connectivity.
Norwegians are early adopters of digital technologies and possess outstanding digital skills.
Both the public and private sectors have the organisational ability to effectively adopt, adapt and scale digital technologies.
Innovation Norway’s scaling programmes (TINC, EMNY and TEA) provide 1:1 tailored mentorships, provided in private sessions with domain experts who understand their market focus and stage.
The Norway Tech Ecosystem database provides intelligence on startups, innovation, high-growth companies and investment opportunities in Norway.
Norwegian startups have access to a diverse funding landscape, including:
Innovation Norway, which offers grants, loans and advisory services tailored to startups and scaleups.
Norway-based venture capital firms and angel investors.
Norwegian companies develop and deliver cutting-edge technology, products and services in a wide range of categories, including:
AI and machine learning
Blockchain technology
Cybersecurity
Environmental monitoring
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Fintech
Govtech
Hospitality and restaurant technology
Information and communication technology (ICT)
Internet of Things (IoT)
Proptech
Robotics
Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.
Advantages beyond expertise and technology
Norway offers more than advanced technologies and modern services. It is a good place to do business for other reasons, too.
Norway is known for its regulations to safeguard health, safety and the working environment (HSE).
Norwegian workers are trustworthy and well-educated, with a strong sense of autonomy. Exceptional critical thinking skills enable them to work independently and solve problems. As a result, companies can employ fewer workers in Norway, and many international companies find that labour costs are much lower than they assumed.
Industrial culture is built on trust, cooperation and a flat hierarchy, which also yields outstanding efficiency.
Norway has strong R&D environments and industrial clusters throughout the country and government policies that support its major industries. Norway understands the value of international partnership and seeks it out.
While not an EU member, Norway is fully integrated into the European single market through the EEA Agreement.
Norway has a high level of political and social stability, consistently ranking among the world’s top countries for resiliency. The economy is strong and diverse as well.
Norway outperforms most other countries on the OECD’s Better Life Index. Along with a high standard of living, Norway offers a good work-life balance, public safety and a clean environment.
Excellent healthcare and higher education are available to all. Norway is known worldwide as a pioneer in gender equality, and provides generous family leave and universal, low-cost childcare.
