The spinoff generator
Europe is falling behind in the innovation and technology race. But you can always find some enterprising types who buck the trend.
Innovation
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The big little discovery
A project that American researchers had given up on. An absent-minded professor who had disliked school as a child. A good portion of curiosity. That is how the story of the Norwegian Ugelstad spheres began. Today they save millions of lives.
An ultra-thin smart filter can significantly extend EV battery lifespan
This new invention could make today’s heavy electric vehicle batteries lighter, safer and increase their range. The researchers behind the technology believe it is also ideal for use in aviation, space travel, drones and shipping.
Cheaper and better lasers can open for new technology
New laser technology can help improve self-driving cars and fibre-optic internet, among other things.
The future of marine operations: Robots that organize themselves
Autonomous robots that organize themselves are the next step in working in and studying the ocean.
Where kelp is being turned into lab-grown meat
Researchers are growing the food of the future in this laboratory: meat that uses kelp as an alternative to animal-based ingredients.
New Norwegian investment in quantum technology research
Quantum technology makes it possible to solve far more complex computational challenges than conventional computers can, including in areas such as material development, medicine and optimization.
Better offshore wind solutions
Constructing offshore wind turbines is both costly and challenging, but researchers are working to make offshore wind more profitable and secure.
Making the world’s fastest skis
They won’t feature at this year’s World Championships in Trondheim, but NTNU researchers believe the world’s fastest and most flexible cross-country skis will be ready for the 2027 World Championships in Falun.
Why is it so hard to bring clean cookers to Africa?
Despite decades of innovation, more than a billion people in sub-Saharan Africa still don’t have access to clean cooking. Low-tech, affordable cookers exist, yet firewood remains the go-to fuel. Why?
Improving the range of electric vehicles
If electric vehicles were lighter, they would also be more energy-efficient. Not surprisingly, this is a problem researchers are working on – using aluminium.
Genes and electrons receive millions in EU funding
Two associate professors at NTNU have been awarded roughly NOK 43 million from the European Research Council to study molecular models and gene variations that can affect animal survival.
Artificial ‘nose’ can sniff out damaged fruit and spoiled meat
This nose has already proven capable of detecting food that has gone off. Now it’s on the trail of diseases. Best of all, this new technology is based on something you already have in your living room.
Cancer drug can kill resistant bacteria
A drug being tested for cancer treatment can probably also be used to kill bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.
A digital driving instructor is just as good as a real one
Too many people die in road traffic accidents. Full-scale driving simulator training can help change that trend. An AI driving instructor can tailor the instruction, and people who need to practice driving around roundabouts can complete 30 attempts in 30 minutes.
Smart collaboration on future technology
TOPOCOM is bringing together leading European research institutions to work on a project that could replace today’s electronics.
How to avoid wasting huge amounts of energy
Waste heat from industry can actually heat every house in Norway. A smart solution can harness this energy, while also providing us with clean drinking water.
Building greenhouses on the moon out of moon dust
Is it possible to build greenhouses on the moon without transporting any materials from Earth? Researchers at NTNU Social Research and SINTEF believe it is, and are assisting the European Space Agency (ESA).
Can microplastics be used to make concrete?
Rubber granules from artificial grass pitches will be phased out, but what do we do with the thousands of tonnes of microplastics that are left? NTNU research shows that they can be used in the production of concrete.
Why are we scrapping inexpensive and successful innovation funding initiatives?
The Norwegian government has decided to phase out the country’s Regional Research Funds. This is incomprehensible to those of us who have watched this initiative function successfully as a springboard for green innovation and transition in many small businesses.
A new insulin mixture could make life easier for patients with type 1 diabetes
Researchers in Trondheim are developing a new medicine for diabetics who have to have daily injections of insulin. The key is a hormone that causes the smallest blood vessels to relax on the inside.
New, super-smart hardware could provide drastic cuts in power consumption
Greener data processing requires systems that work smarter, faster, and are more energy efficient. Researchers from NTNU have developed a tiny piece of super-smart hardware that enables all of the above.
Fish excrement – a superfood for plants
Vegetable farmers will soon be helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution while at the same time boosting our self-sufficiency.
Training underwater robots to find charging stations — on the seabed
NTNU’s largest laboratory – the Trondheim fjord – is something of an Eldorado for researchers developing underwater robots. A charging station has been installed on the seabed, and to ensure the robots can find the shortest route to the charging station, they train in the fjord.