The Centre for Innovative Ultrasound Solutions (CIUS) was an 8-year Centre for Research-Based Innovation (SFI), funded by the Research Council of Norway and its partners, running from 2016 to 2024. 

CIUS united leading Norwegian ultrasound environments across medicine, maritime, and oil & gas—industries where Norway excels globally. Strong ties between academia and industry, including hospitals and government institutions, fostered cross-sector collaboration and innovation.

The center aimed to strengthen Norway’s global position in ultrasound technology through focused research and innovation. The SFI program was crucial in achieving CIUS’s goals:

1. Establishing a world-leading center for next-gen ultrasound imaging to improve healthcare, ocean resource harvesting, and environmental monitoring.
2. Promoting rapid innovation from idea to application to drive industry growth.
3. Serving as Norway’s main educational hub for ultrasound technology to support recruitment and competence development.

CIUS had a total budget of 380 MNOK, with 160 MNOK in cash (96 MNOK from RCN) and 220 MNOK in-kind contributions. It produced over 500 research publications, trained 43 PhDs/Post Docs directly, and collaborated with 68 others. In addition, the center employed 28 researchers and engaged 80 industry R&D personnel regularly. It supported 109 master/research students.

CIUS developed 117 new methods, models, or prototypes—many tested and continued by partners. The center reported 48 Declarations of Invention (DOFIs), with 9 licensed by industry partners. Four licenses have already led to 7 commercial products with global reach.

Read more about CIUS projects here.