Norwegian Centre for Research-based Innovation SFI

Hosts and partnerships at NTNU

Norwegian Centre for Research-based Innovation SFI

Centre for Research-based Innovation (CRI/SFI)

SFI logo

The Research Council of Norway provides long-term funding for collaboration between research-performing companies and research groups in fields of importance for innovation and value creation, and with enhance of technology transfer, internationalization and researcher training. The SFI scheme, advertisements, and current and former centres.

New Centres for Research-Based Innovation

A group of people, most of them displaying SFI plaques from the Research Council of Norway. — Ministers Sigrun Aasland and Karianne Oldernes Tung, the Research Council of Norway, and representatives of the new SFI centres in Rådssalen at Gløshaugen. Photo: Alexander Båtnes/NTNU.

NTNU will host 3 new centres and participate as a partner in 4 others, among the 8 new SFI centres funded by the Research Council of Norway.

SINTEF will host 2 new centres and is a partner in 4 centres.

The Research Council of Norway’s total allocation to the new SFI centres amounts to NOK 768 million over eight years.

Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland and Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Oldernes Tung, together with the Research Council of Norway, officially announced the new SFI centres in Rådssalen of NTNU’s Main Building.

Press release from the Research Council of Norway

NTNU’s announcement on the intranet Innsida

15 December 2025

NTNU hosts SFIs

NTNU hosts 8 SFIs

AutoShip – Autonomous Ships ensures that Norwegian players take a leading role in the development of autonomous ships. 2020-2028

CGF – Centre for Geophysical Forecasting works with geophysical forecasting and sustainable use of the resources. 2020-2028

NEW SFI: FAST – Future Aluminium Structures aims to strengthen Norway’s international position and promote circular, low-carbon aluminium, particularly in the automotive industry, large-scale constructions, and cables. 2026–2033

NEW SFI: ICE – Centre for Intelligent Computers and Electronics will optimize both hardware and software for Edge AI, linking research to practical solutions for industry and society. 2026–2033

NORCICS – Norwegian Centre for Cybersecurity in Critical Sectors enables companies and society to digitize in a secure and reliable manner. 2020-2028

NorwAI – Norwegian Research Center for AI Innovation has research on AI and Big Data for industrial solutions. 2020-2028

PhysMet – Centre for sustainable and competitive metallurgical and manufacturing industry has research on physical metallurgy for the metal industry. 2020-2028

NEW SFI: SAINT – Sustainable Applied and Industrialized Nuclear Technology focuses on nuclear power as a zero-emission technology for shipping, with the goal of developing, testing, and scaling solutions for commercial use. 2026–2033

NTNU is partner in SFIs

NTNU is partner in 10 SFIs

BLUES has research on floating stationary structures. Hosted by SINTEF Ocean. 2020-2028

NEW SFI: CELECT – Centre for Effective Engineering and Learning in Complex Systems will develop new methods and tools for product development and innovation, particularly in defense, space, maritime sectors, and manufacturing. Hosted by the University of South-Eastern Norway. 2026–2033

NEW SFI: Centre for Personalized Digital Health Promotion will design, implement, and evaluate innovative digital solutions for personalized health promotion, aiming to reduce lifestyle-related diseases and health disparities. Hosted by the University Hospital of North Norway. 2026–2033

DigiWells develops digitization and automation for drilling oil and gas. Hosted by NORCE – Norwegian Research Centre AS. 2020-2028

Harvest develops technology for use of marine resources. Hosted by SINTEF Ocean. 2020-2028

Industrial Biotechnology coordinates national infrastructure and expertise in networks. Hosted by SINTEF. 2020-2028

ProCardio Center for Innovation develops ICT platform for cardiology. Hosted by Oslo University Hospital. 2020-2028

NEW SFI: Research Center for Innovative and Sustainable Underground Use will generate new knowledge, concepts, and solutions for systematic urban development and underground infrastructure. Hosted by SINTEF. 2026–2033

NEW SFI: Seaweed – Centre of Gravity for Industrial Seaweed Research and Innovation aims to develop a world-leading industry for Norwegian seaweed. Hosted by SINTEF. 2026–2033

SWIPA – Subsurface Well Integrity, Plugging and Abandonment develops well barriers and underground barriers. Hosted by SINTEF. 2020-2028

How can we boost the impact of SFIs?

NTNU and SINTEF have jointly challenged eight of our SFI leaders to share their experience and best practice related to the opportunities for increased innovation and value creation from research activities in the SFIs.

These experiences are summarized in this report (May 2023, PDF):

Promoting innovation: how can we boost the impact of SFIs? Guidance and recommendations