InvestorSupporting active ownership funds in Norway.
The startup scene across Norway
Where startups are forming across Norway: the cities, accelerators and investors, and how you get close to them.
The ecosystem
Statistics Norway reported 5,636,904 people in Norway at the end of Q2 2026; its population series covers the country’s counties and municipalities. Norway’s 2023–2032 research plan names six priorities, including oceans and coastal areas, health, climate and energy, and enabling and industrial technologies.
StartupBlink ranked Norway 24th in its 2026 Startup Ecosystem Index, unchanged from the prior year, and reported 10.7% one-year growth. Separately, the OECD reports that information industries accounted for 24% of Norwegian startup firms in 2021 and gives a 32% Nordic average for that measure.
Hubs and regional differences
In StartupBlink’s 2026 city table, Oslo ranked first in Norway and 77th globally, followed domestically by Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim and Haugesund, ranked 326th, 398th, 410th and 942nd globally, respectively. StartupBlink says its country rankings adjust for population while city rankings do not.
As of . Official information. Source: Best Countries for Startups in 2026; Norway Startup Ecosystem - Rankings, Startups, and Insights
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Norway ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Doing Business (Ease of Doing Business ranking) | Doing Business 2020 | #9 | Down 2 | B | Business Climate |
 Bloomberg Innovation Index | 2019 | #17 | Down 3 | B | Innovation, Research |
 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking | 2026 | #18 | Down 6 | B | Competitiveness, Business Climate, Performance |
 Global Innovation Index | 2025 | #20 | Up 1 | A | Innovation, Competitiveness, Research, Talent |
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (countries) | 2025 | #24 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
341 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Norway
Investors 221
Investor
InvestorLeading asset management firm in the Nordic region.
InvestorInvesting in sustainable development for a better future.
The 3 most prominent of 221. Browse all investors
Incubators 68
IncubatorEmpowering technology startups in Norway.
IncubatorEmpowering entrepreneurs to innovate and scale.
IncubatorInnovation hub and technology transfer office in Northern Norway.
The 3 most prominent of 68. Browse all incubators
Venture studios 32
Venture studioBuilding the future of music tech ventures.
Venture studioDisrupting industries through innovation.
Venture studioBuilding ventures through innovation and collaboration.
The 3 most prominent of 32. Browse all venture studios
Accelerators 20
AcceleratorAccelerating startups in Norway.
AcceleratorConnecting startups with investors for streamlined fundraising.
AcceleratorAccelerating first-time tech founders in Norway.
The 3 most prominent of 20. Browse all accelerators
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Norway
UniversityListed in 3 rankings
UniversityListed in 1 ranking
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Norway
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
- Norwegian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (NVCA)Investor
- DNB Asset ManagementInvestor
- All investors
Finding startups in Norway
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Norway
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
- University of OsloUniversity
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)University
- How scouting works
City guides
Cities in Norway
The largest 4 of 5 published city guides.
Questions about Norway
How does Norway rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #9 in Doing Business (Doing Business 2020). It appears in 5 published rankings; the table above lists each one.
How many startup investors are based in Norway?
221 investors based in Norway have a profile here, including Norwegian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (NVCA), DNB Asset Management and Norfund. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Norway?
Yes. Norway has 20 accelerators, 68 incubators and 32 venture studios on record, including TheFactory - Accelerator & VC, Startuplab and Amplitude Ventures AS.
Which universities are in Norway?
2 universities have a profile: University of Oslo and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
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