Background, purpose and deliminations

The goal of Trondheim Tech Port (TTP) is to increase Norway’s innovation through closer cooperation between actors in Trøndelag. TTP is a member-based interest association for technology and innovation, and a driving force and facilitator for innovation and technology, through projects, events, and communication. TTP's work is focused on three core areas:

The association focuses on key areas including ocean, health, energy, and digitization. In 2022, TTP mapped the ocean tech, energy tech, and health tech sectors in Trøndelag through dedicated reports and is also currently contributing to various regional and national studies.

To work systematically in fostering innovation within the health technology industry, an in-depth understanding of the ecosystem is essential. Currently, there is limited visibility into the key players, networks, clusters, test environments, and labs, as well as the unique expertise and competitive advantages of each. Mapping this landscape will lay a solid foundation for proposing targeted measures to boost Norway’s innovative capacity in health technology by strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in Trøndelag.

The health sector is confronting significant challenges, including the growing demographic trend often referred to as the "elderly wave." To tackle this challenge, innovative healthcare solutions are needed, in which it will be essential to advance assistive tools, enhance remote health monitoring systems, and develop more efficient care models. Tackling these issues is key to building a robust and forward-looking health technology ecosystem capable of addressing future healthcare needs.

This report gives insights into the players in the ecosystem of health technology (health-tech) in Trøndelag. The World Health Organization defines health tech as “the application of organized knowledge and skills in the form of devices, medicines, vaccines, procedures, and systems developed to solve a health problem and improve quality of lives”. The overview is structured along two dimensions:

Sub-sectors within health tech, include health and medical devices, medicines and distribution technology.
Stakeholder groups active within these sub-sectors, include companies (startups and established companies), government and public actors, academia, clusters, networks and forums, as well as investors.

The primary source of information in this report is desk research by the use of publicly available information, such as Business Norway, company websites, The Research Council of Norway, Brønnøysundregisteret, and Proff.no. The report is updated on a regular basis.

74 health tech companies powering innovation in Trøndelag
1623 health tech employees driving industry growth
2367 m NOK in total revenue (2023)
38 major actors from Academia and Government with 9 supporting R&D entities fueling research and development
17 clusters, networks, and forums fostering collaboration
47 investors, with growing interest in health tech ventures

Health and medical devices

Medical equipment:

Any instrument, apparatus, equipment, software, implant, reagent, material or other object which, according to the manufacturer, is intended to be used, alone or in combination, on humans for one or more of the following specific medical purposes.

Diagnostics and treatment of illness:

Diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, prediction, prognosis, treatment or alleviation of disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of injury/disability: Diagnosis, monitoring, treatment, relief or compensation for injury or disability.

Examination or alteration of autonomy:

Examination, replacement or alteration of the anatomy or a physiological or pathological process or condition.

In-vitro examination equipment:

To generate information using in vitro examination of sample material from the human body, including organ, blood and tissue donations.

Fertility equipment:

Equipment for contraception or fertility assistance.

Sterilization equipment:

Products specially designed for cleaning, disinfecting or sterilizing equipment.

ICT support systems:

ICT products and services used to support systems and processes in the healthcare sector.

Data and AI solutions:

Data analytics, predictive population-level insights, and personalized medicine algorithms.

Patient interaction and monitoring:

Remote monitoring devices, telehealth platforms, and health apps, for patient care outside traditional settings.

Clinical systems:

Electronic health records (EHR) and hospital management systems to support core hospital and healthcare operations.

AI diagnostics:

Diagnostic tools and virtual assistants (e.g., chatbots).

Compliance and security:

Tools for regulatory adherence and data protection.

Welfare technology:

Technology which in one way or another improves the lives of those who need it. The technology is used to maintain or increase security, activity, participation or independence for people with a disability or the elderly.

Sports technology:

Technology as a means to realize human interests and goals in sport. In this setting, we focus on performance-enhancing technology, machines, substances, and methods used within or outside of (i.e. training) the competitive setting.

Mental health technology:

Technology aimed at diagnosing, treating, and managing mental health conditions. This includes tools designed to support psychological well-being and address mental health issues.

Mental health apps:

Digital applications used to monitor, track, and improve mental health. These apps may offer mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modules, and support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Digital therapies for mental health:

Evidence-based digital interventions and programs designed to treat mental health disorders. These therapies may use online platforms or virtual reality to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and other therapeutic modalities.

Medicines:

Biological and chemical products used for the prevention and treatment of illness or in vivo diagnostics. Includes active ingredients / raw materials.

Traditional pharmaceuticals:

Chemical and biological products for treatment.
Regenerative medicine and biotechnology: Advanced biological methods aimed at repairing or replacing damaged cells and tissues, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy.

Distribution technology:

Innovative distribution technologies/methods for any of the above categories. Does not include traditional distribution technologies/methods such as pharmacies, wholesalers, etc.

Innovative distribution technologies:

Non-traditional methods for healthcare delivery (e.g., drones, autonomous delivery)

Digital supply chain management:

Tools for tracking, compliance, and distribution efficiency