Clusters, networks and forums

Trøndelag's health tech ecosystem benefits from a wide network of supporters who play vital roles in innovation and collaboration. These supporters include both national health clusters and key public actors, each contributing uniquely to the ecosystem's success.

National Health Clusters

The following national health clusters have established collaboration agreements with the Health tech arena for innovation (HAI) initiative, providing valuable support to Trøndelag's health tech ecosystem:

• Norway Health Tech: A leading health technology cluster that aims to improve the quality of treatment and care by facilitating collaboration and innovation among stakeholders, with a focus on welfare technology and smart care solutions, working to support companies developing innovative health and care services. Recently merged with Nowegian Smart Care Cluster.
• Health2B: A specialized public-private initiative that supports startups with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to accelerate their growth.
• Oslo Cancer Cluster: Focused on fostering innovation within cancer diagnostics and treatment, this cluster provides critical resources and collaboration opportunities for health tech companies.
• The Life Science Cluster: Aims to advance the life sciences sector by promoting collaboration among health tech companies, research institutions, and investors.

Public Actors Supporting Innovation

In addition to national clusters, several public actors play a critical role in supporting innovation within the health tech sector. These institutions provide funding, infrastructure, and strategic guidance, contributing significantly to the ecosystem's development:

• Innovasjon Norge: Supports health tech startups and scaleups by providing funding, advisory services, and market access opportunities to drive innovation and international growth.
• Forskningsrådet (The Research Council of Norway): Offers research grants and funding to support health tech innovation, helping companies bring new technologies to market.
• TTO (Technology Transfer Offices): Facilitates the commercialization of research-based innovations by helping researchers and companies navigate intellectual property and connect with industry partners.
• Siva: Provides infrastructure and funding support through incubators and innovation centers, enabling startups to grow and thrive.
• LUP (National Supplier Development Program): Promotes innovation by leveraging public procurement to create new market opportunities for health tech companies.
• NorTrials: Focuses on making Norway a preferred country for clinical trials, providing health tech companies with access to testing environments and supporting the implementation of new solutions.

Forums

Beyond formal clusters and public support programs, several regional forums and collaborative initiatives have emerged to strengthen connections within the health tech ecosystem. These platforms facilitate dialogue, knowledge sharing, and partnership development among companies, public institutions, and other stakeholders:

• Rundbordsdiskusjoner helse: Trondheim Kommune arranged several discussion meetings during 2022 with selected health tech companies and other stakeholders in the ecosystem with the goal of fostering more cooperation.
• Fagråd Helseteknologi: Forum for health tech companies and other stakeholders in the ecosystem currently under establishment by Trondheim kommune and Næringsforeningen.
• Samarbeidsorganet: An advisory body for matters within education, research and innovation related to health issues. Collaboration between Helse Midt-Norge RHF and universities and colleges in the region.