They support research from the following institutions develop their business ideas; UiB, Haukeland University Hospital, IMR, Siva, Bergen University College, NHH, CMR, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Kunnskapsparken Sogn og Fjordane, NIFES, Nofima and Uni Research. They mostly work within the field of health, oil & gas, technology, hardware, software, marine and society.

Experience

Since the founding in 2004, BTO has been involved in 123 deals and the establishment of 43 companies. Researchers, faculties, and students provide BTO with up to 100 new innovative ideas and technologies each year.

How much do they invest?

There are many different public funding opportunities you can apply for, BTO help you get in touch with the right one. They help prepare a proposal, write the application, implement the project and reporting. BTO can also help with marketing, patenting, give legal assistance and finding business partners.

How do they work?

Step 1: Idea

• They receive a new idea and meet the researcher(s).
• A Disclosure of Invention (DOFI) is completed, and they officially start their work with the idea.

Step 2: Proof of idea

• They perform a theoretical evaluation of the idea, including e.g. market evaluation.

Step 3: Proof of concept

• They apply for external funding in cooperation with you
• They file patents or work to protect your idea in other ways
• They perform a verification of the business model

Step 4: Proof of tech and market

• They verify the technology or process on a larger scale together with the team.
• They start preparing the project for transfer by carrying out different strategy evaluations

Step 5: Take-off

• They develop a transfer plan – what is best suited for the project? License agreement or establish a startup company?
• They ensure that the researcher and the research environment get their share of potential future revenue from the invention.

Step 6: Exit

• They provide support and follow up the license agreement or the start-up as long and as much as needed.

This makes a difference to them

What are the main points of your idea? Is the idea and what problems does it fix? Does it have potential or competitive advantages? They look for an innovative idea and a strong team. It makes a difference to them if they also have the recourses to follow through your idea.

Key People

Anders Haugland - Managing Director
Anders has his masters in thermodynamics and a PhD in refrigeration & air conditioning, both from NTNU. He has a number of board positions in funds and startups, as well as great experience in entrepreneurship and startups. Anders has worked for BTO since 2006.
LinkedIn

Maja Aune Flatval - Administrative Officer
Maja joined the BTO team in 2011. She has many responsibilities, including accounting. She has education from HiB in human research management.
LinkedIn

Startups they funded

One2touch, NanoLace, BerGenBio, eMeistring, and Adap.