Gründergarasjen’s offers for students and employees at OsloMet

Do you have a great idea and are eager to develop it further? Then you can take advantage of Gründergarasjen’s monthly free drop-in guidance sessions for students and employees.

The guidance includes evaluating the idea and the various elements of a business model (e.g., potential customers, competitors, sales and commercialization strategy, funding needs, and how to pitch to investors).

Time and place

Wednesdays from 13:00-17:00 at Gründergarasjen’s premises Stensberggata 29, Pilestredet Campus.

Students and employees at Kjeller can e-mail Gründergarasjen to schedule informal digital drop-in guidance.

Free drop-in sessions starts from Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

Gründergarasjen’s Waffle Fridays are open to all students and employees. In addition to freshly made waffles and good company, you'll get professional insights from the innovation and entrepreneurship community in and around OsloMet.

Time and place

Last Friday of the month from 12:00-13:00 at Gründergarasjen’s premises; Stensberggata 29, Pilestredet Campus

There are no Waffle Fridays in July, December, and when the Friday falls between public holidays.

E-mail Gründergarasjen to be added to the mailing list for invitations to Waffle Friday and other events connected to Gründergarasjen.

Innovation Norway’s STUD-ENT funding scheme gives students with a business idea the opportunity to apply for up to 1 million NOK in grants for the development and commercialization of their idea.

Students and PhD candidates at OsloMet who are planning a business idea and have ambitions to start a company can receive guidance from Gründergarasjen on how to write a strong STUD-ENT application.

Important information

Guidance requires that the student or student group is connected to an academic environment at OsloMet.

Need assistance or have questions about this? Contact the unit for research and societal impact.

Do you need guidance related to a specific STUD-ENT application? Contact Gründergarasjen.

Gründergarasjen’s incubator is an inspiring and supportive community for entrepreneurs aiming to turn great ideas into successful businesses.

Students, alumni, and employees accepted into the incubator program gain access to early-stage tools, networks, and expertise. The tailored program supports entrepreneurs from early validation to sales and growth. Businesses admitted to the program become part of a small but unique community driven by openness, collaboration, and ambition.

Admission to the incubator program is open. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (grundergarasjen.no).

Application process and admission criteria to Gründergarasjen’s incubator

To be considered for admission, the project/business must first complete a simple application form. Gründergarasjen will then invite you to a 45-minute interview to get to know you, your motivation, and your progress plan. A final decision is made based on a holistic assessment.

Criteria for applying to the incubator:

• The startup must be established as a limited company (AS) or be in the process of doing so.

• It must be an early-stage startup — typically working on a first product version, acquiring first customers/sales, securing first investments, and possibly preparing for first hires.

• The startup should have at least one (preferably two) full-time dedicated person(s).

• The focus must be on product development. Consulting services or e-commerce businesses typically fall outside the scope of what Gründergarasjen supports.

• Startups from all academic fields are welcome to apply.

Important information: OsloMet employees with a business idea must contact their local innovation advisor so that OsloMet can fulfill its responsibilities as an employer.

Information about how to place orders for services will be provided later.

OsloMet’s faculties, departments, and centres can, at their own expense, order innovation and entrepreneurship services directly from Gründergarasjen. These include:

• bootcamps in practical entrepreneurship tailored for students and employees

• hackathons or innovation camps for students and employees

Course coordinators/subject managers for courses where entrepreneurship is especially relevant may order introductory one-on-one guidance for students who are not part of the incubator program. This one-on-one guidance is more formal than drop-in and must be linked to the development of a startup company.

Students must send a business plan to Gründergarasjen in advance so both parties can prepare for the meeting. Gründergarasjen provides a business plan template to those receiving guidance.

Important Information

• Gründergarasjen must be notified about ordered services six months in advance of the expected delivery.

• Services aimed at student innovation must be entrepreneurship and innovation activities that are not directly tied to Education programs credit-giving.

Lecturers, as well as faculty and administrative leaders can request presentations about entrepreneurship and/or an introducing Gründergarasjen at their faculty, department, or academic environment. These talks can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour and may be scheduled during internal meetings or committee gatherings.

Course coordinators/subject managers may collaborate with Gründergarasjen to arrange student internships or placements in Gründergarasjen’s member companies.

The goal is for students to gain practical experience within their field of study.

Contact unit for research and societal impact.