University of Oslo joins the European life science network EIT Health

University of Oslo’s membership will be coordinated by the newly established innovation unit at UiO, the Life Science Growth House which will be launched 17 February.

– Our main task is to support researchers and students in developing their innovative ideas, and EIT Health will be a great addition facilitating this, says Nicolay Bérard-Andersen, senior innovation adviser, Life Science Growth House.

– We are excited to expand the partnership to the capital of Norway and look forward to collaborating together with University of Oslo and the newly formed Life Science Growth House. Our new member will strengthen the EIT Health network within international and innovative research, from translational, clinical research to applied research as well as the vibrant startup community in the Oslo area, says Annika Szabo Portela, Interim Managing Director EIT Health Scandinavia.

Startups affiliated with UiO can already now start applying to the wide variety of open calls to accelerate internationally, creating new business and accessing finance. Innovation calls relevant also to UiO researchers and the EIT Health partner netowork will be launched in April.

– Collaborating with our partners in the innovation ecosystem in Oslo and with our new partners in the EIT community, we aim to develop new programmes within EIT Health. There is great value in joining this well-run and established initiative to foster new innovations and put research into use, says Nicolay Bérard-Andersen.

UiO’s vice-rector for research and innovation, Per Morten Sandset, is looking forward to seeing the results of the membership.

– Oslo is at the epicentre of innovation in life sciences in Norway. 80 percent of the value creation is emerging from the Oslo area. With Norway’s first innovation district Oslo Science City, our new life science building and our ongoing work to strengthen the collaboration between actors in our innovation ecosystem, the timing is excellent for us to become an EIT Health member to keep the innovation momentum.