Turn research into impact.

TILT Research Entrepreneurship is a hands-on program that helps researchers turn research-based ideas and technologies into real-world ventures.

What is TILT Research Entrepreneurship?

Research creates knowledge — entrepreneurship creates impact.

TILT is designed for researchers and research teams who want to:

  • explore real-world applications of their research (commercial or societal)

  • test assumptions and validate needs

  • build a stronger team and clearer project direction

  • prepare for the next step — funding, collaboration, licensing, or a startup

What you’ll get

  • Hands-on workshops and practical tools to explore and develop your research-based idea

  • Personal guidance from experienced founders and innovation advisors

  • Expert sessions on customer discovery, IP strategy, business models, and pitching

  • A supportive peer community of researchers learning and building together

  • A clearer path forward — whether that’s licensing, collaboration, or a startup

Who is it for?

TILT is for researchers and research teams with ideas that have the potential to create real-world impact.

  • Research-based ideas, technology, or IP

  • People curious about entrepreneurship — with or without a clear business plan

  • Projects from any discipline

Eligibility:

You can apply alone or as a team. At least one applicant must be a researcher (PhD, postdoc, faculty, or research staff) affiliated with one of VIS’ owner institutions:

  • University of Bergen

  • Norwegian School of Economics

  • Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

  • Bergen University Hospital

  • Institute of Marine Research

Students and collaborators are welcome as part of the team.

How the program works

TILT runs throughout the academic year (September–June) and combines workshops, mentoring, and tailored support. You’ll work through key topics and milestones such as:

  • Kick-off & goal setting

  • Understanding the problem and the market

  • Validating needs and shaping your concept

  • IP strategy and commercialization pathways

  • Team building and execution

  • Pitching and defining next steps

You’ll leave with a stronger concept, clearer direction, and a network to support your next move.

Meet the cohort

Want to see what kind of projects join TILT?

👉 Explore the 2025–2026 cohort

Key features of TILT Research Entrepreneurship

  • Full Ownership

    Researchers can retain full ownership from day one. We support you in exploring the best path forward — whether that’s collaboration, licensing, or a startup.

  • Startup Capital

    Access to early-stage funding through VIS’ academic spinout fund for equity investment.

  • Tailored support & travel grants

    Tailored modules based on your team’s needs — with opportunities for international learning and travel grants when relevant.

Applications are currently closed. We’re running a cohort until June, and the next cohort starts in September 2026.

Want to join or learn more? Get in touch — we’re happy to discuss your idea.

 FAQs

Questions? You’ll find answers below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out at tilt@visinnovasjon.no.

  • Not at the moment. We’re currently running a cohort until June. The next cohort starts in September 2026. If you’re interested, please contact us at tilt@visinnovasjon.no — we’re happy to discuss your idea and timing.

  • The program runs throughout the academic year. It usually starts in September and ends with a Demo Day in June the following year.

  • TILT combines community-based learning with tailored support. Participants get:

    • Monthly meet-ups / sessions

    • Individual mentoring with a VIS business developer

    • A structured journey from early exploration to clearer next steps

  • The program is designed to be manageable alongside a research role. You can expect monthly sessions plus individual follow-ups depending on your project and needs.

  • Yes, participation is free of charge.

  • No. You can join alone or as a team, and you don’t need a finished idea.
    What matters most is curiosity and willingness to explore.

  • Not at all. TILT is designed for researchers with no prior experience in innovation or entrepreneurship.

  • TILT is open to researchers from all disciplines. We welcome PhDs, postdocs, faculty, research staff and interdisciplinary teams.

  • We welcome research-based ideas, technologies or IP that have the potential to create impact. Projects should be future-oriented and aligned with sustainability and responsible innovation.

  • All sessions are held in English, at different locations in Bergen. Participants receive clear practical information well in advance.

  • By the end of the program, you typically leave with:

    • a clearer concept and direction

    • a stronger team and network

    • a plan for next steps (e.g. pilot, funding, licensing, collaboration or a startup)

  • Email us at tilt@visinnovasjon.no, or contact a member of Team TILT (see contact details below).

Start with Komet

Not sure where to begin? Komet is our digital platform and community for researchers, students and creators who are curious about entrepreneurship — with or without an idea.

Explore Komet

Meet the TILT Team