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 commercial or societal applications of their research

  • test assumptions and validate needs

  • build a stronger team and project direction

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

What you’ll get

  • Workshops & tools for developing your venture idea

  • Mentoring from experienced founders and innovation advisors

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

  • A peer community of researchers building and learning together

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

Who is it for?

  • Researchers (PhD, postdoc, faculty, research staff)

  • Teams with research-based ideas, technology, or IP

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

  • Projects from any discipline

You don’t need a company to join, but you do need motivation to explore.

How the program works

TILT runs throughout the academic year (September–June) and combines a series of sessions with tailored support. Below are examples of topics and milestones you’ll work through:

  • Kick-off & goal setting

  • Exploring the problem & market

  • Validating needs and shaping your concept

  • IP & commercialization pathways

  • Team & execution

  • Pitching & next steps

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

Meet the cohort

Want to see what kind of projects join TILT?

👉 Explore the 2025–2026 cohort

Key features of TILT

  • Full Ownership

    Researchers can own their company 100% from the start. 

  • Startup Capital

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

  • Tailored modules & travel grants

    A program built around tailored skills development, designed to meet the specific needs of your team and startup — with opportunities for international learning and engagement.

 FAQs

Got questions? Here are answers to the most common ones. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us at tilt@visinnovasjon.no.

  • Not yet. Applications for the next cohort are currently closed. If you’d like to be notified when applications open, please email tilt@visinnovasjon.no, contact someone in Team TILT (see contact info below), or check this page for updates.

  • 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