Emerging technologies
A long-term, focused initiative at UiO on internationally leading basic research relevant to the development of emerging technologies.
UiO’s initiative is based on national research capacity in the following research and technology areas:
- advanced materials and quantum technology
- life sciences and biotechnology
- social sciences and technology
In collaboration with technology-based industry, the research institute sector, and the university hospitals, the initiative will strengthen Norwegian innovation and competitiveness. The initiative is long-term and is funded by the Ministry of Education and Research with 25 million NOK in 2026 and 50 million NOK annually from 2027. The use of the funds will be reported on in 2030.
What are emerging technologies?
Emerging technologies are future-oriented technologies with uncertain trajectories, but with the transformative power to create progress and real improvements for both lives and society. These technologies grow out of groundbreaking basic research, in an interaction where research and technology development are strongly interconnected.
NEMO
NEuroMOrphic hardware for energy efficient artifical intelligence (NEMO) bridges advanced materials and electronic systems to develop the next generation of AI hardware at University of Oslo.
- research area: advanced materials and quantum technology
FELT
PHoto-ELectrocaTalysis for clean production of energy carriers and chemicals (FELT) combines materials and system insight to study and design processes for solar-driven conversion of CO2 and H2O to energy carriers and chemicals.
- research area: advanced materials and quantum technology
QUBITS
Quantum Understanding: Basics, Integration, Technology & Sensing (QUBITS) strengthens the route from quantum discovery to application, uniting fundamental science, materials development, prototyping, sensing, and technology maturation.
- research area: advanced materials and quantum technology
MYK
Soft and bio-inspired materials (MYK) will combine chemistry, mechanics and mathematics, from the nano- to the macro-scale, to achieve research-driven development of technological solutions based on soft bio-inspired materials with potential applications in sensors and robotics.
- research area: advanced materials and quantum technology
AFIRE
The vision of AI-Facilitated Immune Receptor Engineering (AFIRE) is to establish an integrated, AI-driven technology platform for the development of a new class of soluble and cell-based immune receptors targeting intracellular proteins.
- research area: life sciences and biotechnology
NextRNA
Next-generation RNA-profiling (NexGen RNA) will develop new methods to read cellular RNA codes at single-cell level. This will improve understanding of fertility, dementia and cancer, and help protect animals and nature from sea to mountains.
- research area: life sciences and biotechnology
FTI-NAM
New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), particularly organoids and microphysiological systems, are human-relevant models that address some limitations of animal models. Biomedical NAM Technology (FTI-NAM) will establish a national platform for the development of NAM technologies.
- research area: life sciences and biotechnology
SAMTEK
SAMTEK explores how emerging technologies can benefit society through interactions between innovation, regulation and democratic processes. SAMTEK couples social science and law to contribute to responsible development, strengthen competence and understand the role of technology in society.
- research area: social sciences and technology