Norway

Norway is more than just the Northern Lights, salmon and Vikings. With the strong and highly collaborative government support and the increasing investments by local and foreign entrepreneurs and investors, Norway’s ecosystem has developed remarkably. With a stable economy, an extensive social safety net and the efforts driving a greener economy, it is undeniably a potential entrepreneurial climate.

Within Norway, the cities of Oslo, Stavanger and Trondheim are ranked first, second and fourth respectively. It has made a name for itself on the global entrepreneurial stage, fostering companies that tackle modern-day challenges, such as climate change, renewable energy, and digitization.

The traditional values that define this Scandinavian society, combined with a progressive approach to global challenges, create a supportive and nurturing environment for startups to thrive.

Video credits: Trondheim, European Rising Innovative City

Many of the exciting technologies being developed in Norway is at the forefront of our green future. They impact diverse sectors such as MarineTech, OceanTech, AquaTech, Green Energy, Carbon Capture Storage and Digitalization. For instance, Trondheim is home to the world’s first official test area for self-driving vessels. All these make Norway an ideal hotbed for students who are passionate about climate action, sustainability and innovating green solutions to many of the world’s existing challenges to be immersed in.

Video credits: Trondheim, Norway | Startup Cities

Video credits: Norway | This is Trondheim

Read more:
Multidisciplinary talent needed as Singapore develops world’s largest automated port
$22m to develop maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation projects over next five years

Find out about students’ experiences:
https://www.instagram.com/noc.norway/

Alumni Voices

Quah Han Rong, Glenn_Norway Jan24
Glenn Quah

NOC Norway Alumnus | Jan 2024 Intake
School of Computing | Information Systems

During my six months in Oslo as part of the NUS Overseas College (NOC) program, I experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. Working as a Full-stack Developer at Urban Sharing, I took on substantial responsibilities that enhanced my technical skills and broadened my horizons. Embracing Norway’s vibrant startup culture, I participated in networking events and hackathons, which taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and seizing new opportunities. The stunning natural landscapes of Norway provided a much-needed balance to the fast-paced life, offering a serene escape from work. This experience has been truly transformative, and the lessons I learned and memories I made will stay with me long after my return.

Ayushi Marwah_Norway Jan24
Ayushi Marwah

NOC Norway Alumna | Jan 2024 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Economics

My time in Norway during the NOC program was nothing short of life-changing. Moving from Singapore to Oslo was a huge shift, but it took me very little time to realise how much Norway had to offer. The Scandinavian work culture precedes its reputation. It is transparent, respectful, and the work-life balance is ideal for fostering creativity, especially in the vibrant startup scene.

Living in Oslo, with its stunning natural beauty—mountains, fjords, forests, and the sea all within 30 minutes, made every day an adventure. I learned quickly that it’s not about renting the perfect apartment—it’s about getting out there, diving into your work, and travelling as much as possible. Working with the people of Spoor, where AI and sustainability intersect, gave me a fresh perspective and was a welcome break from my previous experiences in India and Singapore.

This experience wasn’t just about work; it was about growing in every aspect of life. I picked up essential life skills, discovered new interests, and learned the value of taking care of myself. And most importantly, I learned to be curious, to try new things, and to connect with people from different backgrounds—learning from their stories added so much richness to my experience.

In the end, Norway was everything I needed and more. It taught me resilience, the beauty of embracing change, and how to truly make the most out of every opportunity. I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to have been part of this journey.

Yow Weng Onn (Wayne)_Norway Jan24
Wayne Yow

NOC Norway Alumnus | Jan 2024 Intake
School of Computing | Information Systems

My experience as a full-stack developer during the NOC Norway program was both transformative and deeply rewarding. Working within a startup environment, I had the opportunity to take on key responsibilities that directly influenced product development and significantly enhanced user experience. The fast-paced and innovative atmosphere pushed me to actively seek feedback and guidance, leveraging my communication skills to align our solutions with the real needs of our users. This experience has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of what it takes to thrive in a startup setting!"

Quote: "Resilience and adaptability were key lessons during my NOC Norway journey, where each challenge was an opportunity to refine solutions and drive impactful product development.

Jesslyn Teo_Norway Jul23
Jesslyn Teo

NOC Norway Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
School of Business | Business Administration

Participating in the NOC program was a transformative experience that significantly enriched my professional journey. Immersing myself in Norwegian culture and forging connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds broadened my horizons in ways I had not anticipated. Norway's startup ecosystem, particularly in the fields of marine technology and biodiversity, proved to be both inspiring and enlightening.
My internship with Spoor, an AI wildlife monitoring company, provided valuable insights into the innovative ways technology can be harnessed to address specific environmental challenges. My company's dedication to integrating technology with nature underscored the rich tapestry of ideas and industries that exist beyond Singapore's borders.
Throughout my time at Spoor, I had the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects and gain valuable experience in various areas, including human resources. Witnessing the passion and dedication of my colleagues inspired me to reflect on my own career goals and the ways in which I can make a positive impact.
The NOC program has undoubtedly broadened my perspective and I am grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with a vibrant international startup ecosystem.

Ong Jing Min_Norway Jul23
Ong Jing Min

NOC Norway Alumna | Jul 2023 Intake
College of Humanities and Sciences | Environmental Studies

My NOC Norway experience was one of the best decisions of my life. Coming from a background in environmental studies, Norway was an obvious choice for me, given the country's reputation as a leader in climate tech, a sector I am deeply passionate about.

This opportunity was eye-opening, both in terms of my career development and personal growth. As someone interested in the startup ecosystem, I knew the best way to learn about climate tech was by immersing myself in the industry. The beauty of working at a startup is the chance to wear many hats, gaining experience in various job functions. The dynamic environment made going to work exciting and enjoyable, with new challenges and learning opportunities each week. The guidance and support from my NOC company were invaluable in helping me grow into the role, encouraging me to be proactive and take charge of my learning journey.

Aside from my company, one of the highlights from my time there was attending Oslo Innovation Week, which brought together numerous startups from different industries. Being surrounded by so many opportunities in the ecosystem allowed me to network and connect with multiple professionals in the space. Beyond work, living in Oslo was an incredible experience. Traveling, meeting people from different walks of life, and experiencing a new culture was enriching. Sharing this journey with friends made it even more special as we all grew into more independent individuals together.

Now that I have completed my NOC internship, the experience has equipped me with valuable insights into the climate tech sector that I can bring to my current job. It has also instilled in me an entrepreneurial mindset to continuously strive to innovate and seek out new opportunities for growth. If I had the chance, I would relive this experience in a heartbeat, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone passionate about entrepreneurship and eager to explore the startup world.