Call for SPARK Norway projects

Are you a scientist working on health-related topics in the life science domain? Do you have an idea for a new solution or technology with innovation potential, but need help to take the next steps? Apply for UiO:Life Science’s two-year innovation programme SPARK Norway. The next deadline is 10 November.

The application process

Step 1: Use the application form available below and submit by 10 November 2022. We strongly recommend that you contact SPARK Norway ([email protected]) before submitting an application, and as early as possible if you have an idea that you think is applicable to the programme. SPARK Norway will set up a meeting with you to clarify the applicability and other questions you may have to the programme. 

Step 2: Selection of finalists by our SPARK management team medio December 2022. Finalists get an invitation to pitch projects before our external SPARK review panel primo January 2023.

Step 3: All projects admitted to SPARK Norway will receive mentorship and guidance. For financial support there are two categories:

• Full SPARKee:
  

  The projects will receive up to 500 000 NOK per year – maximum two years based on the accomplishment of milestones

• Prospect SPARKee: The projects are evaluated as high potential, but too early. These projects will be admitted for one year without financing. If the agreed milestones are achieved during the first year, the projects can apply for extension for two consecutive years with funding of up to 500 000 NOK per year – maximum two years based on the accomplishment of milestones

All project teams that are admitted are required to participate in bi-weekly SPARK Norway meetings (Wednesdays 17:00 – 19:00). The meetings alternate between SPARK Norway mentoring sessions where the project teams will present their project status to the SPARK Norway community and SPARK Norway Educational Forums.

A total of approximately 5 projects will be included in the programme in this round.

Selection criteria

Proposed projects must:

1. Work on health-related topics (human or animal health) in the life science domain
2. Based on the project team, stage of project, and development path, have the potential to advance to one of the following with 2 years of SPARK Norway support:
   • Start and develop an investable company
   • Clinical testing
   • Be an attractive licensing option
   • Be at a stage where further funding from other sources can be obtained

The projects are reviewed and ranked according to the following selection criteria:

1. Unmet medical need/need in the market
2. Novelty/uniqueness of the new solution
3. Strength of Proof-of-Principles
4. Market potential and fit
5. IP strategy
6. Strength and motivation of the team
7. Fit with SPARK Norway

Who can apply?

Any University of Oslo (UiO), Oslo University Hospital (OUS) or Akershus University Hospital (Ahus) affiliate (faculty, hospital, postdoctoral fellow, or graduate student team) is welcome to apply. However, at least one person in the project team must be employed at UiO.

The project leader of the application is expected to coordinate the team and participate in all SPARK Norway activities. The project leader does not have to be the most senior member of the team.

For project leaders who are not employed at UiO a project team member employed at UiO must be named in the application. All funding will be transferred via the UiO department of this project member.

Ideas in all phases, from very early to more developed, are eligible.

Application form

Download template (.docx) for project proposal. Fill out the template and upload in the application form below.