Published: 25 November 2025
Text: Anne-Marie Korseberg Stokke
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“I like to say that our café is the most important room in the park. Not just because coffee is essential, but because it’s where you can strike up a spontaneous conversation with someone you haven’t seen in a while.”
Oslo Science Park’s CEO, Bjørn Erik Reinseth, enjoys talking, but prefers conversation.
“I’ll admit I can get a bit tired of my own voice when I’ve given the same presentation for the umpteenth time. That’s why it’s such a pleasure to invite smart and interesting people here to the Science Park for a conversation.”
Oslo Science Park regularly welcomes politicians, leaders, ambassadors, and delegations from Norway and abroad who want to learn about the ecosystem in and around the park. How is innovation created from research? What does the startup journey look like? How do we work with public–private collaboration? Why do you have such large common areas? Some invite themselves; others are invited.
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“It’s turned out to be quite easy to get, for example, opposition politicians to stop by for a coffee. It’s always a pleasant visit, and at the same time, it’s important for us to offer an update on what’s happening in the so-called ‘innovation ecosystem’.”
Some guests attract extra attention. When Nicolai Tangen visited for a conversation with Reinseth in Forum, there was a waiting list for seats.
“Tangen often gives talks, and he appreciated the invitation. I think it turned into a really good conversation where he shared many of his experiences with leadership. He’s spoken with some central leaders himself over the years,” Reinseth says.
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A few months later, the origins of the COVID pandemic were the topic when author and researcher Sigrid Bratlie took the same stage. In November, long-time business leader Birger Steen came to discuss how we can lead in a future where so much is unknown. “The Cold War 2.0” is here, and it demands something of us, Steen argues.
“Our criterion for inviting someone to the stage here in the park is that the topic must be relevant and interesting for our tenants. Nearly 3,000 people work here, so naturally, we can cast a wide net. But if it touches on science, business, economics, or politics—ideally a combination—and is delivered by someone with genuine engagement, then we think it deserves a place. We have the facilities, we just need people to show up!”
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A topic Reinseth himself has spotlighted recently is the state’s role in investing in early-stage companies—so-called venture capital. With a background in finance and a seat on Investinor’s board, he sees firsthand how increased access to equity for startups could unlock innovation and create significant value for Norway.
“The state’s share of venture capital is smaller in Norway than in the EU (20% vs. 30%). Even more concerning is that the venture industry in the EU is five times larger than in Norway relative to GDP.”
To bring attention to the issue, Oslo Science Park has organised two debates during Arendalsuka and is planning a winter debate exploring how to encourage more private and institutional investors to allocate capital to venture.
Oslo Science Park is happy to collaborate with partners on events. Here are some examples:
Calm Tech Café: A monthly informal meetup for anyone interested in technology that doesn’t steal our time and attention. In collaboration with SINTEF Digital and Startuplab Hardware.
Coffee & Chips: A meetup series on sensor and semiconductor technology. In collaboration with CC NorChip / SINTEF.
Impact Breakfast: Breakfast seminars where research meets startups over a current topic. In collaboration with the University of Oslo and SINTEF.
We have also hosted panel debates in collaboration with Civita and the think tank Agenda.
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In the technical room in Oslo Science Park, something completely unique is happening: Old pipes are getting a new life in a new energy center. What would usually be discarded in the construction industry has been saved, transported, and reassembled here - with full functionality and environmental benefits.
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After eight years of solid development, Norway Health Tech (NHT) steps out as the owner of the health incubator Aleap. The change marks a natural step in NHT's focus on a national ecosystem for health innovation, while Aleap strengthens its role as a leading incubator in the Nordic region.
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