RoNTnære

RoNTnære is a Norwegian non‑profit organization established in Oslo in 2011 with the primary goal of fostering collaboration between research institutions and industry to accelerate the development of sustainable technologies. The organization’s name is derived from the Norwegian words “Ro” (calm) and “nære” (close), reflecting its commitment to creating a calm, close partnership environment between scientific innovators and commercial enterprises.

Since its inception, RoNTnære has coordinated over forty joint research projects, most notably a public–private partnership that led to the commercialization of an energy‑efficient solar surface coating. The organization also hosts an annual innovation forum that attracts more than 400 participants, including academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors.

RoNTnære’s governance structure consists of a board of directors comprising representatives from the Norwegian research council, several leading universities, and senior executives from the green technology sector. The organization is funded through a combination of public grants, corporate sponsorships, and a membership fee paid by participating firms.

Key initiatives include the Digital Transformation Lab, which provides cloud‑based platforms for rapid prototyping, and the Sustainability Impact Assessment Tool, used by 150+ companies to measure environmental footprints. RoNTnære’s continued emphasis on transparent collaboration and measurable outcomes positions it as a pivotal catalyst in Norway’s science‑to‑industry pipeline.