Telenor announced two main initiatives to support startups in Norway to be able to compete with their counterparts in the US. The Operator expects to spend NOK 50+ million over the five-year period.
As part of the first initiative, Telenor will setup a Artificial Intelligence(AI) lab that will be hosted at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Working in collaboration with NTNU and the leading research institute SINTEF, Telenor's AI Lab will be used to conduct research and run innovation programs on AI and big data.
As for the second initiative, Telenor will develop and launch a dedicated, next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) network in several Norwegian cities. Norwegian startups and students will get cost-free access to the IoT network in order to develop and test their products and services. The first pilot will be located in Oslo, in collaboration with StartupLab.
According to Telenor, the AI lab will research how machines can contribute to developing new services by identifying structures and hidden knowledge in large data sets. It will rely in part on data from next generation Iota networks such as the one Telenor will pilot with StartupLab.
Sigve Brekke, President and CEO, Telenor Group
We need to build critical competencies within artificial intelligence and we want to give Norwegian startups the resources they need to succeed. This is imperative for our ability to seize digital opportunities and contribute to creating new jobs. Startups play a key role in net job creation.
Bjørn-Taale Sandberg, Head of Telenor Research
Over the next 20 years, artificial intelligence will be the driving force behind all processes, shape all services and become integrated in most products across industries and usage areas. With every day that passes, with every search in Google, purchase in Amazon or ‘Like’ on Facebook, the AI of a handful of dominant players make it increasingly less interesting for consumers to test out alternatives.
