"RunwayFBU plays an important role in making this region attractive for startups and business growth. Alongside Kjeller Innovasjon in Lillestrøm and Aggrator in Ås, RunwayFBU is a key driver of innovation in the western part of Norway—connecting internationally, solving industry challenges, and creating real impact," said Ida Lindtveit Røse, County Councillor, Akershus Fylkeskommune, during a visit to RunwayFBU this week.
The delegation from Akershus and Bærum Kommune joined the visit, which included a tour of Tech Hub, a collaboration meeting featuring presentations from two portfolio companies, and participation in RunwayFBU’s bimonthly Members’ Lunch in the social zone.
"It is important for Norwegian businesses to have strong environments with access to critical expertise, early customers, and investors. The support they receive from RunwayFBU and its ecosystem can be crucial for successful scaling. This is important for Bærum municipality and for Norway’s overall competitiveness," said Eli Haugerud, Head of Business Development, Bærum Kommune, reinforcing RunwayFBU’s role in scaling startups, fostering industry partnerships, and driving innovation in the region.
Recognizing Innovation and Business Growth
"Akershus and Oslo are among the most innovative business regions in Europe, yet there is still significant untapped potential. We want to help realize this by supporting forward-looking businesses that we are proud to have in our county," Røse explained.
Last year, RunwayFBU was among 15 selected organizations to receive an innovation grant from the county. This funding will further strengthen RunwayFBU’s work in commercializing startup-driven innovation and bringing it to the industry.
Strengthening Bærum’s Business Strategy
A key discussion point during the visit was how RunwayFBU can contribute to strengthening the business strategy of Bærum and Akershus.
The delegation also explored how to position Bærum as a leading hub for innovation and startup growth, leveraging existing partnerships with industry leaders such as Aker BP.
"Scaling industrial startups takes more than funding—it requires strong industry collaboration. At RunwayFBU, we work closely with startups and corporate partners to accelerate commercialization and drive real-world change," said Tor Bækkelund, Managing Partner and Co-founder of RunwayFBU.
RunwayFBU: A Proven Platform for Scaling Startups
RunwayFBU provides startups with:
✔ Access to capital – unlocking funding opportunities for early-stage and scaling companies.
✔ Industry partnerships – collaborating with corporate leaders like Aker BP.
✔ A strategic location – offering a professional environment close to the industry for scaling companies.
Spotlight on Startups: OTee and Shapemaker
As part of the visit, two startups—OTee and Shapemaker—showcased the cutting-edge technology being developed within the RunwayFBU community. Their presentations demonstrated how startups are leveraging RunwayFBU’s resources to accelerate growth and scale innovation.
With its strong network of startups, investors, and industry partners, RunwayFBU continues to solidify its position as the leading hub for scaling industrial software companies in the region.
