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About SINTEF - Applied research, technology and innovation

Our vision: Technology for a better society.

SINTEF is one of Europe's largest research institutes, with multidisciplinary expertise within technology, natural sciences and social sciences. SINTEF is an independent foundation which, since 1950, has created innovation through development and research assignments for business and the public sector at home and abroad.

Research and innovation for customers worldwide

Since 1950, our research has created solutions and innovation for society and for customers around the globe. This has made SINTEF a world-leading research institute.

The SINTEF foundation is a non-profit research foundation. Its purpose is to contribute to the development of society by carrying out research in the natural sciences, technology (including construction and civil engineering), and health and social sciences in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, hereafter called NTNU. The purpose is realized through the development of own expertise at the highest level and a close collaboration with NTNU, and in collaboration with business, administration and other research and educational institutions.

Laboratory and test facilities

We offer world-leading laboratory and test facilities in a wide range of technological fields. Our advanced laboratories range from microelectronics and nanoscale technologies, to the world's largest laboratory for the multiphase transport of oil and gas, and the world's largest marine laboratory.

We invest in new knowledge

SINTEF is an independent, not-for-profit organisation. None of its owners receive any form of dividend. Any financial surplus is invested in scientific equipment, skills and expertise.

Our customers and assignments - regional presence is important

SINTEF's head office is in Trondheim, but we are present across large parts of Norway, and have offices in Trondheim, Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Narvik, Mo i Rana, Steinkjer, Verdal, Ålesund, Raufoss, Kongsberg, Porsgrunn, Arendal, Hirtshals and Brussels.

We create new enterprises

The commercialisation of our research results is part of SINTEF's role in society. We achieve this by means of licensing and creating new companies based on technologies developed as part of our research activities.

We are active shareholders in our spin off companies and assist them in their ongoing development. Sales of our ownership interests in successful spin off companies release funds which are invested in new knowledge development. 

More than 90 per cent of our income comes from contracts won in open competition

  • Business and industry (Norway & international) 47 %
  • Public sector 10 %
  • EU 7 %
  • Project grants from The Research Council of Norway 23 %
  • Basic grants from The Research Council of Norway 7 %
  • Other sources 5 %

Three out of four employees are researchers

Over 2,200 employees from 80 nationalities. 7 out of 10 employees are researchers.

  • 71 % research scientists
  • 13 % managers and administrative personnel
  • 9 % engineers
  • 5 % technical personnel
  • 56 % of our research scientists have a PhD
  • Total of 2200 employees

Work at SINTEF

For more than 70 years, our research has delivered innovation and revolutionary solutions for society and our customers worldwide. This has made SINTEF one of Norway's most popular workplaces.

As an important teamworker with us, you get trust, challenging tasks and good opportunities for professional and personal development.

SINTEF was named the year's most attractive workplace for young people in 2022 (Young Professional Attraction Index (YPAI) from Academic Work)

Close working relationships generate innovation and high levels of technical quality

SINTEF was established in 1950 by NTH, which today is part of NTNU. Through our own growth and mergers with other institutes, we have developed into one of Europe's largest independent research institutes.

In 2025, SINTEF turns 75.

Working together with the universities

SINTEF has a partnership with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. The collaboration between SINTEF and NTNU is a key component of the Norwegian research system, which has produced high levels of innovation for the benefit of Norwegian industry and communities. Our collaboration includes extensive use of laboratories and equipment.

NTNU personnel work on SINTEF projects, and SINTEF employees have teaching assignments at NTNU. Our partnership also includes almost 30 long-term research centres and the sharing of about 200 laboratories. We also work together with the University of Oslo and other leading research centres in Norway and worldwide.

SINTEF is certified

  • SINTEF is certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 standards.
  • SINTEF shall at all times work to ensure that the organisation's results meet adequately the requirements and expectations of our clients and other stakeholders.
  • Our management system ensures that SINTEF delivers products and services in accordance with the specified level of quality, safeguards the environment and operates with a systematic approach to occupational health and safety.

Contact us

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