Telecom operator Telenor has joined hands with NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) to set up a lab for Artificial Intelligence in Trondheim.

The Telenor-NTNU AI-Lab located at Norway’s technological university, NTNU, will have 50 work stations spread over 120 sqm, and be open to all students and faculty at NTNU. Master- and PhD students and scientists will conduct experiments in the lab and carry out research with external academic and industry partners.

Telenor is financing the AI lab with NOK 50 million and the company’s researchers will participate in joint projects at the lab. NTNU contributes with academic resources, infrastructure and technical assistance while the research organization SINTEF will be bringing the knowledge into practical use.

Telenor said NOK 40 million will fund professorships, post-doctoral positions and master / PhD scholarships as well as hardware and software for the lab. Telenor will offer an additional NOK 10 million for building an IoT innovation network which will provide an importance source of data for the lab’s research work.

“In the future, AI will drive your car, revolutionize cancer treatment and make public services more efficient. With this opening we want to accelerate the education, research and competency building which will be crucial for Norway’s ability to compete in the digital future,” said Sigve Brekke, president and CEO of Telenor Group.