SINTEF Digital
SINTEF Digital is one of SINTEF's five research institutes, delivering applied research, sensors, AI, robotics, and digital-twin technologies to roughly 3,300 enterprise and public-sector customers annually from its Trondheim headquarters.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersTrondheim, Sor-Trondelag, Norway
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What SINTEF Digital does
SINTEF Digital is one of five core research institutes constituting SINTEF, one of Europe's largest independent research organisations, established in 1950 and headquartered in Trondheim, Norway, with additional offices in Oslo and Brussels. The institute concentrates on digital technologies spanning artificial intelligence, advanced sensor systems and microsystems, robotics and autonomy, digital twins and mixed reality, big data analytics, computational sciences, and sustainable communication technologies. Underlying technical assets include the SINTEF MiNaLab cleanroom facility (part of the national NorFab infrastructure), quantum-sensor programmes, MEMS fabrication capability, and 15+ years of computer-vision expertise applied to 3D cameras, autonomous systems, and infrastructure inspection.
The institute operates a project-based, sales-led business model delivering three principal revenue streams: contract research for private and public sector clients, licensed software products for industrial applications, and technology commercialisation through SINTEF TTO and spin-off companies such as Previse Technologies. Customers span large enterprises (Shell, Equinor, Gassco, VEAS, Westfish), healthcare providers, and government agencies, with approximately 3,300 customers served annually through several thousand projects. Go-to-market combines direct expert engagement via a searchable expert list, dedicated project contact persons, specialised laboratories (including certification services), and a publications and software distribution platform. The institute maintains close collaborative links with NTNU and the University of Oslo for talent and joint research, and participates in national AI (NorwAI) and micro/nanofabrication (NorFab) centres.
SINTEF Digital firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SINTEF Digital
- Legal name
- SINTEF
- Website
- https://sintef.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- SINTEF Digital is one of SINTEF's five research institutes, delivering applied research, sensors, AI, robotics, and digital-twin technologies to roughly 3,300 enterprise and public-sector customers annually from its Trondheim headquarters.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SINTEF Digital industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Applied Research Services
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Communications Services, Nec (4899), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Telecommunications & Network Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- NFV Infrastructure (NFVI), Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) & Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNFs) (HDAIAIAB), Telco Cloud & Edge NFV Platforms (HDAFANAI)
Keywords
Where SINTEF Digital is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Trondheim, Sor-Trondelag
- HQ country
- Norway
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
SINTEF Digital business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Research Contracts and Projects: Conducts thousands of applied research projects annually for national and international clients in both private and public sectors. Projects range from small consultancy assignments to large R&D collaborations with dedicated contact persons.
- Software Products: Offers software products and solutions developed through research activities, including tools for digital twins, AI, and industry-specific applications.
- Technology Commercialisation: Spin-off companies commercialise research outcomes. SINTEF TTO commercialises strong technology from SINTEF by creating solid companies with international potential.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
SINTEF Digital product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SINTEF Digital is one of SINTEF's five research institutes, conducting applied research and delivering technology development across artificial intelligence, digital twins, big data, robotics, computational sciences, sensor systems, and sustainable communication technologies. It offers collaborative research projects, expert consultations, laboratory services at facilities like MiNaLab, and software products to private and public sector clients globally. The institute also commercializes research outcomes through spin-offs and technology transfer.
Product overview
SINTEF Digital is one of SINTEF's five research institutes, offering a broad portfolio of research services, technology platforms, and specialized laboratory facilities. The institute operates across multiple technology domains including Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing), Digital Twins and Mixed Reality, Big Data Analytics, Robotics and Autonomy, Computational Sciences, Sensors and Microsystems, and the Internet of the Future. Core service offerings include the Expert List for finding research collaborators, SINTEF Laboratories for specialized testing and development, SINTEF Software for industrial applications, Publications for disseminating research findings, Certification services for product compliance, and collaborative Projects with industry and public sector partners. The institute also maintains SINTEF MiNaLab, a micro and nanotechnology laboratory forming part of national research infrastructure, and develops advanced sensor systems ranging from optical and acoustic sensors to quantum sensors and multi-sensor packages. Research is organized into departments including Mathematics & Cybernetics, Smart Sensors & Microsystems, and Sustainable Communication Technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Previse Technologies: A SINTEF spin-off developing technology to detect corrosion under process pipe insulation.
Products and services
- SINTEF Expert List Searchable directory of SINTEF researchers and experts enabling customers to find specialists to collaborate with on projects across all research areas.
- SINTEF Laboratories Advanced and world-leading research laboratories across a wide range of technology areas including materials testing, marine structures, ocean basin, towing tank, and specialized facilities for sensors, energy, and manufacturing.
- SINTEF Software Various software products developed by SINTEF for specialized industrial and research applications across energy, construction, maritime, and digital domains.
- SINTEF Publications Research publications, reports, and academic articles produced by SINTEF researchers covering all research areas and industry applications.
- SINTEF Certification Product certification and documentation services providing technical approvals and compliance verification for building products and industrial equipment.
- SINTEF Projects Collaborative research and development projects conducted with national and international clients in both private and public sectors across all research domains.
- Sensor Systems Advanced sensor systems including optical sensor systems, acoustic sensors, biosensors, radiation detectors, MEMS, electromagnetic sensors, quantum sensors, and multi-sensor packages for industrial and commercial applications.
- SINTEF MiNaLab Micro and nanotechnology laboratory forming part of national infrastructure NorFab, spanning from concept and prototyping to small-scale production of high-performance sensor components and microsystems.
- Artificial Intelligence Research Development of trustworthy AI solutions for healthcare, industry, and public administration, ensuring transferability across sectors with focus on machine learning, deep learning, and AI applications.
- Digital Twins and Mixed Reality Digital twins and mixed reality technologies enabling visualization, simulation, and interaction with digital representations of physical systems.
- Robotics and Autonomy Robotics and autonomy solutions for industry and public sector, with expertise in creating sustainable robotic solutions and autonomous systems.
- Big Data Analytics Data management and value extraction from proprietary data with capabilities in data processing, analytics, and visualization, providing competitive advantage for clients.
Quantifiable outcome
- Preventive maintenance can be reduced by up to 80% using corrosion under insulation detection technology
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use SINTEF Digital
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
SINTEF Digital technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability13 records
Feature6 records
SINTEF Digital partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Previse TechnologiescoreSINTEF's newest spin-off commercialising technology developed at SINTEF Energy Research for detecting corrosion under pipe insulation. Technology can reduce maintenance needs by up to 80% and cut maintenance costs by billions of Euros. Jon Magne Johansen, who worked 18 years at SINTEF, became CEO of the spin-off.
- SINTEF TTOcoreSINTEF's commercialisation company responsible for building a bridge between research and industry. Led the work establishing Previse Technologies, developing sustainable business models, recruiting teams and boards, and bringing in quality investors.
- ShellmajorShell challenged SINTEF to develop a sensor-based method for detecting hidden corrosion, leading to the Predict CUI project collaboration and eventual development of Previse Technologies.
- EquinormajorCollaborated with SINTEF Energy Research on industry projects (IPNs) for corrosion under insulation detection technology development and testing.
- GasscomajorCollaborated with SINTEF Energy Research on industry projects (IPNs) for corrosion under insulation detection technology development and testing.
- NorFabcoreSINTEF MiNaLab is an important part of NorFab, the national research infrastructure for micro- and nanotechnology. Spans from concept and prototyping to small-scale production of high-performance sensor components and microsystems.
- VEASminorVEAS is responsible for cleaning waste water from Asker, Bærum and half of Oslo. Actively participating in development of machine learning methods for better monitoring and control of treatment processes.
- NorwAImajorNorwegian Centre for AI for Decisions providing collaborative research projects with industrial partners on topics such as predictive maintenance for wind turbines using machine learning.
- NTNUcoreClose links with NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) for student recruitment and collaborative research.
- University of OslocoreClose links with University of Oslo for student recruitment and collaborative research.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SINTEF Digital competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique): Swiss applied research centre focused on micro/nano technologies, MEMS, AI, and digital healthcare. Highly comparable to SINTEF Digital's MiNaLab-centric sensor and microsystems focus.
- TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research): Dutch contract research organisation with ~3,500 employees focused on applied science for industry and government. Closely comparable mission and revenue model: contract R&D, sensor/AI/digital twin expertise, and spin-out activity.
- Fraunhofer Society: Germany's flagship applied research organisation with ~30,000 employees and ~€3B annual budget across 76 institutes. Direct peer: similar non-profit model, similar mix of contract research, spin-offs, and government/industry funding across sensors, AI, energy, and manufacturing.
- CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives): Major French public research organisation with deep microelectronics, quantum, and energy research. Comparable scale and breadth; strong in sensors, MEMS, and low-carbon energy systems.
- IMEC: Belgium-based world-leading R&D centre for semiconductor and nanoelectronics with 5,000+ researchers. Comparable in advanced sensor/MEMS R&D and industry-partnered commercialisation model.
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland: Finnish state-owned applied research centre with similar Nordic positioning. Comparable in sensors, AI, energy, and bioeconomy research with a similar mix of industry contracts, EU funding, and commercialisation arms.
Broad incumbents
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): US federal agency with broad measurement, sensor, and standards-based applied research. Comparable in quantum sensor, MEMS, and standards-adjacent applied research outputs.
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL): UK national metrology institute with deep sensor and measurement science expertise. Comparable measurement/quantum sensor research and government-backed applied science mission.
Regional players
- Danish Technological Institute (DTI): Nordic applied research institute providing testing, certification, and technology services. Comparable Nordic regional positioning and contract-research business model, though smaller in scale.
Emerging players
- Fraunhofer ISI / Fraunhofer IZM: Specialised Fraunhofer institutes in innovation systems and electronic packaging. Comparable applied-research focus on sensors and systems integration with strong industry funding base.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SINTEF Digital social profiles
Digital presenceSINTEF Digital financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SINTEF Digital leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
SINTEF Digital subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries10 records
SINTEF Digital funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SINTEF Digital M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SINTEF Digital
What does SINTEF Digital do?
SINTEF Digital is one of SINTEF's five research institutes, conducting applied research and delivering technology development across artificial intelligence, digital twins, big data, robotics, computational sciences, sensor systems, and sustainable communication technologies. It offers collaborative research projects, expert consultations, laboratory services at facilities like MiNaLab, and software products to private and public sector clients globally. The institute also commercializes research outcomes through spin-offs and technology transfer.
Is SINTEF Digital a public or private company?
SINTEF Digital is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was SINTEF Digital founded?
SINTEF Digital was founded in 1950. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is SINTEF Digital based?
SINTEF Digital is headquartered in Trondheim, Sor-Trondelag, Norway, in the Europe region.
How does SINTEF Digital make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Research Contracts and Projects are the primary driver. The others are software Products and technology Commercialisation.
Who are SINTEF Digital's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CSEM (Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique), TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), Fraunhofer Society, CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives), IMEC and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. Broad incumbents are National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Danish Technological Institute (DTI) is listed as a regional player. Fraunhofer ISI / Fraunhofer IZM is listed as an emerging player.
Does SINTEF Digital have an API?
No public API is recorded for SINTEF Digital.
What industry is SINTEF Digital in?
SINTEF Digital's product category is Applied Research Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAH, Telecommunications & Network Engineering Consulting, with a secondary code of HDAIAIAB, NFV Infrastructure (NFVI), Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) & Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNFs). Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.