The DNV foundation establishes a NOK 2 billion research fund

A new NOK 2 billion research fund (USD 200 million) has been established by the Det Norske Veritas Foundation. The fund will generate dividends of between NOK 50-100 million annually, which will be allocated to basic scientific research in the Nordic region. The funding will support research projects outside of DNV as part of the foundation’s commitment to support research that benefits both industry and wider society.

The Det Norske Veritas Foundation is an independent foundation with a purpose to safeguard life, property, and the environment. The Foundation fulfils its purpose primarily through its ownership of DNV, one of the world’s leading assurance and risk management companies. With the establishment of the new research fund, the Foundation further expands its contribution to society.
Initially, the fund will invite universities in the Nordic region engaged in fundamental scientific  research to apply for funding within the following areas:

  • Autonomy
  • New critical raw materials
  • Societal risks
Jon Fredrik Baksaas, Chair of the Board of the Det Norske Veritas Foundation.

We are proud to establish a research fund of this size. It is an important and long-term contribution to strengthening scientific research in the Nordic region. We hope the fund will generate positive ripple effects for businesses, society, and people.

  • Jon Fredrik Baksaas
  • Chair of the Board of the Det Norske Veritas Foundation

This is excellent news. A research fund of this scale will have a significant impact on Norwegian and Nordic fundamental research. I would like to commend DNV as a knowledge-based company for taking the lead in supporting research. To address the major societal challenges we face, we need more private companies to invest in research. This will strengthen Norway as a knowledge centre and enhance our competitiveness.

  • Sigrun Aasland
  • Norway’s Minister of Research and Higher Education
Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV and Chief Executive Officer of the Det Norske Veritas Foundation

The research fund will support fundamental research within safety, sustainability, and digital systems to promote scientific progress and knowledge development. This will create a foundation for value creation in areas such as autonomy, new raw materials, and sustainable societies.

  • Remi Eriksen
  • Group President and CEO of DNV and Chief Executive Officer of the Det Norske Veritas Foundation.

The first allocation of funding is planned for the fourth quarter of next year. The minimum planned allocation period is 2026-2030. The fund will have its own committee, consisting of both external and internal members, to be appointed by the first quarter of 2026.


DNV first set up a research department in 1954 and continues to invest 6% of its revenue into research, development and innovation. The new fund is in addition to this existing commitment and will focus solely on funding external fundamental research.

With the new fund, the Foundation strengthens its role as a driving force for knowledge and societal development.