By Astrid Feddersen. Photo by Håvard Engen.
SFU Engage, together with SpareBank 1 SMN, had the pleasure of hosting the autumn 2026 kick-off for Gründerbrakka – the home of NTNU’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. This academic year 25 start-ups and 57 entrepreneurs are joining the community.
Gründerbrakka provides student entrepreneurs and recent graduates with an office space and the opportunity to build a strong network with other entrepreneurs, as well as potential co-workers, investors, clients, researchers, partners and accelerators. For NTNU, this is an important part of supporting the development of great ideas and creating a community for innovation on campus. The student entrepreneurs in turn contribute with working hours to NTNU and the rest of the student innovation ecosystem. This way the start-ups can spend their funding on further developing their services and products.
Lars Reyes-Gjølme from SFU Engage kicked off the event by presenting the purpose of Gründerbrakka, NTNU’s innovation ecosystem and plans for the new Campus Project for Economy and Innovation.
Gründerbrakka’s leader Ailin Østerås and deputy leader Isabella Kjos-Hanssen took the stage to introduce the community and shared what Gründerbrakka is all about. They then challenged the Gründerbrakka participants to take part in a fast-paced elevator pitch session. With the microphone flying across the room from one participant to the next, the pitches sparked both laughter and curiosity, creating a buzzing atmosphere and helping everyone get to know each other.
Next, Marianne Olsen from 6am/Start-up Trondheim introduced StartupTRD and the many opportunities available within Trondheim’s startup ecosystem. From networking and meeting spaces to funding opportunities and entrepreneurial travel support, participants gained valuable insight into the resources available to help bring their ideas forward.
The participants also got to hear from eight representatives from SpareBank 1 SMN who took the stage to share how the bank supports entrepreneurs through a variety of roles. From being a trusted partner and customer relationship advisor to a potential investor, they highlighted the many ways founders can benefit from their support. Participants also gained insight into how to connect with the team for sparring, funding opportunities, accounting advice, strategic advice, or simply a good conversation about their next steps.
Following the kickoff, Gründerbrakka members gathered for an internal workshop led by Ailin and Isabella. Together, they explored what kind of community Gründerbrakka should be, discussing culture, values, and ambitions for the semester ahead. The session encouraged reflection and participation for shaping the future of the community.
Overall, the semester kick-off was a great success, bringing together entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters from across Trondheim’s innovation ecosystem. The event showcased the strength of the Gründerbrakka community and set an inspiring tone for the semester ahead. We look forward to seeing new connections formed, ideas developed, and collaborations grow throughout the year.