The purpose of NICe is to initiate and finance activities that enhance innovation, and is an institution which operates under the Nordic Council of Ministers. It cooperates primarily with small and medium sized companies in the Nordic region, and has over 120 ongoing projects and networks spread amongst the Nordic countries.

• Nordic Environmental Technology Solutions (NETS), a Nordic collaboration with partners from Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark established to support the commercialisation of Nordic environmental technology businesses.
  
• Solar Thermal Components Adapted to Common Building Standards (SCAS), a programme designed to fund research and development and evaluate improved solar heating systems.