BI and Thon Hotels enter into strategic partnership

Through this partnership, the two organisations aim to create an environment where students gain valuable insights into working life and the business community, while companies gain closer access to the next generation of talent. Thon Hotels will also support several student activities that promote a sense of community and help prevent mental health challenges.

Thon Hotels will become a partner of The Village, BI’s new arena for collaboration between students, entrepreneurs and businesses.

BI President Karen Spens emphasises the importance of strengthening the connections between academic communities and the business sector.

– The partnership will provide students with valuable opportunities to learn and develop through interaction with representatives from the business community. We greatly appreciate the support and commitment of Thon Hotels, which will also strengthen the important work of promoting better mental health among students.

Stian Bergerud, Head of Partnerships and Innovation at Thon Hotels, highlights the synergies at the heart of the partnership.

– Our aim is to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive student environment where students can engage with the business community in a natural and inspiring way. The Village is a good example of this – a place where students, ideas and businesses come together more closely to create positive synergies. We want to help facilitate activities and meeting places that foster a stronger sense of community and help prevent different forms of social exclusion.

The partnership marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between Thon Hotels and BI, with a shared ambition to create an even more inspiring and inclusive student environment that strengthens learning, wellbeing and the connection between theory and practice.

The agreement covers the period 2026–2029.