Frequently asked questions
Questions about Cogito?
Find out how joining works, what a week looks like, and where you can go next.
No AI experience needed
Bring curiosity and a willingness to learn.
About 6 hours a week
Build together on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Next intake: Spring 2027
Applications are closed this semester.
15 answers
What is Cogito?
Cogito is a technical student organization at NTNU working with artificial intelligence. We build real AI projects in teams, run workshops and hackathons, and explore AI research through practical work.
How do I become a member?
Applications are currently closed. Our next intake is Spring 2027. When admissions reopen, use the application page to tell us about your motivation, learning goals, availability and project preferences. Follow @cogitontnu on Instagram and check the website for updates.
Do I need AI experience to apply?
No! Motivation matters more than experience. We have projects for every level, and you learn along the way together with your team. Some programming experience helps, but it's not a requirement.
Who can apply?
Every student at NTNU in Trondheim can apply, regardless of field of study – including international students. Our members come from computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics and more.
What kind of projects do you work on?
Everything from game-playing AIs trained with reinforcement learning to computer vision, language models and robots. Project teams learn together with project leaders who help the work move forward. You do not need to arrive with all the answers.
How much time do I need to commit?
Plan for about 6 hours each week, with project sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tell us about timetable conflicts in your application so we can discuss whether the commitment fits. Check the events calendar for session times.
Does membership cost anything?
No, it's completely free. We're funded by sponsors and partners. Members also get access to NTNU's Idun supercomputer to train AI models.
What is Gruva?
Gruva is our space at Gløshaugen where most things happen: project nights, workshops, hackathons and social events.
What do I get out of joining?
You gain practical AI experience, work on projects with other students, and meet people who share your interests.
Do you collaborate with companies?
Yes – with Norwegian Open AI Lab and NTNU among others, and we've previously run projects with companies like TV 2. Interested in collaborating? Reach out at styret@cogito-ntnu.no.
What should I include in my application?
Tell us what you want to learn, why the projects interest you, and how you like to work with others. Course assignments, hobbies and personal projects all count as useful examples. If you are starting from scratch, tell us what you are curious about. A polished portfolio is not required.
What happens after I apply?
After the deadline, we review applications and get in touch using the contact details you provided. Keep an eye on your inbox, including spam, for next steps. Questions about your application can go to styret@cogito-ntnu.no.
How are project preferences used?
Your ranked choices help us understand what you would enjoy working on. Tell us why those projects interest you and whether you are open to other teams. A preference is not a guarantee of a place on that project.
Can I become a project leader?
Yes. After one semester in Cogito, you can become a project leader and drive your own project. You usually lead together with one other person. It is a place to gain leadership experience: guide the team, help the project move forward, and learn alongside the other members.
Can I meet Cogito before joining?
Yes. Look for events marked as open to everyone in our calendar. They are a good way to meet members, see what teams are building and ask questions. Regular project sessions are for members.