Funding from the support system will create a "catapult node" or innovation hub in Grenland, giving local and national companies access to state-of-the-art equipment and expertise. This hub will elevate innovation within the industrial cluster to the next level, NIC Explore (Norwegian Innovation Cluster).
5 MNOK each year
Proventia and the Powered by Telemark industrial cluster have received substantial support from SIVA’s Norsk Katapult programme and Innovation Norway’s Cluster Programme, which together have granted 5 million NOK annually over the next three years.
"Is Success the Result of Good Teamwork?"
“We’re closely connected and aim to do our best for both sides, developing the industrial cluster and creating testing opportunities for industry,” says Sverre Gotaas, CEO of Herøya Industripark AS, Chair of Proventia, and leader of the industrial cluster’s process management forum.
“We leverage each other’s strengths. The cluster can apply for funds that others cannot, and for the catapult node, it was important to be integrated into an established system to start as soon as possible and launch projects,” Gotaas explains.
First enquiry already received
Jørn Roar Bamle, Managing Director of Proventia, shares his enthusiasm over the first enquiry from an organisation keen to use the new testing facilities at the industrial park.
“Several of our companies are already making use of the catapult scheme, and we see that when testing facilities are made available, they get used,” he explains. “This is exactly what we aim to achieve now, for those established in the region as well as nationally.”
A unique opportunity
Bamle points out that securing funding to establish a new catapult node (testing facilities) in Grenland, connected to the national catapult network, is truly unique.
“It was the industrial cluster that initially brought together industry players to support the early phases of the catapult node, and there’s been impressive groundwork done to involve industrial players in the node’s development,” he says approvingly.
The following companies are making testing equipment available in Grenland (listed alphabetically): Bilfinger, Equinor, Eramet Norway, Herøya Industripark AS, Nemko Norlab, Norner, Sintef, the University of South-Eastern Norway, and Yara.
Get in touch
Proventia now takes on the baton to develop and manage the node over the next three years.
“Companies needing a step forward—get in touch,” Bamle encourages. “We’re actively recruiting and assisting to ensure smooth access to the scheme for industrial companies. It’s these companies that provide the expertise and equipment,” he emphasises.
Boosting regional innovation
Lene Nordhus, project manager for the Powered by Telemark industrial cluster, explains how the cluster funds are set to strengthen innovation across the region.
“The cluster funds are different; they’re specifically meant to drive innovation in the region,” says Lene Nordhus.
“The cluster has previously applied for the equivalent of NIC Explore level, and now, finally, we received approval! This confirms that the in-depth work done among the companies gives us a solid foundation moving forward—something we’ll build on to create pilot projects that benefit both smaller and larger businesses.”
A great recognition
Skjalg Aasland, business developer at Herøya Industripark AS and board member of Powered by Telemark, sees the funding as an important recognition.
“Receiving funding for these two initiatives simultaneously gives Grenland, and particularly its industrial sector, both recognition and visibility that we haven’t experienced in this way before. It shows we’re on the right track, and that’s a valuable confirmation. The competition was tough: eight of 23 applicants received catapult funding from SIVA, and 11 of 43 applicants received cluster funding from Innovation Norway. Of these, only five were at the NIC Explore level, including Powered by Telemark.”
Living off expertise
Sverre Gotaas, leader of Herøya Industripark AS, underscores the importance of a robust innovation system and continuous skills development in the region.
“A strong innovation system and a framework for building expertise are absolutely essential,” he says. “It’s our expertise that we truly live off, the very reason companies are drawn here to establish themselves.”
05. November 2024
