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On April 1, 2025, MIDAS Academy will be launched—a new learning platform designed to enhance competence in marine and maritime automation and autonomy.

MIDAS Academy offers an engaging and practice-oriented competence package for those working with future ocean space operations—technologically, in design, and from a business strategy perspective.

The learning platform is one of the key outcomes of the capacity-building project Humans in Future Ocean Space Operations (MIDAS), a collaboration between NTNU, SINTEF, Digital Norway, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, and GCE Blue Maritime Cluster.

MIDAS Academy is funded by the Research Council of Norway, with additional support from Møre og Romsdal County Municipality.

A Unique Collaboration for a Comprehensive Competence Boost

The project brings together leading knowledge environments from NTNU and SINTEF, as well as three industry clusters representing around 300 companies across the entire marine and maritime value chain. The collaboration merges the technological expertise in Trøndelag with the strong industrial foundation in the Møre region.

“We have a truly unique ocean-related industry in the Mid-Norway region. Many of these companies are among the world's best in their fields. We believe that initiatives like MIDAS Academy can strengthen ties between these environments and enhance competitiveness across the board,” says project manager Knut Tore Aurdal of GCE Blue Maritime Cluster.

Knut Tore Aurdal, Project manager, GCE Blue Maritime Clyster. Photo: ÅKP AS

Clear, Flexible, and Industry-Driven

MIDAS Academy aims to simplify access to a complex landscape of competence offerings. Through the platform, technologists, designers, and business developers can select training modules that suit their needs and work schedules—from short introductory courses to more comprehensive credit-based programs.

“Many companies have a strategy for competence development but find existing offerings fragmented. MIDAS Academy is an attempt to consolidate the various training opportunities within automation and autonomy, making the learning journey more structured and accessible,” explains Aurdal.

MIDAS Academy is structured into three levels: Level 1 includes short course modules and in-depth, hands-on workshops, while Level 2 offers credit-based courses in collaboration with academic partners. These can lead to an experience-based master’s degree (Level 3). A collection of relevant materials—from overview articles and reports to presentations and introductory courses—is available to MIDAS Academy users as additional resources.

The platform will be dynamic and evolve according to industry needs. Companies themselves will have the opportunity to influence the content moving forward.

For Technologists, Designers, and Business Developers

The primary target group for MIDAS Academy is employees in companies working with automation of ocean space operations—whether as users or developers of such technologies. The offerings range from introductory topics to advanced specialization and further education.

“MIDAS Academy provides flexibility. It is for everyone working in ocean space technology and especially for those looking to transition from a technical role to business development and management,” says Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster.

Frode Halvorsen, manager Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Fhoto Lars Bugge Aarset

Strengthening Capacity Across the Maritime Cluster

The goal of MIDAS Academy is to enhance the capacity of both academia and industry in marine and maritime digitalization and autonomy—helping to secure the competitiveness of the entire maritime cluster as the sector undergoes digital transformation.

“Our aim is to strengthen the entire cluster’s competitive advantage by providing employees with access to relevant and up-to-date competence. By bringing together knowledge institutions and industry, we are building a solid foundation for future value creation,” says Aurdal.

A Springboard for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

MIDAS Academy will also serve as a platform for professional collaboration. One example is the annual technology conference Ship Technology Days, organized by GCE Blue Maritime Cluster, where the MIDAS project will play a key role in the coming years.

Would you like to learn more about MIDAS Academy and the opportunities available for you and your company?

Read more about MIDAS Academy.

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