Les saken på norsk Testination and Ocean Autonomy Cluster have been appointed as one of eight new Katapult nodes under the Norwegian Katapult program. This marks an important step towards strengthening Norwegian industrial innovation, particularly in ocean autonomy. The new katapult node, Testination, will serve as a national center for testing, developing, and implementing autonomous technologies for the ocean industries and is part of Digitalization (DigiCat) under the Norwegian Katapult program. “For the Trondheim community, it is important that we now have a complete toolbox with a cluster, incubator, and katapult. This is a triad of tools that few others have, and it's focused on ocean technology, which is something we in Trondheim should excel at,” says Ocean Autonomy Cluster leader, Frode Halvorsen. “Testination is also a test center at a higher level than what we usually have in terms of research infrastructure in Trondheim,” he adds. Frode Halvorsen, manager, Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/FI - Fremtidens Industri Autonomy for the Future As a katapult node, Testination, in collaboration with the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, will be a key tool for companies wishing to develop and test autonomous solutions in the ocean space. This will provide both small and large companies with the opportunity to accelerate innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and contribute to the sustainable development of the ocean industries. “Autonomous technology in the ocean is a crucial part of the future industry. With our new role as a Katapult node, we will provide companies access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and industrial expertise,” says Frode Halvorsen. A National Boost for Ocean Autonomy Norwegian Katapult is already a well-established national program that supports innovation and sustainable development within Norwegian industry. Through collaboration with strong industrial environments, the new Katapult node in Trondheim will enhance efforts in digitalization and autonomy. This will ensure that Norwegian companies can test, verify, and commercialize new autonomous solutions faster and with lower risk. “We are proud to be part of this important initiative. It will give the ocean industries a significant boost and help Norway remain a leader in ocean autonomy,” says Frode Halvorsen. Siva Strengthens Test Infrastructure Siva – The Industrial Development Corporation of Norway, together with Innovation Norway, has selected the eight new nodes based on their ability to deliver strong industrial solutions. The new structure makes it easier for companies across Norway to access test infrastructure regardless of geography and supports faster transitions and increased innovation capacity. See also Trondheimsfjorden skal bli digital testarena (MN24) Snart kommer Gule Sider for testing (MN24) Siva styrker ordningen Norsk katapult med nye katapultnoder (Pressemelding fra SIVA) For more information Ocean Autonomy Cluster Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Leader Email: frode@fi-nor.no Phone: +47 918 45 969
A new inter-European collaboration will accelerate the international venture of several Trondheim companies. The Croatian cluster DIH Innovamare and the Norwegian Ocean Autonomy Cluster (OAC), are behind the new network cooperation Croatia - Norway Marine Technology Innovation-network (MATIN). - Trøndelag has long been on the list of the most innovative regions in Europe, and the maritime technology environment in Trondheim has a unique position that gives us a lot of international attention. Several companies in our network hold the key to many of our major global challenges, explains Frode Halvorsen, cluster leader in the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. The EEA-funded collaborative project will look at three specific areas: Maritime transport, environmental monitoring, and mapping of bottom conditions in the sea. - Crew shortages, traffic congestion, climate emissions, and seabed damage from anchoring are challenges that can be solved with autonomous and smart systems. Halvorsen explains that technology can make data collection and operations at sea more efficient and scalable. Croatia has a strong international role as a European innovation district with good test facilities on the Adriatic Sea, and close cooperation with major key players in industry and business development. More companies will now have the opportunity to travel to Croatia to establish new partnerships and collaborations. One of these companies is Zeabuz from Trondheim. The technology company, which originates from the research environment at NTNU, has received a great deal of international attention for the launch of the world's first autonomous passenger ferry in Stockholm. Now, the company is also supplying autonomous systems to two industrial groups Yinson GreenTech's new buildings in Singapore, while constantly establishing new customer relationships. - Zeabuz is a leading supplier of maritime autonomy solutions but simultaneously completely depends on close cooperation with technology suppliers with whom we have to integrate our systems. A cluster collaboration like MATIN is a very good way to combine technical collaboration and commercial processes, says Erik Dyrkoren, CEO of Zeabuz.