Aquaculture innovators from around the world urged to pitch for Norway prize

The organisers of Norway’s Seafood Innovation Award are encouraging entrepreneurs from outside the country to enter this year’s competition for the NOK 25,000 prize, which also comes with other benefits.

The award, for the best and most promising start-up companies within the aquaculture industry, debuted last year following the merger of two entrepreneurial programmes, Gründerpresangen and Seafood Innovation Awards.

Shortlisted entrants are chosen to pitch their product at the North Atlantic Seafood Forum (NASF), which bills itself as the world’s largest top executive seafood business conference. The event will take place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Bergen from March 4-6.

The Seafood Innovation Award is run by a host of companies with ties to the seafood industry – including marketing firm Annerledeslandet, NCE Seafood Innovation, and marketing films production company Sølvrev, which is new to the team.

Access to markets

Annerledeslandet director Rolf Mork-Knudsen believes the competition will be attractive for foreign companies trying to break into the large Norwegian aquaculture market. Last year's competition attracted entries from Norway, Iceland, Sweden, France, and Italy.

“The most important reasons for merging the two innovation prizes Grunderpresangen and Seafood Innovation Award were increased international focus and easier access to key markets for new, innovative companies,” said Mork-Knudsen.

“The pitching at NASF can be a fabulous way into the Norwegian market – and the resources and industry know-how at the winner’s disposal can make all the difference.”

Spreading the word

The winner of last year’s competition was Blue Lice, which uses technology to trap sea lice before they enter salmon pens.

Speaking after the win last year, Blue Lice chief executive Karoline Sjødal Olsen said: “We are now in a new stage where we want more potential customers to hear about the results we have and what our technology can contribute to them. Therefore, it is right on target to be allowed to show it through this award.”

Mork-Knudsen said organisers reached out to several international players last year. “This year we will be even more international and extend the application period for companies,” he said.

The winner not only receives prize money, but also valuable contributions and guidance from industry players to take the company forward.

Tailwind for winner

“It’s fantastic to see the tailwind Blue Lice has had after their victory last year. We are also very happy that we have Sølvrev on the team this year. We have great faith in this concept,” said Trude Jansen Hagland of NCE Seafood Innovation.

William Glandberger from Sølvrev said: “Our company is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and we have spent many of these years working with the aquaculture industry. As with all industries, there are many demands and challenges, and you need innovation. That's why it's really fun to be part of this award.”

He believes there are many people in the industry who need films to tell stories and market their company.

“It suits us perfectly to be involved in this,” he said.

'Valley of death'

Hagland points out that one of the biggest challenges for new start-ups is getting sponsors who believe in them and help them out of the “valley of death”.

“This award is important to provide visibility and convince future investors that they should invest in these companies. They receive a very good support package that will help position them for investment. The fact that we have included Sølvrev makes the award even more professional,” said Hagland.

All participants who pitch on stage during the NASF conference will also have their own film made, not just the winner of the award.

“We have also received very good feedback on the speed date that was arranged after the presentations on stage. The atmosphere was high, and the engagement was great last year,” said Hagland.

The application deadline to enter the competition is February 10. To learn more about the award and to enter the competition, click here.