Innovation and technology in focus for Seafood Next
Cohort 11 of Seafood Next had three days of professional training, giving participants insight into the development of the Norwegian seafood industry.
Last week, the participants of Seafood Next cohort 11 gathered in Trondheim and at Hitra for three eventful days with innovation and technology as the main theme. Through company visits, professional presentations and discussions, the participants gained a unique insight into how research, technology and collaboration contribute to the development of the seafood industry.
Seafood Next brings together talented people from across the seafood value chain. The program provides insight into the industry's challenges and opportunities, while building networks across companies and disciplines.
The conference in Trondheim was the third of four conferences of this cohort. Together, the conferences will provide a comprehensive picture of the seafood industry, from sales and marketing to better resource utilization and the development of new value chains. The goal is to strengthen understanding of the industry and the driving forces that shape it.
“I signed up to gain professional experience and expand my network.
I can highly recommend Seafood Next, it has been a very positive experience.
The program contains varied lectures and is equally suitable for those new to the industry and experienced people who want new input.
The social and networking aspect is a nice “carrot” in this program.”
– Thor Egil Vaage, Ragn-Sells aquaculture AS
From research to practical value creation
The gathering began at SINTEF Ocean, where participants gained insight into how research is being used to address some of the seafood industry's most important challenges. Topics included digital solutions for better monitoring of fish welfare, in addition to a tour of several of SINTEF's laboratories.
The trip then went to Hitra, where the group got to experience the entire production chain up close through visits to hatchery, food fish farm and slaughterhouse. The visits provided a holistic picture of the production chain and showed how technology, biological expertise and operations work together to ensure efficient and responsible food production.
How technology drives development forward
Back in Trondheim, the participants met several players who develop solutions for the aquaculture industry. AKVA Group, ScaleAQ, Aquabyte and OptoScale are all companies that develop and deliver solutions and services to the aquaculture industry, and contribute to the further development of the industry as a whole. BioMar provided insight into its work with fish feed, including the development of alternative raw materials and new feed formulations.
The presentations showcased the breadth of innovation work underway in the industry, from advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence to solutions for resource utilization and the circular economy. Participants saw how new tools are being used to strengthen fish welfare, streamline operations, and meet future challenges through collaboration across stakeholders.
The value of meeting across borders
An important part of Seafood Next is about more than just the academic program. Through the gatherings, participants have the opportunity to share experiences, challenge each other's perspectives, and build networks across companies and the value chain.
“ I signed up for Seafood Next because I wanted to learn more about the seafood industry,
and because I had heard so many positive things about the program.
It turned out to be a very educational and rewarding experience.
Through the program, I have not only learned a lot, but also had incredible fun along the way.
I am left with significantly more knowledge about the industry, while also having the opportunity to connect
valuable contacts with people from different companies and parts of the industry . ”
– Trine Sandven, Kuehne+Nagel
Gatherings like this demonstrate the value of bringing together committed professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. When different perspectives meet, both stronger relationships are created and a greater understanding of how the value chain is interconnected is created.
Investing in the future
Seafood Next will provide up-to-date knowledge about the entire seafood value chain. Through meetings with leading professional communities, innovative companies and key players, participants will gain experiences and perspectives that can be taken back to their own businesses.
After three educational days in Trondheim and at Hitra, cohort 11 is now looking forward to the program's final session in Oslo. The experiences from the session have given the participants a clear picture of how research, technology and collaboration will shape the development of the seafood industry in the years to come.
