The jury behind the "Seafood Innovation Award" is looking for the aquaculture industry's most promising start-up companies.
Text taken from Kyst.no and written by Ole Andreas Drønen. Retrieved here.
Previously, you could read on Kyst.no that the two entrepreneurial programs Gründerjulepresangen and Seafood Innovation Awards have been merged.
One of the main reasons for the merger was the desire to reach more international players. Last year, it was Blue Lice and their lice technology that won the prestigious "Seafood Innovation Award" for the first time.
Karoline Sjødal Olsen, CEO of Blue Lice, told Kyst.no that it meant a lot to the company to win the renowned award.
– 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, she emphasized after the victory was secured last year.
New, promising companies
Now the jury is once again looking for the best and most promising start-up companies within the aquaculture industry.
Trude Jansen Hagland from NCE Seafood and Rolf Mork Knudsen from Annerledeslandet, who both sit on the jury, believe it was a sensible decision to merge the two awards last year.
– We reached out to several international players, and it was logical to merge two awards that essentially had the same purpose. Last year we received a good number of applications, and this year we will be even more international and extend the application period for companies, says Mork-Knudsen.
The winner not only receives prize money, but also valuable contributions and guidance from industry players to take the company forward.
– 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, says Hagland.
Great variation in companies
Hagland emphasizes that many of the established companies participating in the NASF conference also started as small start-up companies.
– What are you looking for in applicants this year?
– We try to ensure a good distribution of themes and categories. There is often great variation between the different start-ups, and we are happy to look for those who can help solve some of the challenges facing the aquaculture industry, so that we can achieve sustainable growth, she explains.
They also point out that it is exciting to be part of the NASF conference, where the 10 finalists will present their ideas.
– It will be a fresh addition to the established companies that are always part of the NASF conference. These new players are up-and-coming, and that's something people really appreciate. It enriches the program, as we see it. Regardless of whether you win or not, it's a fantastic arena to showcase yourself in, says Mork-Knudsen.
Entrepreneurial programs merge
Silver fox on the team
William Glandberger from Sølvrev tells Kyst.no that it is exciting to now be part of the jury. The production company specializes in film production and digital communication.
– 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, says Glandberger.
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 says.
Provides visibility
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, says 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, says Hagland.
The application deadline to enter the competition is February 10th.
The case is taken from kyst.no.
