- The fact that Techpoint has become what it is today helps to highlight the Kristiansand region as a leading technology region in Norway. It's not every day that the public gets the opportunity to meet and hear some of the world's best minds in entrepreneurship, business and tech on their home turf. It's great that so many people have now opened their eyes to this unique opportunity," says Geir Haugum, Business Manager at Kristiansand Municipality.

This year's Techpoint will be the biggest yet, with almost 1000 participants, 80 inspiring speakers, 16 exciting events and 8 different stages. Here, the discourse will focus on how technological development is helping to shape the businesses of the future and a sustainable society.

Three main themes have been chosen for the occasion; Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Culture & Leadership, and Digital Transformation & Automation.

- "We have a fantastic program committee that consists of people from different parts of the business community. This creates an impressive dynamic and breadth in the way the program is built. Based on a good overview of the most important changes facing the business community, we develop themes as a basis for the personalities," says General Manager Frode Ugland.

The network of partners in Techpoint currently includes 30 companies. Among these are Business Region Kristiansand and Kristiansand Municipality. The organizers draw inspiration from the world's best conferences and other cities that have established this type of arena.

- Both Arendal and Austin are good examples of the enormous synergies that can be achieved by establishing this type of meeting place for inspiration, networking and interaction. This is what drives us. Techpoint would never have been such a success without people who are passionate about creating and all our fantastic partners," Ugland concludes.

Kristiansand municipality, through Business Region Kristiansand, is leading an event during this year's conference. On Thursday, September 14, we invite you to the final of the Sustainable Business Idea Competition 2023. Here, the finalists will present their ideas in front of the audience and a jury, in the hope of winning the prize of up to NOK 150,000 in funding. In addition, there will be presentations from DNB, Startuplab, SHAREBOX, Skyfall Ventures and Norsjór related to entrepreneurship and investment. Finally, the entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to speeddate with a group of investors and advisors.