Are you interested in sustainability, innovation, financing and development of new solutions in the business community in Southern Norway? Then this is a good opportunity to get refills in a pleasant setting.

Businesses in Agder working in the focus areas of the finalists are especially encouraged to attend the event. All finalists are looking for good input, partners and investors.

The event will take place on November 3 at Hotel Norge in Kristiansand from 18:00 to 20:00. It is free of charge, but we still ask you to register.

Here you can find the link to registration

County Mayor Arne Thomassen will introduce the event and focus on innovation in Agder before the finalists take the stage for their presentations.

Finalists

Mykos - Sustainable packaging for fish transportation

Mykos will produce wrapping and shipping packaging, with a particular focus on packaging for shipping fish, using raw materials from Norwegian forests. Market research has been carried out and development of a prototype is underway. Fish boxes are currently made from polystyrene, and fish shippers are an important target group for the company. The material is biodegradable and completely free of harmful substances. Mykos will carry out research and development work and is now looking for local partners.

Norsjór - Cleaning of ship hulls to reduce fuel consumption and the spread of alien species

Norsjór uses laser technology to clean ship hulls, without creating environmental waste, to reduce fuel consumption and the spread of alien species to new ecosystems. This represents proven, important challenges for the maritime industry. The solution ensures that there is no biological waste from the cleaning process. The company has received support from, among others, Innovation Norway. Norsjór is seeking local private investors and partners associated with the maritime industry.

Vantu - New concept for sustainable tourism

Vantu uses algorithms to help camping van travelers find nice places to visit without putting pressure on nature. Vantu is a companion app that uses deep learning to help users find suitable accommodation. The company was established after the team won the EU-supported idea development competition Cassini Hackaton in May 2022 and is qualified for stage 2 of Kjeller Innovation and the European Space Agency's incubator program Nordic Launch.

Lectures

While the judging panel discusses the winner, there are interesting talks on venture capital, sustainable business models and entrepreneurial experiences.

Risk capital for Agder v/Skagerak Capital

Skagerak Capital talks about the newly established fund "Agder Seed", which will contribute to sustainable growth in Agder, by investment analyst Tone Kvåle. Skagerak Capital invests in and accelerates companies that develop new technologies with a positive impact on society, and that have international ambitions and growth opportunities.

Development of sustainable business models v/ Nekkar ASA

Listed Kristiansand-based company Nekkar gives us an insight into how it creates growth by developing new sustainable business models alongside existing operations. By Director of Strategy and Business Development, Terje Berntsen. Berntsen is also a researcher in sustainable business models at the University of Agder.

Our entrepreneurial journey v/ Pleco Marine

Last year's winner of the Sustainable Business Idea Competition Pleco Marine shares their story and experiences from their entrepreneurial journey to the present day. By Tobias Øverli. Pleco Marine AS is a biotechnology company engaged in the cultivation and processing of microalgae for use in the aquaculture industry in a profitable and sustainable way.

We look forward to seeing you!

Time: Thursday 3.11. at 18.00 to 20.00
Location: Thon Hotel Norge, Dronningensgate 5, 4610 Kristiansand