“We’re teaming up with (HSN), the University College of Southeast Norway, to boost research and development at the start-up businesses on our Accelerator programme,” says Thor Sverre Minnesjord, CEO of Green Business Norway (GBN). The first beneficiary will be Fluid Metal 3D, a technology business.
Under starter’s orders: “We’re already working together to help Fluid Metal 3D take their start-up business to the next level,” announced Morten Christian Melaaen (left) from HSN and Thor Sverre Minnesjord from GBN when they met recently to sign a cooperation agreement designed to bring more technological ideas to market worldwide.
The purpose of the cooperation agreement between GBN and HSN is to boost the research and development activities of the start-up businesses taking part in GBN’s Accelerator programme. Through its international network, GBN picks up on opportunities and ideas to help start-up businesses operating in the circular economy get off the ground. In the Accelerator programme, GBN works closely with participating businesses to develop and commercialise their offering. This working relationship will now be taken a step further in partnership with researchers at HSN.
CEO Thor Sverre Minnesjord is delighted: “Having access to a network of researchers and academic experts is a huge advantage for our Accelerator businesses. HSN is the perfect partner for new projects, especially those with an EU focus.”
International presence
Asked what was special about GBN compared with other start-up networks the university college is involved in, Morten Christian Melaaen from HSN said: “GBN’s Accelerator programme is especially interesting because the business network has a strong global focus.”
Since 2003, GBN has established a presence in several international markets in Asia, central and eastern Europe, and the Gulf region. The Accelerator programme is a new initiative targeting start-ups.
“All the start-ups on the GBN Accelerator are either international companies or spin-off projects from existing member businesses,” explained Minnesjord. “We invite the start-up businesses to come to Telemark and join the GBN Accelerator platform, where we offer a wealth of expertise spanning international borders. There’s a lot of interest out there in our Accelerator concept.”
Focus on 3D technology
When GBN approached them about Fluid Metal 3D’s start-up business, researchers at the university college found the invitation too attractive to refuse.
“3D technology is one of the focus areas where we want to step up our research,” said an enthusiastic Melaaen, “so we’re particularly excited to work with this start-up business and its new 3D technology at this time.”
Fluid Metal 3D is one of the promising businesses currently on the Accelerator programme, added Minnesjord.
“We see considerable scope for being involved in this exciting Accelerator programme that GBN has started,” said Melaaen, who is confident that the partnership can play an ongoing role in enhancing 3D technology expertise.
Bringing new R&D opportunities
According to Melaaen, working closely with the business community has many benefits.
“GBN can bring us new, international research opportunities, helping to build centres of research excellence and technology clusters that will devise solutions to society’s future challenges.”
Optimistic partners: “We’ve signed an agreement that creates the conditions for success, so there’s good reason to be optimistic,” according to the partners.
