THE OCEAN is launching a new meeting arena for sharing of knowledge, cooperation and development of technology across the blue industries. The first event will be in Bergen on 17th of September 2019. THE OCEAN will be a yearly event, and the planning of further major investment in 2020 already started.

The ocean industries have been responsible for some of the technology waves that has laid much of the foundation for the modern and high-tech Norway. THE OCEAN will ensure a sustainable utilization of natural resources and at the same time develop new possibilities and new global markets for the west and the rest of Norway.

Our aim is that this will become an important arena that will stimulate increased knowledge, increased innovation and technology development across the ocean industries. Meeting places such as these are essential for ensuring the development and cooperation we need to reach climate targets towards 2030 and 2050, says Hege Økland, CEO in NCE Maritime CleanTech which is one of the initiators behind the event.

By connecting entrepreneurs, investors and industries THE OCEAN will contribute to the development of cooperation between national and international research and industry.

– We need an arena where the participants present their ideas and gather for powerful measures – where we show that we collectively take responsibility and commit to actions today and tomorrow. Join and make a difference, prompts Anders Haugland, Managing Director at VIS who is responsible for coordinating the initiative.

Ocean competence and technology to the world market
THE OCEAN will have have a program with a combination of international speakers, connections between academic disciplines across sectors and parallel sessions within energy, food and mobility.

– Norway is one of the worlds leading maritime nations, and exports ocean competency and technology to all the world’s continents. Today technology develops and exerts across traditional sectors in the ocean. This opens for big new opportunities and new global markets for the Norwegian industry, says Owe Hagesæther, director at GCE Ocean Technology and leader for the program committee at THE OCEAN.

Wise minds and young talents

The planning of a big event in 2020 has started, parallel with this year’s event. Next year’s event will exert over several days and also include activities for the city’s population. THE OCEAN is going to be working for more activity and visibility for the ocean industries to attract more wise minds and young talents.

The initiative takers behind THE OCEAN consists of GCE Ocean Technology, NCE Seafood Innovation Cluster, NCE Maritime CleanTech, Maritime Bergen, The University of Bergen, Institute of Marine Research, NORCE, VIS, Bergen Kommune, Connect Norway, Invest in Bergen and Bergen Chamber.

Keep updated on www.theocean.no