Call for mentors to support digitalisation of Norwegian SMEs and public sector

EDIH Oceanopolis launches broad discussion on AI usage in Bureaucracy across various sectors, live from the stage in Arendal

This event is part of our mission to assist in connecting investments and access to capital with small and medium-sized enterprises and startups within coastal and marine industries. 55 investors, 45 entrepreneurs, and 25 individuals from the public sector, business community, and academia were gathered for a fantastic day at Kunstsilo. Seventeen of the startup companies took the stage and pitched their business ideas in 6 minutes, all of which are investment-ready. Anders Kvale, one of the entrepreneurs behind the billion-dollar success Spacemaker, which was acquired by Autodesk, opened the event. The 17 fantastic companies that pitched were: Signal Analysis Lab - dust monitoring for the industry Paral Dynamics AS - algorithm for predicting blood insulin levels Newbringer - hybrid gaming in all environments OriPatch - pain relief for mouth sores inside the mouth Fishbuddy by Fiskher - a fishing guide right in your pocket SAFI Brannsikring AS - automatic chimney fire extinguisher Twilligent - digital twins for SMEs Beehive Project AS - virtual fences for kindergartens on trips FalkEnergy - vertical wind turbines Elstall - a new installation system for the electrical industry OceanEnvi - harnessing ocean currents for power production SMART OCEAN - smart buoys for tracking fishing gear Once - linking CAD and ERP systems Intoto - monitoring water levels in rivers and seas FLXBL.no - connecting instructors with fitness enthusiasts Aquasolis Global AS - water purification system Antisink AS - safety system at sea Photos: South Coast Creative AS

The main focus at this event was on the benefits of AI for the industry. During the lecture Lene Merethe Liodden covered on the background of AI, its history from 1956 to today, the differences between AI concepts like machine learning and deep learning, and even included a "nerd corner" with some technical details about the principles on which ChatGPT is built. She showed some examples of tools based on AI models that can provide high value in the industry. These tools are based on translation between different languages in the dialogue between machine and human – going both ways. The title was decided together with NKRF – control and auditing in municipalities. It was for them that she held this lecture.

Cathrine A. Grimseid has worked in the public sector for over 25 years, and also ran her own small business for a couple of years, which is why she is now involved in this project—because Cathrine have experience in both the public and private sectors. At the same time she is more than average interested in digitalization and what we can achieve with it in this society. " We need to work smarter and not harder to achieve the same things. The offer that we provide in EDIH Oceanopolis is a project that has included the smaller enterprises in mind, which is quite impressive." - Says Cathrine Arctander Grimseid" She follows up by explaining that normally, these types of projects require us to meet many criteria related to goals, requirements to participate, etc. But here in EDIH Oceanopolis, there is a small digital maturity test that needs to be taken at the beginning, and then we are ready to get started. The first step is very manageable for small and medium size businesses, and then we are on our way. Speaking of digital maturity test, Cathrine will dedicate 60% of her position to conducting these digital maturity tests and contributing to lectures, inspirational talks, and facilitating other seminars. EDIH Oceanopolis have a broad range, and she will also contribute to handle the projects administrative overhead. When looking ahead she explains that supporting the enthusiasts who have worked to make this happen in what we must call rural and quasi-rural Norway is very important. " We have a significant technological environment, but being able to see and contribute to all the digital developments is very positive. " When asked why digitalization is important for her she says: "We have a dual challenge with both climate and environment and digitalization that must be seen together, and if we manage to digitalize at least partway towards a greener and more sustainable everyday life, not just for climate and environment but also the other goals that the UN has asked us to achieve by 2030, I believe digitalization will become an essential part of achieving those goals. My long experience in the public sector gives me an understanding of both processes and mindset, and I have also worked in a Brussels-based firm, dealing with international negotiations, so I can contribute the international perspective to this project as well." Three key words that are important for her when working on a project like this: 1. Communication 2. Communication 3. Communication As long as we share a project over such a large geographical area with so many different parties involved, good and open communication is crucial for achieving a successful outcome. Having the necessary information available, ensuring it is up-to-date, and having a sufficient number of meeting points so that all parties are aligned. We all need to pull in the same direction says Cathrine firmly. Considering the amount of work we have put into this project so far, she hope we are able to deliver what is necessary to gain acceptance from both Innovation Norway and the EU commission to continue this important mission, and she now looks forward to segment this further during Arendalsuka. " Arendalsuka is coming up, and there will be activities from our side of the consortium. Arendalsuka is important for south part of our country, but also very important for the rest of the country. The week has established itself as the starting point for the political side, and for other areas like knowledge exchange in an understandable way" . The EDIH Oceanopolis team welcomes Cathrine, and are excited for having her expertise in the consortium.