10 new clusters join Norwegian Innovation Clusters

'Norwegian businesses face a world that has become more unpredictable, with high energy costs and tougher competition than before. At the same time, businesses themselves highlight skills as one of their biggest challenges. This makes it important for companies to learn from each other and share experiences. That is exactly what the clusters help them do,' says Minister of Trade and Industry Cecilie Myrseth.

We received 24 applications to join the Norwegian Innovation Cluster (NIC) programme following this spring’s call for applications. Of these, 10 were selected to join the programme.

‘The ten clusters admitted this year all submitted strong applications. They have well-defined objectives, clear visions and strategic direction, well-founded needs and strong partnerships. The clusters connect expertise, technology and market opportunities across businesses. The results show that this works – businesses in the clusters achieve stronger revenue growth than comparable businesses that are not members of a cluster,’ says our CEO Håkon Haugli.

We run the cluster programme in partnership with Siva and the Research Council of Norway, offering three programme levels, each lasting three years: NIC Connect, NIC Explore and NIC Impact. Each level has specific goals to promote collaborative development and growth. NIC Connect primarily aims to build networks and innovation capacity. NIC Explore builds on the clusters’ previous work, focusing on competence building and strengthening their capacity to adapt and innovate. NIC Impact sets the bar higher for economic growth and prepares clusters for exports and scaling up.

For over twenty years, our cluster programme has supported Norwegian clusters to strengthen collaboration on innovation, build strong business communities and develop new solutions.

Battery Norway (NEW): Based in Arendal, Battery Norway is a national battery cluster covering the entire value chain, from materials to end users. Its members include industry, R&D organisations, testing facilities, investors and international players. The cluster aims to strengthen Norway’s battery industry to support energy security and competitiveness, guided by a concrete export roadmap.

Semiconductor Norway (NEW): Semiconductor Norway is applying to establish a new, industry-led national semiconductor cluster. The cluster will cover the value chain from design to application, drawing on specialist expertise in Trondheim, Oslo and Vestfold, among other locations. It will primarily serve SMEs, and the chip shortage has reinforced the need for the cluster.​

Norwegian Cluster for Fish Processing (NEW): The fish processing network is a national, neutral forum for fish processing plants, slaughter vessels and suppliers. The processing plants set the agenda and define the challenges, while suppliers develop the solutions. The network has built a culture of sharing based on trust.

Norwegian Robotics Cluster (NEW): Norwegian Robotics Cluster builds on the industrial community in Osterøy, where companies have invested in robotics over time. The cluster aims to provide a national platform for robotics, autonomy and physical AI. It brings together industry, R&D, a Catapult centre, an incubator and investors to increase the adoption of robotics and boost productivity.

Health & Total Defence (NEW): Health & Total Defence is a new national cluster that grew out of Norway Health Tech. The cluster will bring together healthcare, defence, emergency preparedness, research and business to develop, test and scale up dual-use solutions. The initiative builds on a preliminary project and received 47 letters of support in less than two weeks.

Energi i Nord (HIGHER LEVEL): Established in Hammerfest in 2020, this cluster works to accelerate the energy transition in Northern Norway through collaboration between SMEs, energy companies, industry, municipalities and ports. The cluster connects sectors, develops joint innovation projects and secures funding.

Proptech Norway (NEW): Proptech Norway is a national ecosystem for innovation in property and construction, bringing together around 20 major property companies and approximately 300 proptech companies. The REDI methodology and Oslo Proptech Summit help coordinate standards, pilot projects and implementation. The organisation has been built without public funding or support.

Stiim Aqua Cluster (HIGHER LEVEL): A cluster for the aquaculture industry that brings together fish farmers, suppliers, technology companies and R&D organisations to develop sustainable aquaculture for the future. Its focus areas are sustainable aquaculture, fish health, technology and digitalisation, the circular economy, and the development of new collaborative and innovation projects. The cluster is primarily based in the Rogaland/Stavanger region.

Energy Transition Norway (HIGHER LEVEL): Based in Stavanger, this cluster aims to accelerate the energy transition across energy, industrial and technology companies. Rooted in oil and gas, the cluster is part of the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), electrification and new energy value chains.

Norwegian Offshore Wind (HIGHER LEVEL): Norwegian Offshore Wind brings together around 280 member companies across the offshore wind value chain, organised into 17 industry-led working groups. This offshore wind cluster works to develop internationally competitive Norwegian supply chains for offshore wind, particularly floating offshore wind. The cluster focuses on internationalisation, innovation, collaboration and connecting developers with suppliers. Its headquarters are in Haugesund, with offices in Oslo and Stavanger.

• Norwegian Innovation Clusters (NIC) is a collaborative programme we run with Siva and the Research Council of Norway.
• The programme aims to create value for businesses in Norway by initiating, strengthening and delivering collaborative development that would not happen on the same scale or at the same pace without public support.
• The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries funds the programme, which has an annual budget of NOK 130 million.
• In 2027, the programme will comprise 32 clusters, including six from new initiatives and four that have been admitted to a higher level of the programme.
• Around 3,000 companies are members of the clusters in the programme, representing a wide geographical spread.