Energy Transition Norway advances to highest level of Innovation Norway’s cluster programme

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Energy Transition Norway has been selected for NIC Impact, the highest level of Innovation Norway’s national cluster programme. The recognition secures funding through 2028 and will enable the cluster to strengthen its support for companies developing new technologies, scaling their businesses and expanding into international markets.

The announcement was made in Oslo on 22 October, when Innovation Norway CEO Håkon Haugli revealed the ten clusters selected for the Norwegian Innovation Clusters (NIC) programme.

Energy Transition Norway was one of four established clusters advancing to a higher level, following an application round that attracted 24 applicants.

– This means that we can build on our already strong foundation and offer a more structured pathway from early-stage technology development to commercialisation, scaling and international market entry, CEO of Energy Transition Norway, Egil Aanestad, says.

The selection recognizes the cluster’s longstanding efforts to drive innovation, technology development and collaboration across the energy sector. So what will Energy Transition Norway do next, and what does it mean for it's members?

The cluster administration is currently preparing the introduction of three structured service packages which will be particularly relevant to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Innovation Norway will cover 70% of the costs for small and medium sized companies wishing to buy the packages, making specialised support more accessible to businesses looking to develop, commercialise and scale their technologies.

Three services to support business growth

Service Package 1. Technology and project development

In collaboration with NORCE and the University of Stavanger, Energy Transition Norway will continue to help companies assess their technological and commercial potential, but in a more structured way. Included in the first package is business model development support, and help identifying and applying with relevant funding opportunities.

The service will also prepare companies to present their solutions to potential customers, industry partners and investors, drawing on the cluster's technical committees and national and European networks.

Service Package 2. Business scaling

Through partnerships with Validé and GCE Ocean Technology, companies with established technologies will gain access to expertise and programmes designed to accelerate growth. This includes GCE Ocean Technology's/Energy Cluster Norway's ScaleupNow programme, developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. The aim is to help companies strengthen their business models, develop growth strategies and prepare for larger markets.

Service Package 3. Export and internationalisation

In collaboration with Innovation Norway and its Team Norway, Energy Transition Norway will support companies seeking to expand into European markets. The service will focus on identifying market opportunities, establishing international partnerships and helping companies prepare for export and international growth.

Building on a strong foundation

The new services build on Energy Transition Norway's extensive experience in connecting technology developers with industry partners and supporting collaborative innovation projects.

Through its Technical Committee, the cluster has provided companies with opportunities to present new technologies directly to leading energy operators since 2018. The recently established Technical Committee for Suppliers further expands these opportunities.

‍About the programme

In 2027, Norwegian Innovation Clusters will comprise 32 clusters representing approximately 3,000 member companies across Norway.

Funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, the programme has an annual budget of NOK 130 million and aims to accelerate innovation and value creation through collaboration.

For Energy Transition Norway, advancement to NIC Impact represents both recognition of its achievements and an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to the competitiveness and international growth of Norway's energy industry.