Catapult Centre in Bergen to Be Discontinued
The Ocean Innovation Norwegian Catapult AS will be discontinued following a rejected application for continued support from the Siva Catapult scheme.
The decision has major consequences and entails the discontinuation of the Ocean Innovation Norwegian Catapult (OINC), according to a recent press release.
Since its start in 2018, OINC has played a key role in providing essential test infrastructure, technology, piloting opportunities, and verification services in close collaboration with its core partners.
These contributions have allowed numerous small and medium-sized enterprises to accelerate their product development and access the market more swiftly.
Impact on Aquaculture Innovation
“In 2024 and 2025, OINC experienced high levels of activity, with new core partners investing in and opening up test infrastructure relevant to the aquaculture industry,” the press release states.
The discontinuation is expected to prevent nearly NOK 800 million worth of newly acquired testing equipment from being made available through the centre.
OINC had also recently formalized partnerships with nodes in Finmark, Troms, and Nordland, aiming to strengthen its offerings further with support from leading actors in aquaculture and fisheries.
A Missed Opportunity for the Green Transition
– OINC, with its network of nodes, was, in our opinion, well positioned to play a significant role in supporting the green transition and growth in aquaculture, fisheries, and the sustainable use of marine biological resources. We disagree with the decision but will take it into consideration. Going forward, we will prioritize supporting our valued partners, collaborators, and clients, says Bjarte Horn, CEO of OINC, in the press release.
Siva, the Norwegian governmental enterprise responsible for the Catapult programme, has stated it will seek to make the test equipment available through other catapults or nodes.
– We stand behind the statement made by Managing Director Bjarte Horn in the press release, says Owe Hagesæther, CEO of GCE Ocean Tecnhology – one of the owners of the catapult centre, along with Vestlandets Innovasjonsselskap (VIS), NCE Seafood Innovation Cluster, Additech AS, and Marineholmen RASLAB AS.
– As an owner, we are also deeply critical of how Siva has handled this matter, Hagesæther concludes.
Read full press release (language: Norwegian).
Contact Information
