The Mechatronics Innovation Lab fills a void in the Norwegian innovation system. There is a need for more pilot-testing, not only in the oil and gas industry.

In several meetings with top politicians, NODE has emphasized the importance of a lab where different industries can test new products. A pilot-test lab is awaited by NODE companies and other companies, which have already pledged to spend more than MNOK 50 on research in the lab when it is completed.

– Several companies also intend to install equipment in the lab, and we are in a dialogue with other labs to co-locate with our pilot-test lab, says Anne-Grete Ellingsen, CEO of GCE NODE.

The University of Agder will host the lab, to be built in conjunction with Campus Grimstad. This secures the lab’s neutrality, as well as a high level of competence.

– The Norwegian Research Council, Innovation Norway and SIVA all emphasize the importance of bringing more research-based products into the market. A pilot-test lab is essential for testing and documentation in order to qualify new equipment for the market, says Ellingsen.

– Our vision is to create a Norwegian centre of technology for research and innovation. The lab will provide a unique infrastructure, which should be interesting for several industries, says Ellingsen.