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At Agder Aquaculture Conference 2025 in Kristiansand this week, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to explore the future of aquaculture in the region.

Leif Magne Sunde, Business Developer at SINTEF Ocean, opened with a compelling message: “Agder is a happy, green little brother in aquaculture but that color can change.”

He referred to Norway’s national traffic light system for aquaculture, which assesses environmental impact from sea lice and guidelines growth potential. Agder currently enjoys a green light, thanks to low mortality rates and minimal lice levels, but Sunde warned against complacency.

“This is a position we must earn every day,” he emphasized.

Despite representing only 1% of Norway’s sea-based aquaculture sites, Agder holds a reputation for stability and sustainability. Sunde challenged the region to consider its next move: “Should we be content as small, or grow to become relevant?”

County Mayor Arne Thomassen praised the industry’s openness to collaboration and innovation. He highlighted Agder’s strong research and industrial environments, urging the creation of stronger bridges between them.

Thomassen also pointed to the region’s dual focus on aquaculture and energy as a model for how blue and green industries can grow together.

“The future of aquaculture in Agder isn’t just about salmon, it’s about technology, energy, and sustainability. We must seize it now,” said Thomassen.

The aquaculture conference was organized by GCE NODE, Innakva Cluster, EDIH Oceanopolis and DNB.

MORE: Story from Innakva Cluster (Norwegian text)

Digitalization of production processes can be challenging, but some companies have demonstrated how to overcome the barriers.

At the GCE NODE Digitalization Forum in Kristiansand Wednesday, three leading tech partners – Egde, Ignos, and ONCE – shared practical insights from successful use cases.

EGDE AND ELKEM
“Start small, then scale what works,” said Helene Holte, Head of Consultants at Egde.

She reflected on Egde’s successful AI collaboration with Elkem. A structured pilot project evolved into a company specific and scalable platform that brought AI closer to core production.

Holte encourage companies to align their AI Initiatives with company goals, to ensure high-quality data, and to educate personnel and engage users for a smooth adaptation.

“Have the courage to challenge your gut instincts when real-time insights offer better answers,” said Rolf Thu, Chief Technology Officer at Ignos.

IGNOS AND FRAMO
Her message was echoed by Rolf Thu, Chief Technology Officer at Ignos, who promoted the use of digital assistants that help factories become more efficient and resilient.

“Start with what you have, involve your people, and choose skilled partners,” said Thu.

“You need to trust your data, and to have the courage to challenge your gut instincts when real-time insights offer better answers. Still, AI is merely an assistant – humans should always make the final decision,” said Thu.

He highlighted how Ignos helped Framo increase machine utilization by 30 per cent in just nine months. Earlier this year, Framo was named Norway’s Smartest Industrial Company.

Øivind Sæbø (right), CEO at ONCE, makes productions processes more efficient for client Blu Electro. Left: Tom Fidjeland, CEO of Umoe Mandal.

ONCE AND BLU ELECTRO
Øivind Sæbø, CEO at ONCE, focused on how their software can simplify work processes and improve data quality. He went on to show how their client Blu Electro had benefitted from this.

“ONCE provides traceability and quality in Blu Electro projects and saves them time by making production processes more efficient,” said Sæbø.

The Digitalization Forum was hosted by GCE NODE, ONCE, Egde and Ignos/WalkTheTalk.

Left-right: Alf Fredvik (NOV) and Jan Helge Viste (GCE NODE).

Artificial intelligence was the topic for a NODE Eyde Women (NEW) event at the University of Agder in Grimstad last week.

The event spotlighted the implementation of digitalization and artificial intelligence in industry with practical examples from the Agder region. The gathering welcomed professionals from diverse companies and disciplines represented by the NODE and Eyde Clusters and emphasized inclusion and gender diversity.

Solveig Steinsland from Vianode opened with insights into building graphite production facilities, highlighting the role of structured data, digital twins, and advanced process control.

Marius Askildsen of CapGemini followed, stressing the importance of data quality in AI adoption and illustrating how businesses can evolve with AI agents.

Hanne Swatland Gunnarsson from NOV shared her experience implementing ChatGPT Enterprise, encouraging participants to treat AI as a helpful colleague.

The day concluded with a tour of Mechatronic Innovation Lab, featuring robotics, sensors, and 3D printing.

MORE: Full story in Norwegian from NEW