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- Our time at NTNU gave us a strong foundation in engineering and technology, which was crucial when we set out to tackle the challenges within the LNG market. We wanted to identify and create a solution that would help with the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. The university's emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and practical application of knowledge has stayed with us throughout our careers and was integral in shaping our approach in creating ECOnnect Energy. We are proud to be NTNU alumni and are grateful or the education and experiences we received there, which have undoubtedly played a key role in the success of our company, states Magnus Eikens, CCO at ECOnnect Energy.
Together with Morten A. Christophersen (CEO), Stian T. Magnusson (CIO), Miriam T. Wennberg (CFO) and David M. Knutsen (CTO), he started the company back in 2012. With their innovative floating jettyless platform system platform system, ECOnnect Energy is revolutionizing the way clean energy is accessed and transferred, providing a safer and more efficient solution for loading, reloading, and bunkering of fluid solutions.
NTNU Inspires Innovation
NTNU played an instrumental role in shaping the approach that the co-founders of ECOnnect Energy took to create their innovative sustainable energy solutions. The university's emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and practical application of knowledge helped inspire the co-founders to take a holistic approach towards creating a sustainable energy future.
- At ECOnnect Energy, we believe that clean energy should be accessible and affordable for all. That's why we founded our company in 2012 with the goal of challenging 'business as usual' in the maritime, shipping, and energy sectors. Our pioneering work in developing the world's first jettyless transfer of LNG has been critical in addressing the need for a cost-effective and environmentally-sound solution in the LNG value chain. By leveraging technology and innovation, we're proud to be at the forefront of the transition to a more sustainable energy future, Eikens explains.
R&D-Driven Innovation
One of the keyways that NTNU influenced the co-founders was through its focus on research and development. At the university, the co-founders were exposed to cutting-edge and hands on research. This exposure helped them stay at the forefront of clean energy technology and enabled them to apply the latest research to create innovative solutions for the maritime, shipping, and energy sectors.
NTNU's strong network of industry connections were also a valuable resource for the co-founders. The university has strong ties with many innovative companies in Norway and beyond, which provided valuable opportunities for the co-founders to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses. This network helped them identify potential partners, investors, and customers, which was critical in getting ECOnnect Energy off the ground.
Finally, NTNU's emphasis on sustainability helped shape the co-founders' approach towards creating a sustainable energy future. At the university, they learned about the importance of reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and protecting the environment. This knowledge and mindset have been ingrained in the way that ECOnnect Energy operates, from their commitment to reducing emissions through their jettyless transfer of LNG and other fluids to their focus on creating long-term sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and their customers.
Overall, the co-founders' time at NTNU was integral in shaping the way that they run ECOnnect Energy. The university's focus on research and development, industry connections, and sustainability all helped inspire them to take a holistic approach to creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the energy industry.
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