The Export Conference is a highlight in the calendar for Norwegian export, and is organized annually by Innovation Norway and Eksfin (Export Finance Norway). This year, on March 12th it was held at the Munch Museum. Every year, leading stakeholders, experts, and companies gather to discuss trends, challenges, and successes within the export sector. Here, the Export Award is also presented, which recognizes a Norwegian export company that has succeeded in creating value in Norway through foreign markets. To win the award, the company must demonstrate a significant export share, generate value in Norway, show market progress, and offer an innovative solution or product.
ECOnnect in the jury
Last year, ECOnnect was one of the nominees and won the award for the newcomer of the year. The jury justified ECOnnects win as follows: "ECOnnect is a young company with self-developed technology, operating in a large and commercial market. The company has achieved significant success through rapid export growth in a short period, especially in a socially critical and important area for green transition."
This year, ECOnnect's CEO, Morten A. Christophersen, sat on the jury alongside:
- Tone Lunde Bakker, Eksfin (jury leader)
- Håkon Haugli, Innovation Norway
- Alexandra Bech Gjørv, Sintef
- Per A. Sørlie, Borregaard
- Kathrine Myhre, The Norwegian Industrial Property Office
Wide variation among this year's nominees
Export of marine raw materials and health technology are central among the nominees for the Export Company of the Year award. Among the ten candidates, we find companies from various regions in Norway, including Møre and Romsdal, Finnmark, Innlandet, Akershus, and Oslo.
Support from Eksfin and Innovation Norway
Both Eksfin and Innovation Norway have been involved in several of the nominated companies' international projects. This underscores the important collaboration between public institutions and private companies to promote Norwegian exports.
The winner of the 2024 Eksportprisen, Aker BioMarine, has demonstrated that successful export companies can be created through innovative products. Based in Lysaker, this leading biotechnology and krill fishing company has distinguished itself as a global pioneer in sustainable and advanced fishing technology.
Congratulations to Aker BioMarine!
