Innovators Wanted – Own office not required

ShareLab and Aker BioMarine are launching a competition to find the next generation of life science and marine innovators.

Published July 3rd 2018

We are looking for teams or start-ups with unique ideas or concepts. Aspiring innovators will be selected based on a single page executive summary of their idea or concept.

At stake is a one-year membership to ShareLab, a new co-working laboratory and office space, tailor-made for life science start-ups, located in Oslo, Norway.

The winning team will be awarded an Aker BioMarine-funded spot in the lab and office facilities, as well as benefit from active mentorship and access to Aker Biomarine’s network. Neither Aker BioMarine nor ShareLab will retain any ownership or stake in the winning idea.

Our knowledge and utilization of the ocean is still so limited

Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, explains why collaborative projects and creative environments like ShareLab are so important for an innovation-driven industry such as his:

“The way we see it, this is about increasing the value creation from the ocean’s resources.  To cope with the challenges of the future it would be arrogant not to believe that some of the solutions may lay within the oceans. Especially as our knowledge and utilization of the ocean is still so limited.”

Adding, “ShareLab represents a unique opportunity to foster the development of such solutions. They are on the same mission, to find sustainable and innovative new products. At the end of the day it is about breaking down barriers and removing friction to enable the growth and development of good ideas.”

Life science will be a vital part of Norwegian industry

Esben A. Nilssen, Managing Partner at ShareLab, says, “We are thrilled to see Aker BioMarine sign on as ShareLab partner only months after our official opening by prime minister Erna Solberg. This is testimony to our belief that life science will be a vital part of Norwegian industry in the future. Sustainable development of our oceans and forests, growth of our seafood industry, as well as human and animal health all depend on life science innovation. Aker BioMarine is one of Europe’s most innovative companies – of course they join the ShareLab community!”

Recently winning that title in the prestigious European Business Awards, Aker BioMarine’s continued success, and indeed the very market it helped create, is built upon finding new and ground-breaking ways to work.

Johansen says, “Innovative people and new ideas are the very foundation of our success. We are constantly on the lookout for explorers who think outside the ordinary, while keeping their feet firmly on the ground.”

The deadline for entries to the competition is September 15^thand the winner will be announced on October 3^rd.

Click here for more information about the contest