Presenting at the main stage
Our Innovation Advisers Thordur Reynisson and Emil Gejrot where on the main stage presenting Nordic Innovation and the Ocean Econnomy prorgam with the perspective innovating for the future of the Ocean economy. They also promoted our call for project outlines.
Facilitating High-Level Dialogue
Emil went on to moderate panel discussion "Debating the Seas - Innovating for the Future of the Ocean Economy." This dialogue brought together influential voices including Jóhan Christiansen, Minister of Fisheries and Infrastructure from the Faroe Islands; Árni M. Mathiesen, Senior Ocean Policy Expert and former Icelandic Minister; and Dr. Nicky Dee, CEO of Carbon13.
The key takeaways from the discussion was that the ocean economy will be crucial when it comes to meeting the needs of a growing population in a changing climate. The panel emphasized that both policymakers and innovators both have a part to play in making that economy as sustainable as possible.
Showcasing collaborative success
We were also so fortunate to have our project partner Interesting Times Gang, represented by Co-founder och Head of Innovation Sean Barret, talk about their design work with ocean biomass and the Kelpwood & Bioplastic Project. His presentation was a exciting example of innovation combining sustainability and commercial viability.
Getting on the networking bus
The day before the festival, we invited participants to a “Network bus”. It was an opportunity to network and to visit to highly innovative businesses with cross-Nordic profiles at the Faroe Islands. First top was our former project partner Ocean Rainforest and their impressive seaweed production. Next stop was Vestmanna where Minesto are located. We got a presentation of their fascinating dragons or kites generating electricity from predictable tidal streams and ocean currents.
Tonik - the gateway to the Faroe Islands' startup, tech and business scene
What makes Tonik unique is the formula of "engaging stages" where industry leaders share insights, combined with networking opportunities that allow attendees to meet innovators, investors, customers and professionals across many industries. For Nordic Innovation, this environment was ideal for promoting its own initiatives, discovering new trends and potential partners and as Innovation Adviser Emil Gejrot puts it; “TONIK was a valuable experience for us. In a short time, the organisers have managed to build an event that really showcases the potential for innovation in the Faroese business community. Aside from the opportunity to share our work on the ocean economy, we were able to establish lots of new connections – connections that will make this part of the Nordics more prominent in our work going forward.”
