Background
The Sustainable Ocean Economy program was tailored to focus on the sustainable utilization of ocean biomass, cross-sectoral and co-located activities, and Nordic Ocean Testbeds. Within these focus areas we have already initiated several innovative projects, connected stakeholders across the Nordic region, and increased the visibility of Nordic solutions for the sustainable ocean economy.
This Ocean Mission is concentrated on cross-sectoral and co-located activities. Here, the overall idea is to use scarce marine spaces more efficiently and sustainably by conducting activities from different sectors in the same place, at the same time. Such harmonious co-location could be beneficial not only from a financial standpoint, but also in an environmental sense. This approach – often called “multi-use” – could also create synergy effects for the various industry actors involved. An example could be a wind turbine with an aquaculture installation at its base, where some of the power generated by the wind is used to meet the energy needs of the aquaculture unit. In a broader sense, multi-use could alleviate conflicts of interest at sea, lower costs through shared infrastructure and services, and increase innovation and collaboration throughout value chains.
While the logic of co-located activities at sea is clear, there are still few real-world implementations. Recent EU projects have resulted in valuable pilot installations, but there are no full-scale platforms with demonstrated economic viability. Moreover, it remains unclear how the co-location concept ought to be applied across the Nordic region and its large and varied marine areas.
Our aspiration with this Mission Call is to shape a future where multiple marine activities can thrive side by side, while simultaneously enhancing the health and vitality of the Nordic ocean environment. The mission approach underscores our dedication to a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable ocean economy.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for Nordic consortia that are interested in actively contributing to our mission of realizing multi-use at sea. The selected consortia will have 12 months to carry out projects that contribute to the mission. These projects may include, but are not limited to, activities such as product development, business plan development, promotion, life-cycle analysis, or testing – in essence, any activity, process, or amalgamation thereof that promotes sustainable, viable, and scalable solutions for co-located activities at sea. This call is centered on innovation hence research projects are excluded from its scope.
We want to foster innovation projects that enable cross-sectoral and co-located activities at sea. The projects can lead to new products, partnerships, business models, or value chains. Regardless of the output, the projects should enhance sustainability, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness in the Nordic Ocean economy. However, it is not a prerequisite that the project activities take place in the Nordic region.
We want to foster innovation projects that enable cross-sectoral and co-located activities at sea. The projects can lead to new products, partnerships, business models, or value chains. Regardless of the output, the projects should enhance sustainability, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness in the Nordic ocean economy. However, project activities can take place outside the Nordic region if the project as a whole adds value to the Nordic region.
With this Mission Call, Nordic Innovation wishes to spotlight the program’s aim of making the Nordics the most sustainable Ocean Economy in the world. Therefore, the chosen project partners must demonstrate the value of engagement for Nordic Innovation and describe how Nordic Innovation will be a part of the project. The contribution, involvement, and support of Nordic Innovation must be evident in all project communication. The proposal must describe how this will be achieved.
In general, we are looking for industry involvement and benefits for Nordic businesses, as well as consortia that show ambition, possess complementary strengths, and demonstrate competence. Applicants seeking to build a strong Nordic base for future larger projects (e.g., EU-funded) on ocean economy are also invited to participate in this call.
We want to foster innovation projects that enable cross-sectoral and co-located activities at sea. The projects can lead to new products, partnerships, business models, or value chains. Regardless of the output, the projects should enhance sustainability, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness in the Nordic Ocean economy. However, it is not a prerequisite that the project activities take place in the Nordic region.
With this Mission Call, Nordic Innovation wishes to spotlight the program’s aim of making the Nordics the most sustainable Ocean Economy in the world. Therefore, the chosen project partners must demonstrate the value of engagement for Nordic Innovation. The contribution of Nordic Innovation must be evident. This shall be highlighted in the application.
In general, we are looking for industry involvement and benefits for Nordic businesses, as well as consortia that show ambition, possess complementary strengths, and demonstrate competence. Applicants seeking to build a strong Nordic base for future larger projects (e.g., EU-funded) on ocean economy are also invited to participate in this call.
We endeavor to fund innovation projects that are distinct from each other and address different aspects of multi-use at sea. Ideally, the three project consortia should have different geographic distributions of partners.
Who can apply?
A consortium of partners headed by a Nordic Lead Partner.2 The consortium must consist of partners from at least three different Nordic countries.3 Consortium partners from non-Nordic countries are welcome to participate, but only partners from Nordic countries can receive funding under this call.
The project partners can be:
- Companies (SMEs and larger companies)
- Clusters, business organizations, and facilitators
- Academic institutions and foundations
- Public entities (e.g., ports and municipalities)
Submission
Proposals must be submitted by e-mail to info@nordicinnovation.org and labelled Ocean Mission.
The deadline for submitting a proposal is 22 February 2024 at 23:59 CET.
| QUICK FACTS | |
|---|---|
| What are we looking for? | Nordic consortia that through projects carry out various activities with the aim to promote multi-use at sea. |
| Available funding: | 3 x 2 million NOK |
| Key criteria: | - Consortium of partners from at least three different Nordic countries - 50% co-funding by project partners. - No basic research. |
| Submission Deadline: | 22 February 2024 at 23:59 CET |
| Funding decision: | March 2024 |
| Project Period: | May 2024 – May 2025 (possible extension until September 2025) |
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Can my organisation participate in more than one proposal for this call?
Yes, you may participate in more than one proposal. However, since we aim to fund a variety of projects, it is less likely that we will fund two projects supported by the same entity.
Our consortium consists of two organizations based in Norway and Iceland, respectively, as well as a third organization that has offices in both Norway and Denmark. Does this count as a Nordic consortium?
Yes, such a consortium would be eligible – on the condition that the third partner participates through its Danish office. This would then meet the requirement of representation from three different Nordic countries.
Can the required co-funding include other public funding?
Please see Nordic Innovation’s funding guidelines for more information.
Will the disbursement from Nordic Innovation be paid from the start of the project, or in installments during the project, or at the end of the project?
Please see Art. 2.2 of Nordic Innovation Standard Terms and Conditions that will be a part of the project contract.
