In a quest to foster cross-border collaborations and exchange knowledge and good practices, Transilvania IT Cluster members and team embarked on a transformative journey to Oslo, Norway. This immersive experience was organized within the project "2023: Cluj Innovation Year", funded by EEA and Norway Grants 2014-2021 and co-hosted by Collective Innovation.
Day 1: A Warm Welcome and Inspiring Insights
The journey commenced with a warm welcome from our hosts at Collective Innovation in Oslo. The day unfolded with captivating presentations that introduced our delegation's members and provided invaluable insights into Norway's dynamic Healthtech ecosystem.
A highlight of the day was a presentation by Håvard Bjor (Norwegian Sport Tech), a fervent advocate for preventive healthcare through the integration of technology. His message resonated strongly, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle supported by innovative solutions.
Day 2: Nurturing Startups and Pioneering Research
We kicked off the second day with a visit to Forskningsparken - Oslo Science Park, where we delved into the world of health startups with Aleap, the Nordics' largest incubator. Shane West, the Head of Incubator, graciously hosted us, sharing their experience on nurturing and fostering ambitious entrepreneurs by providing competency, network and funding.
In the afternoon, we were privileged to visit the Oslo University Hospital, home to the esteemed Institute of Cancer Research. Established in 1954, the institute stands as a global leader in cancer research, and Professor Kjetil Tasken offered a captivating glimpse into their groundbreaking work and tireless dedication to enhancing outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.
Day 3: Connecting with the Oslo Cancer Cluster
Our final day centered on the heart of Oslo's cancer research efforts - the Oslo Cancer Cluster. Here, we had the privilege of meeting Ketil Widerberg, the General Manager. His presentation shed light on the cluster's extensive work, organizational structure and ecosystem. This visit was also inspiring, offering us a model for potential collaborations that could greatly benefit our members.
The afternoon allowed us to partake in Oslo Innovation Week activities, further immersing us in Norway's vibrant innovation landscape.
A Grateful Reflection
Our visit to Oslo was marked not only by the knowledge gained, but also by the warm hospitality extended by our Norwegian partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Collective Innovation for their support throughout this enriching journey.
This experience has not only deepened our understanding of health tech innovation, but has also forged meaningful connections and paved the way for future collaborations.
Stay tuned for exciting updates and developments arising from our newfound insights and collaborations!
Activity no.1 within the 2023 Cluj Innovation Year project: Exchange of good practices - Study visit in Norway with our cluster members & partners that work in the Digital Health sector.