Norwegian Catapult creates and develops a national infrastructure for innovation

The Norwegian Catapult Programme is a governmental scheme designed to assist the establishment and development of catapult centres, with the purpose of accelerating the process from concept to market launch of the product. The purpose of the Catapult programme is to support innovative capability of small and medium sized enterprises in specific industry areas in Norway.

The ambition is to create an infrastructure for innovation with 7-9 national Catapult centres within areas of the Norwegian industry sector with great economic potential. The programme is administered by The Industrial Development Corporation of Norway (SIVA) on behalf of the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, in partnership with Innovation Norway and The Research Council of Norway.

The Catapult centres support innovative companies

The Catapult centres assist companies in developing prototypes, offer expertise and equipment for testing, visualisation and simulation to turn innovative ideas into new products and services in an effective manner at a lower risk. The Catapult centres provide expertise, contacts and facilities in various technological areas, and can assist companies to access new markets and captivate interest from other potential business partners.

Innovation is essential in all business sectors

In today’s competitive market, enterprises in all business sectors need to constantly develop new solutions and designs to be able to provide the most favourable, cutting-edge technologies and products. Standards and manufacturing methods are being increasingly challenged by global competition, rapid technological developments, and the demand for more sustainable solutions. The ability to quickly utilize new technology and methods is for this reason an inevitable measure to ensure the competitiveness of the enterprises.

A strong capability for innovation stimulates competitiveness. Access to facilities and expertise enhances this capability.

Small and medium sized enterprises need an infrastructure for innovation

Norway needs a resilient manufacturing industry to safeguard today’s level of prosperity. There is a clear necessity of developing a modern infrastructure for innovation that supports the industry to produce competitive, high-quality products and services for the future. With major technological developments and greater focus on sustainability, the need for such a strategic infrastructure is explicit.