Project Design Lab – from project idea to next steps
Does your company have a project idea or a development challenge, but need help deciding how to move forward?
Energy Valley invites member companies and startups to a practical project development workshop. Bring a concrete idea and get input on your next development step, potential partners and possible funding routes – through private capital, EU funding or a combination of the two.
Date and time: Thursday, 29 October 2026, 08:30–11:30
Location: RunwayFBU, John Strandruds vei 10, 1360 Fornebu
Meet experts in project development and funding
During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to discuss your project with:
- John Arne Ulvan and Knut Nordenhaug from UNP, contributing expertise in EU advisory services and funding.
- Kristoffer Moldekleiv, EU Adviser at GCE Ocean, contributing perspectives on project development, partner searches and European collaboration.
- Jørn Barkenæs from Northsea Capital, contributing perspectives on private capital and what investors look for.
Concrest Energy, represented by Leif Arne Tønnessen, will participate with its development project as one of the cases. We invite more companies to bring their own ideas and challenges. The workshop will be led by Knut Linnerud, Energy Valley.
Your project is the starting point
Perhaps you are developing a new solution, testing technology with a customer or taking a pilot closer to market? You do not need a complete project plan or an identified EU funding call to participate. What matters is that you have a concrete idea and want to take it forward.
Through short case presentations, discussions with the experts and hands-on work on your own idea, we will explore:
- What is the most important next step in development?
- What evidence is needed to reduce technical and commercial risk?
- Which partners do you need?
- Which funding routes are worth exploring, and how could they support successive stages of development?
The aim is for each company to leave with a short working note and two to three concrete follow-up actions, with clear responsibilities and deadlines.
Programme
08:30–08:40 | Welcome and workshop objectives
08:40–09:00 | From project idea to funding – brief contributions and discussion with UNP, GCE Ocean and Northsea Capital
09:00–09:25 | The companies present their project ideas and challenges
09:25–10:05 | Working session 1: What is the right next step?
10:05–10:15 | Break
10:15–11:00 | Working session 2: Partners and funding opportunities
11:00–11:25 | From discussion to action – next steps for each company
11:25–11:30 | Closing and follow-up
Would you like to bring a project idea?
We are planning a small group with three to four companies working on their own cases, allowing sufficient time.
For questions, contact:
Knut Linnerud
Head of Strategy & Innovation
EU-advisor
Energy Valley