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State Secretary Andreas Bjelland Eriksen and Executive Vice President for Technology, Digital & Innovation (TDI) at Equinor, Hege Skryseth are confirmed as Keynote speakers at Energy Connected.
Andreas Bjelland Eriksen grew up in Stavanger and has a Master of Science in Business from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and Università Bocconi (2012-2017). He has also studied jurisprudence at the University of Oslo.
Previously he worked as an advisor at The Norwegian Energy Regulatory Authority (2017-2020) and as a political advisor to The Standing Committee on Business and Industry for the Labour Party parliamentary group from 2020 before being appointed to State Secretary for Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre at the Prime Minister’s Office on 14th October 2021.
His political background includes being the leader of the Workers’ Youth League in Rogaland (2010-2012), a board member of the European Youth Norway (2012-2013), a board member of Rogaland Labour Party (2010-2015), and County council representative for the Labour Party in Rogaland (2011-2019).
Hege Skryseth is an Executive Vice President for Technology, Digital & Innovation (TDI) at Equinor. She is one of Norway’s foremost experts on the use of technology and digitalization to create future business and is deeply committed to driving change through technology. She focuses especially on digitalization, industrial disruption, and transformational business development.
As an EVP of TDI, she holds responsibility for technology, digitalization, innovation, and venture investments as fundamental enablers to improve safety and security, increase value creation and reduce emissions from oil and gas, as well as drive profitable growth in renewables and low carbon solutions.
Prior to joining Equinor, she has been the CEO at Kongsberg Digital and EVP at the Kongsberg Group. Skryseth has vast experience as a senior executive from international tech companies such as Microsoft Norway and Geodata (ESRI). She is a member of the board of AutoStore ASA, Netcompany AS, and Tomra Systems ASA.
Hege Skryseth holds an MBA in financial management and leadership from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH), a bachelor’s degree in management from The Norwegian Business School (BI), and a college graduate from the Norwegian School of Information Technology (NITH).
Beitland, who is a lawyer with a keen interest in the intersection of technology and society, believes that technology and knowledge are essential to achieving the UN’s sustainability objectives.
Beitland is also a member of several advisory boards, including the Norwegian Center for Information Security, the Juristforbundet’s Tech Forum, and the Norwegian Church Aid’s Tech for Peace Initiative. She has previously served on the government’s Vulnerability Committee, been the director of the Business Security Council, and spent 16 years with the police, holding several key positions including head of Organized Crime in the Police Directorate and head of prosecution at the Oslo police district.
Beitland’s keynote speech at the Energy Connected conference is expected to focus on the role of technology in promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The conference brings together experts from the energy sector to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of renewable energy.
“We are thrilled to have Kristine Beitland as our keynote speaker at this year’s Energy Connected conference,” says Annie Korsmo, Head of Ecosystem at Energy Valley and Project Leader for Energy Connected.
“Her extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, combined with her expertise in technology and sustainability, makes her an ideal choice to inspire our attendees and provide valuable insights into the future of energy,”
Synneva Erland, Senior Advisor at Intersearch is confirmed as moderator for Energy Connected!
Intersearch is one of the many exciting partners for the conference and will be present also as an exhibitor.
Erland is known as one of Norway’s most popular moderators, a distinction recognized by the magazine Kapital. Her ability to engage audiences and facilitate productive conversations has made her a sought-after speaker and moderator for events in Norway and abroad.
What are you looking most forward to by being a moderator at EC?
“As a moderator at EC, I am most looking forward to facilitating meaningful conversations and connections between the attendees and the experts in the field of energy. I believe that by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we can spark new ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the industry. I am excited to be a part of that process and to help create a dynamic and engaging conference experience,” says Erland.
As a Senior Advisor at Intersearch Norway, a leading Executive Search company, Synneva Erland has established herself as a respected authority in the field of leadership development, Executive Search, and public speaking. She is deeply committed to creating psychologically safe and supportive work environments, and she works tirelessly to ensure that fair and solid processes are in place to serve both candidates and customers.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how it can relate to the theme for the conference: Unlocking the future of energy?
“As a consultant in the energy industry for over a decade, I have seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing this rapidly evolving sector. Through my work at Intersearch Norway, a leading Executive Search company specializing in the energy industry and a proud partner of EC, I have had the privilege of working closely with senior executives and thought leaders in the field,” she says and adds:
“I am particularly excited to see how the theme of unlocking the future of energy will be explored at the conference, as I believe that this is a critical issue for the industry and for the planet as a whole. As a moderator, I plan to draw on my expertise and experience to facilitate engaging and insightful discussions that will help attendees gain new perspectives and insights into the future of energy.”
Erland’s commitment to fostering psychological safety led her to delve deeply into the subject, studying it extensively and joining masterclasses with Amy Edmondson, a recognized authority in the field. Her expertise and insights have been sought out by businesses across Norway, and she is a respected voice for building trust and creating positive work environments.
Her expertise in leadership development and Executive Search is matched by her exceptional public speaking skills. She has spoken at numerous events and conferences, captivating audiences with her insights and engaging style.
The nine founders accepted into the Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator program will be pitching at Demo Day during the conference.
Hundreds of applications from 51 countries came in for the fifth edition of the accelerator program Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator. Now nine companies have been selected for the program, which has been developed to help speed up the companies’ development and growth.
This year’s nine companies come from Canada, the USA, India, Sweden, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Norway. The three Norwegian participants are Neomare, Norsjor, and Weme.
“Norway is recognized as a global hub in energy technology, which is why Techstars has chosen to locate our energy accelerator here. This year’s start-up companies challenge the boundaries of technology and innovation for tomorrow’s energy industry and I look forward to following the companies’ development over the next 13 weeks,” says Audun Abelsnes, Managing Director of Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator.”
On 15 June, the companies will present themselves to a larger audience during Energy:Connected, with the aim of recruiting new investors for the next phase of the companies’ development.
(Photo: Ole Jørge Bratland, Equinor)
ENKI.AI (United States): AI-Powered Market Intelligence Platform for Climate Tech Companies
Enurgen (Canada): Empowering the Future of Solar Energy with Enurgen’s Operating System.
Liquidstar (United States): Where the grid ends Liquidstar’s begins.
NeedEnergy (Zimbabwe): The Missing Platform For Trading Renewable & Clean Energy at the Edge of the Grid
neomare (Norway): Game changing imaging technology
Norsjór ór (Norway): Clean hull without exception
OE Systems AB (Sweden): Enabling stable renewable energy through waves
Solavio labs (India): Solar panel dry cleaning robots to reduce soiling, increase plant generation and save water.
WeMe Facilitators (Norway): A digital tool for action-triggering dialogue.
Techstars Demo Day is a result of a startup accelerator program with support from Equinor, Capgemini, and Techstars. The program seeks world-leading startups that are developing cutting-edge technology and they get help from mentors and experts to drive the energy transition.
Demo Day at the Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator is an event where the startups that have participated in the accelerator program get to showcase their businesses and their innovative energy solutions to potential investors, industry experts, and the broader energy community.
During Demo Day, each startup typically gives a short presentation or pitch about their business and their energy solution, highlighting the market opportunity, the technology or service they are offering, the team, and their traction. The presentations are usually followed by a networking session, where attendees can meet the founders, ask questions, and discuss potential investment or partnership opportunities.
Demo Day is an important milestone for startups, as it provides them with a platform to gain visibility, validate their businesses, and attract potential investors or customers. For investors and other stakeholders, Demo Day is an opportunity to discover promising startups, connect with founders and industry peers, and potentially invest in or partner with high-growth companies working in the energy sector.
The Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator is a 13-week program that is designed to support and mentor startups working on solutions related to renewable energy, energy storage, digitalization, and other related fields. The program provides participating startups with access to mentorship, funding, and other resources to help them grow and scale their businesses.
The Equinor & Techstars Energy Accelerator connects the networks from Equinor, Capgemini, Techstars, and investment partner Sandwater. The goal is to support and grow the companies over 13 weeks and beyond. Techstars has invested in more than 2,500 companies with a combined market cap of more than $220B.
Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere.
Fornebu Music and Arts Festival (FOMA) is one of the official partners of the Energy Connected conference. The festival is held at the same time as the Energy Connected conference. The partnership with FOMA will provide a networking arena that is both fun and unique!
“FOMA has become a very popular arena for businesses in Fornebu and the Oslo region. Over 50 different companies will celebrate the summer, and they invite colleagues and even partners to enjoy the festival,” says CCO of FoMa, Dag Arne Midtbø.
The festival provides a great networking arena for the conference attendees as there will be a lot of possibilities to meet interesting people in a social environment where you can enjoy music, art, food, and drinks together with over 10 000 other guests from all over the Oslo region.
“As well as take a snap together with Beach Volleyball players no 1 in the world, Mol & Sørum, at FOMAS own court”.
FOMA will bring a unique cultural dimension to the conference, showcasing new and renowned artists, and providing a fun and exciting atmosphere for participants to network and build new relationships.
“Energy Connected Attendees can expect a unique and exciting experience at the FOMA music festival. Not only will they have the opportunity to network with professionals in the energy industry, but they will also be able to relax and recharge by enjoying great music and art,” says Midtbø.
The delegates will also get the chance to explore and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of the festival venue, which is one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in Oslo.
“At the festival, attendees can expect to be entertained by the eclectic lineup of artists, including the headliner Ellie Goulding, Isah, Miss Li, and five other talented artists. In addition to the music, the festival will feature interactive art installations and a variety of food and drink vendors, making it a truly immersive experience.” Says Midtbø.
Energy Valley has reserved its own exclusive area, just for the conference attendees. The site will have a bar, standing and seating tables, food serving, etc.
“Everything needed to enjoy the atmosphere together with colleagues and conference attendees,” says Midtbø.
Energy Connected is proud to announce that Melati Wijsen, founder of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and Youthtopia, will be a keynote speaker at the Energy Connected conference on June 15-16, 2023.
At just 22 years old, Melati is a full-time changemaker and has significantly impacted the world with her activism and leadership.
Since the age of 12, Melati has led the youth-driven movement Bye Plastic Bags and started the people movement One Island One Voice and the social enterprise Mountain Mamas. Her efforts to create a sustainable future have earned her recognition on a global stage, including two TED talks and speaking engagements at the UN.
In addition, Melati has been named one of FORBES’ top ten most inspiring women in the country and has been honored by TIME as one of the most influential teens in the world. She graduated high school one year early and has been recognized by CNN Heroes Young Wonders and FORBES 30 under 30.
Attendees at the Energy Connected conference will have the opportunity to hear Melati’s inspiring story and learn about her efforts to create a better future.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to hear from one of the world’s most promising young leaders!
See Melatis TED talk