Dear members, partners and supporters!

We would like to thank you for a fantastic year, filled with development, new establishments and collaboration.

We have had the pleasure of strengthening our offerings and network, while at the same time creating new opportunities for both our members and partners.

Here are some of the highlights that have characterized the year:

Stian Broen back in Kobben

In May, we started a new chapter with the establishment of Kobben Consulting, where we welcomed Stian Broen as CTO. Stian is no stranger to the Kobben community. He was one of the first startups in our incubator back in 2013 with Broentech. Now he brings his expertise back to lead the development of cloud-based technology.

Activity in the incubator

The incubator has had a very active year, with 83 companies affiliated in 2024.

Every day we see progress among our companies – some experiencing product development breakthroughs, while others securing IPOs or expanding their teams. Even those who have to adjust their business plans show an impressive willingness to adapt. No matter where they are on their journey, it is incredibly inspiring to have the pleasure of working with so many exciting entrepreneurial companies.

Throughout the year, we have also participated in several collaborative projects with the county's policy apparatus, which contribute to strengthening the ecosystem for innovation and growth, such as the incubator and growth program.

Did you catch these things?

Progress in Vestfold Investor Network

Vestfold Investor Network, which we finance together with Sparebank1 Sør-Norge, has been an important arena for Vestfold-based companies this year. Through four gatherings, 18 companies have presented their ideas to investors. The network is a collaborative project between the entrepreneurial houses in Vestfold, Tenden law firm, Kobben and Sparebank1 Sør-Norge.

AI and technology in focus

This year, like last year, artificial intelligence has been central to several of our events. Horten Tech Festival became an arena for inspiration, where we organized an entrepreneurial pub with entrepreneurial stories from Odin Chocolate and Christian Butenschøn. There was also Kahoot, where we challenged participants with pictures. Their task was to find out if they were real or AI-generated.

At the beginning of the year, we had a visit from Arti Consult who held a course in ChatGPT, which turned out to be a great success. It was so successful that we chose to have it as the topic at one of our Kobben Talks gatherings. We are now planning an AI day in the new year, which will address more about how to use AI in everyday work.

Electronic Coast: A strong industrial cluster

Electronic Coast (EC) has had an eventful year, with several exciting news:

  • The creation of the professional team "Team Export", which got off to a great start with a kick-off in December. The next meeting is already on February 6, 2025, where the topic will be DEKSA and IPR.
  • The 2024 EC conference focused on collaboration as a competitive force, with presentations on Chip Act Norway and collaboration for sustainability. Next year, attention will be focused on "Robust Industry in Unbelievable Times", a theme that reflects today's global challenges.
  • Through a new EU project, EC has become part of Norway's focus on microchips. This collaboration opens doors to advanced microtechnology and strengthens the competitiveness of both Norwegian and European companies.

Thank you for an inspiring year

We are incredibly grateful for the commitment of our members, partners and customers in 2024. Together we have created a strong foundation for further growth and development.

We look forward to a new year filled with new opportunities, innovations and collaborations.

Greetings to us in Kobben