Building Nordic Innovation Bridges: The Nordic Nexus Network
How can we help more Nordic solutions reach the market?
That is the question driving the Nordic Nexus Network — a new collaboration led by the Iceland Ocean Cluster and funded by Nordic Innovation.
The project connects ports, eco-industrial parks across Iceland and innovation hubs Norway, Sweden, and Denmark to form an integrated network of testbeds and collaborative ecosystems.
Creating a Nordic collaboration for innovation
The goal is to create a Nordic innovation pipeline where startups and SMEs can develop, test, and scale new technologies and business models in the areas of food, water, and energy. By linking existing local ecosystems, the project enables more efficient sharing of infrastructure, knowledge, and market access.
Today, fewer than 40% of Nordic innovations reach market readiness. One key barrier is fragmentation — strong national clusters and test environments often work in isolation. The Nordic Nexus Network aims to bridge these gaps, strengthening cross-border collaboration and building a more connected, competitive Nordic region.
Towards phase two
In its initial phase, the project partners have mapped existing infrastructures and explored collaboration models between the participating nodes. The next step is to expand the network and formalize partnerships that can support long-term joint innovation and commercialization.
As the first phase concludes, stakeholders and potential partners are invited to a webinar where the project team will share insights and lessons learned, and discuss the potential impact and added-value areas a second phase of a Nordic Nexus Network might bring.
Read more about the webinar here
The Nordic Nexus Network is laying the foundation for a connected and sustainable Nordic innovation ecosystem — one that can turn great ideas into real-world solutions.
The partners in the project are the Iceland Ocean Cluster (Lead), Iceland Eco Business Park, Innovatum Science Park, Sotenäs Symbioscentrum, ÅKP / NCE Blue Legasea, Gjøsund Harbour, Danish Ocean Cluster and Hirtshals Harbour.