Backing Growth– from Start-up to Scale-up

Agenda Vestlandet – the foundation backed by Sparebanken Norge – is awarding NOK 11.9 million to GCE Ocean Technology. The funding will continue a proven scale-up programme that has already helped several companies grow – and will also support the development of a similar programme tailored for start-ups.

Sparebanken Norge, formerly Sparebanken Vest, has been the main sponsor of the programme from the very start through Agenda Vestlandet.

The goal is to help companies scale faster and smarter – both in Norway and internationally.

New programme for start-ups

The collaboration with MIT in Boston is now being expanded. In addition to the Scale-up programme, a new Pre-Scale-up initiative is being launched – a programme for startups with growth ambitions.

The programme is based on the Disciplined Entrepreneurship methodology from MIT – the same model that has helped scale companies – and includes a stay at MIT. This new initiative is also made possible through Agenda Vestlandet.

– We need to create fertile ground that encourages more young people to take the leap. Norway and Western Norway need more people who want to create jobs – for themselves and for others. To do that, we must provide the tools they need. The Scale-up programme has delivered excellent results over many years, and that’s why we’re now enabling this expansion. We strongly believe that the same methodology can support entrepreneurs in earlier phases as well, says Frode Nergaard Fjeldstad, Director of Allocations at Agenda Vestlandet.

Long-term support is paying off

The NOK 11.9 million in funding will ensure continued development of both the Scale-up and Pre-Scale-up programmes over several years.

– Without the long-term support from Agenda Vestlandet and Sparebanken Norge, none of this would have been possible. Now we can continue to build on a programme that has already delivered outstanding results, says CEO Owe Hagesæther.

Built on research and experience

Both programmes are based on Disciplined Entrepreneurship by MIT Professor (and serial entrepreneur) Bill Aulet – a framework rooted in his own experience with hands-on entrepreneurship and growth strategies.

The Pre-Scale-up program is set to launch in spring 2026 and will be integrated into existing incubator initiatives such as Ada, Eitri, and 70Blå, in collaboration with VIS.

GCE Ocean Technology and VIS will jointly recruit companies for the programme. Other innovation actors from Western and Southwestern Norway are also invited to collaborate.

Caption: Participants from Amundsen Kabel, Aragon, CCB, Entail, Flex2Future, Framo, Glex, and Æge Energy were part of the 2024/2025 cohort. Here they are outside the iconic MIT Dome in Boston during the session held there.

Recruitment has started

The Ocean Tech Scaling programme will run again for the eight time, in autumn 2025. So, if you lead a growth company with ambitions for international expansion – or want to learn more? Don't hesitate to get touch with Owe Hagesæther to learn more.

– The most important thing you contribute is your time. That time will reduce the risk in your growth strategy – and help you avoid costly mistakes, says Hagesæther.

Both programmes are open to growth companies and startups from Southern and Western Norway.