International network joins forces in the US
Over the course of 2025, Sustainable Ocean Solutions (SOS) has developed into an international network that connects researchers, technology environments, investors, administration and young ocean actors across Norway, the US and the Pacific region. Throughout the year, the network has organized several gatherings that strengthen the collaboration between ocean cities and innovation environments before One Ocean Week takes place in Bergen next year.
The Bergen company Farvatn, led by Johan Odvar and Kristin Odfjell, is behind the initiative, which has developed over several years.
Text: Ole Reinert Olsen, One Ocean Week
Kick-off in Bergen with youth and research at the center
The journey started in April during One Ocean Week in Bergen, where participants from different disciplines met to highlight new perspectives on leadership related to the ocean industries, social responsibility and knowledge sharing. The program included contributions from school students, researchers and international ocean profiles.
The gathering marked the start of this year's international SOS activities and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the development of future ocean solutions.
Research and innovation meet in San Francisco
In November, the program continued in San Francisco, where Norwegian and American academic environments gathered for a number of professional events both on land and on board the sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl.
During an innovation showcase organized by Innovation Norway, Norwegian technology companies presented solutions within electrification, energy-reducing hull technology and environmental ocean projects.
The Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco also organized a reception on board the ship, attended by more than 200 guests from business, research and Norwegian and American institutions.
Sustainable Ocean Solutions Summit
The main event, the Sustainable Ocean Solutions Summit, brought together investors, researchers, students, politicians and entrepreneurs for a day of professional discussions, concerts, lectures and panels.
The program included, among other things:
- introduction by international researchers and authors
- youth panel with voices from both Norway and the US
- sessions on ocean investment, innovation, storytelling and technology
- presentations of ongoing research and commercialization projects
- a management workshop on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl
The summit highlighted the breadth of today's ocean innovation and how capital, research and creativity are increasingly connected.
Sail to San Diego
The summit was followed by a four-day professional voyage on board Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The voyage served as a learning platform where participants worked on topics such as research, storytelling, team dynamics and international cooperation.
The groups developed several pilot projects aimed at commercialization, research and operational test arenas. The projects involve partners in both Norway and the US and will be further developed in 2026.
A growing international ocean community
The activities through 2025 have led to a number of new collaborative projects between players in Norway and the USA. In addition, a strengthened interaction between research, technology and investor environments was achieved.
One of the goals of the gathering was also increased international knowledge sharing and networking.
Norway's Ambassador to the USA, Anikken Huitfeldt, spoke at the SOS Summit. Photo: Brennan Smart
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