Tech
Scottish Government backs aquaculture mission to Norway
A Scottish Government-backed delegation is travelling to Norway next week to showcase the country’s aquaculture supply chain and boost international trade opportunities.
Some of Scotland’s latest aquaculture and marine technology will be demonstrated to an audience of 25,000 people from 75 countries at Aqua Nor – the world’s largest aquaculture technology showcase.
The event takes place in Trondheim from 22 to 24 August and includes a Scottish pavilion attended by 18 of Scotland’s aquaculture supply chain businesses.
The ‘Team Scotland’ presence at the event has been arranged by a partnership involving Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Centre (SAIC) and the Scottish Government.
Companies joining the shared Scottish pavilion will have access to facilities for technical demonstrations, talks and networking, to support new commercial opportunities. A further 18 Scottish companies are joining the wider delegation with their own stands or as visitors to the event.
Some of the Scottish marine technology on display includes OTAQ’s Live Plankton Analysis System, which employs machine learning to automatically detect potentially harmful species of phytoplankton. GenusWave is also displaying its advanced audio signalling technology, which helps to protect salmon from predators.
Other organisations taking part are MiAlgae, Krucial, Moredun Scientific, Otter Ferry Seafish, Tritonia Scientific, Brimmond, SAMS Enterprise, I&C Process Solutions, KelpRing, Aqualife Services, Underwater Contracting, Veramaris, DSM-firmenich, Fish Farmer Magazine, Tritech and the University of Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture.
The Scottish pavilion will be officially opened by Mairi Gougeon, Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.
She said: “The pavilion showcases the innovation, technology and research of Scottish aquaculture to an international audience and will create economic opportunities for the sector, including Scottish small and medium sized businesses.
“Scotland’s aquaculture sector is a significant contributor to our economy, generating approximately £885m GVA and an estimated 11,700 jobs while producing healthy and nutritious products.
“Our recently-published Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture sets out our ambition to grow the sector, deliver innovation and makes clear the Scottish Government’s support for a sustainable aquaculture industry and supply chain.”
Aqua Nor brings together the latest products, processes and services covering farmed finfish, shellfish and seaweed.
As part of a three-day pavilion programme, a panel talk between representatives from Scotland, Norway, Canada and the Faroes will explore how different aquaculture-producing nations fund, drive, adopt and commercialise innovation to drive forward sustainable growth in aquaculture.
Heather Jones, chief executive of SAIC, said: “Some of the SMEs joining the delegation may not have otherwise had the chance to come to Trondheim.
“This is why we have pulled together as Team Scotland, building on our role as a hub for connecting different areas of the sector and the academic community.
“I hope to see consultancy, new orders, and product and knowledge expertise exported from Scotland, contributing to our country’s international growth.”
Separately, Scottish fintech firm Know-it is set to embark on the 2023 UK Fintech Trade Mission to Australia.
This comes ahead of the credit risk platform’s planned launch into the country during the first quarter of next year.
Along with several other Scottish fintechs, Know-it will be present at the Intersekt conference, from 30 to 31 August in Melbourne. The business will also attend an extra leg in Auckland from 4 to 5 September.
Prior to Intersekt, Know-it will also be attending Xerocon Australia in Sydney.
Lynne Darcey Quigley, chief executive of Know-it, commented: “The plight of late payment culture and outdated manual credit control processes is not exclusive to UK businesses – now is the time for Australian businesses to gain access to ensure their cash flow and financial processes are secured and automated from end-to-end.
“There is real appetite in Australia with the likes of Xero and MYOB making it easy for businesses to connect their accounts package to our automated credt control solution.”
She added: “Having this opportunity would not have been possible without our partners at Fintech Scotland and Scottish Enterprise; providing the necessary support start-ups like ourselves require to be a part of crucial events such as Intersekt conference.”
Nicola Anderson, chief executive at Fintech Scotland, said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase the platform as part of this mission and it recognises the excellent work everyone at Know-it has put in under the leadership of Lynne Darcey Quigley.
“International growth is the next step for scaling-up fintechs and Australia is a great choice, taking advantage of the UK-Australia fintech bridge which align regulations in both countries.“
Jan Robertson, director of global trade at Scottish Enterprise, added: “We’ve been pleased to support Know-it with its plans to enter the Australian market and we are confident the company’s presence at Intersekt will raise its profile with potential customers and partners alike, helping the company achieve its export ambitions.”
Don’t miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter – sign up here for free.
Kirby Smart rips CFP committee after Georgia’s 31-17 thrashing of Tennessee: ‘I don’t know what they’re looking for’
Raiders’ Brock Bowers sets NFL rookie tight end record with 13 catches versus Dolphins
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter thrash Canada as GB qualify for Billie Jean King Cup semi-finals
Steelers kick their way to victory over Baltimore in battle for AFC North supremacy
NFL Winners and Losers: Doug Pederson was once a coaching star. What happened?
Lions obliterate Jaguars 52-6 in the biggest blowout of this NFL season
