Elkem enters strategic partnership with Startuplab to drive green industrial technology innovation
Oslo, 17 October 2024 - Elkem ASA, a global leader in the production of advanced silicon-based materials, and Startuplab, Norway’s leading incubator and early-stage investor for ambitious technology startups, have entered a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of green industrial technologies and digital solutions.
“Elkem strives to be at the forefront of technological advancements, continuously exploring new ways of manufacturing our existing product-portfolio more sustainably and efficiently, and developing new products for a better world. This collaboration with Startuplab is a testament to our commitment to open innovation. It will pave the way for partnerships that will explore new frontiers in material science, energy efficiency, and digitalisation,” says Louis Vovelle, Elkem’s senior vice president of innovation and R&D.
One of the partnership’s key objectives is to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies. Startuplab provides a dynamic environment where startups can work with industry majors such as Elkem through knowledge exchange and collaborative projects to grow their ideas into sustainable businesses. This interplay not only speeds up the innovation process, but also ensures that the technologies developed are aligned with market needs and sustainability goals.
“Startups often bring forward solutions that are both cost-effective and innovative. They operate at a completely different pace in developing and scaling new solutions compared to large corporations. Having a strong industrial player like Elkem involved is highly valuable for Norwegian entrepreneurs who want to validate their solutions and scale them internationally. In addition, Elkem’s leadership in energy-efficient production and its contributions to sustainable materials, present some very exciting opportunities for several promising Norwegian startups,” says Christina Wiig, head of partnerships at Startuplab.
Elkem is recognised for its open and innovative mindset, with more than 30 collaborative projects across Norway and Europe with startups, small to large enterprises, academic institutions and clusters. The company’s Research & Innovation (R&I) ranges from work on energy efficiency and CO₂ emission reduction, circular economy, new materials and digitalisation.
Elkem is notably piloting CO₂-free silicon production through a ground-breaking concept that involves capturing and recycling the carbon in the production process. Other pilot projects include the development of 3D-printed metal components for electric scooter motors from iron-silicon powder, and 3D-printed silicones for the aeronautics and health care industries with the startup 3Deus Dynamics, in which Elkem owns a stake. In line with its climate strategy, Elkem is also involved in circular economy-related projects, which include chemical and mechanical silicone recycling, recovery of rare earth elements from magnets and recycling of waste streams from aluminium production.
“By collaborating with Startuplab and its dynamic ecosystem, Elkem can tap into the innovation potential of startups, strengthening our workplace culture of experimentation and creativity, and enhancing our competitiveness. This is important to realise Elkem’s strategy for sustainable, profitable growth and specialisation,” says Håvard Moe, Elkem’s senior vice president for technology.
Elkem devotes considerable effort to R&I activities, with more than 3.5% of 2023 revenues dedicated to new products and new processes, including technical support to customers. Through this investment, channeled through more than 550 researchers around the world, the R&I teams filed more than 35 new patents during the year. New products introduced within the past five years represent more than 15% of Elkem’s turnover.
“Digital transformation is a key focus for Elkem, and our partnership with Startuplab will accelerate this journey. We are enhancing efficiency and performance by integrating digital tools, including VR training for hazardous situations and advanced fire detection to improve safety. These innovations strengthen our position in a rapidly evolving market,” Lyudmyla Vynnytska, digitalisation director at Elkem, concludes.
Elkem: Marianne Stigset
VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs
Tel: +47 411 88 482
E-mail: marianne.stigset@elkem.com
Startuplab:
Christina Wiig, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Tel: +47 41105100
Email: christina@startuplab.no
Per Einar Dybvik, CEO
Email: pere@startuplab.no
About Elkem:
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,400 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2023, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 35.5 billion and CDP ratings of A on Forests, and A- on Climate Change and Water Security. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
About Startuplab:
Startuplab launched in 2012, and is Norway's largest incubator, accelerator and investor for ambitious tech entrepreneurs. Today Startuplab is located in both Oslo and Bergen, with more than 110 active member companies at any given time and has since the start made investments in more than 180 companies.
