1. No category

Agder Delegation to Houston and OTC 2014
May 1-8, 2014
Draft Program (ver. April 8th)
If you like to attend any of the events below and haven`t yet done so, please follow the link
below to an online registration form. http://booking.teamworks.no/
Thursday, May 1st
Visit to Texas A&M University, at College Station (located 90 minutes drive north of Houston).
Followed by visit to NOV’s facility Grant Prideco, located close to Navasota, which is on the way back
from College Station to Houston. Program at Texas A&M University: a research-intensive flagship
university.
8:00 a.m.
Departure by cars / chartered bus from Houston - Transportation to Texas A&M
University at College Station (www.tamu.edu)
10:00 a.m.
Brett Cornwell, Associate Vice Chancellor for Commercialization
Linda Ravey, Project Coordinator
Topics: Tech Transfer & New Ventures
11:00 a.m.
Blake Petty, Assistant Vice President for Research, Innovation & Business
Development
Overview and/or tour of the Bioscience Business Accelerator and Startup Aggieland
Possible special meeting between UiA and Mays Business School
(http://mays.tamu.edu/)
Noon
James Lancaster, Founder, Research Valley Funds, LLC
Overview of the Research Valley Fund
1:30 p.m.
Wrap up – Linda Ravey
1:45 p.m.
Depart to National Oilwell Varcos facility, Grant Prideco in Navasota
2:15 p.m.
Arrival at National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Grant Prideco, Navasota.
NOV will give an overview of its R&D development activities.
Grant Prideco is the NOV-supplier of drill pipe and drill stem accessories. Offering a
full range of proprietary and API drill pipe, drill collars, heavy weight drill pipe, and
drill stem components, NOV Grant Prideco is the single source for all drill stem needs
from the top-drive to the bit sub.
Onward transportation to Houston
5:45 p.m.
Arrival Hotel Houston
7:00 p.m.
Dinner in Houston (tbd) Place will be announced later. Hosted by the Port of
Kristiansand.
Friday, May 2nd
8:30 a.m.
Welcome to Norway House by the Royal Norwegian Consulate General, mr Jostein
Mykletun. Introduction to Houston, the CGs office and todays program.
Innovation Norway, INTSOK and the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce
IN- Houston office, By Director Asbjørn Flo. Innovation Norway will introduce the
programs targeted at companies with an interest of the US market, Mexican Gulf etc.
IN Houston will also introduce case companies with successful US market entries.
9:00 a.m.
INTSOK, - Norwegian Oil and Gas Partners - was established in 1997 by the
Norwegian oil and gas industry and the Norwegian Government. How can INTSOK
help and assist your company on the US market and worldwide. By John Hurter,
INTSOK, Oil and Gas Advisor, Houston.
10:00 a.m.
Coffee break
10:30 a.m.
Introducing the Houston region, by Greater Houston Partnership (tbc)
The Houston region is one of the most important industrial bases in the world and
was recently ranked No. 1 among the top U.S. manufacturing cities. How the
Partnerships work aligns with Houston’s economy and the region’s needs. Priorities.
Presentations of energy technology companies located in Houston area with global
operations.
Websites:
Norwegian Consulate General: www.norway.org/houston
Innovation Norway: http://www.innovasjonnorge.no/no/Kontorer-i-utlandet/usa-houston2/
INTSOK: http://www.intsok.no/index.php?categoryid=159
NACC: http://www.naccusa.org/
Greater Houston Partnership: http://www.houston.org/
Tentative;
11:45 a.m
A presentation of Aker Solutions with a view from Houston, by Mr Thor Arne
Håverstad, Head of M&A and Technology | Drilling Technologies
12:15 a.m
12:20 a.m
Short introduction to the Kristiansand and Agder business region,
NODE the world class cluster of Norwegian Offshore & Drilling Engineering
companies, by CEO Anne Grete Ellingsen
Informal networking lunch at Norway House
12:45 p.m.
1:45 p.m.
-
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region and Port of Houston
Economic development services on behalf of 16 communities surrounding the 25mile Houston Ship Channel. The Economic Alliance has generated investments worth
approximately $1.2 billion in investments into the region. Port of Houston is second
largest in the US.
By Mr Chad Burke, President/ CEO, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region
Others that attend from the alliance are:
Karen Gregory, Chairman of the Board, EAHPR
Randy Drake, Chairman of the New Business Development Task Force, EAHPR,
Marie McDermott, Vice President of New Business Development Task Force,
2:30 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m
7:00 p.m.
Stan Swigart, Market Development Manager, Trade Division, Port of Houston
Authority. Changes may occur.
Transportation from Norway House
Visit to Cameron Sense and the R&D lab:
High Level Company presentation of Cameron Sense 10 minutes
The reason behind the acquisition of TTS Energy/Sense and future strategies
for Cameron in Kristiansand. 20 minutes
R&D in Cameron Sense. 20 minutes,
o
Going from an entrepreneur mentality to be a Fortune 500 company.
Q&A 10 minutes
Guided tour at the R&D lab. Host: Thomas Myrvold: Director Rig Solution
Other Cameron personnel that will attend:
Hunter Jones GM/VP Cameron Drilling Systems
Lee Womble VP Sales
Rolf Gullaksen Rig Solution Sales Manager Houston
http://www.c-a-m.com/forms/Index.aspx
Departure from Cameron Sense to Galleria
Buffet Dinner at the Residence of the Norwegian Consul General, with invited U.S.
guests. Good networking event, estimate, 40-60 participants
Saturday, May 3rd
Options:
09:30 p.m.
Visit to NASA/Houston Space Center, http://spacecenter.org/attractions/
If there is sufficient interest, there will be a small fee for transportation and entrance.
1:30 p.m.
Optional Lunch for the group from Kristiansand/Agder. Sponsored and hosted by
participating organization/ Region.
7:00 p.m.
Get together dinner with group from Greater Stavanger and Business Region Bergen.
Hotel Westin Galleria. Sponsored by bank (tbc). By invitations through Greater
Stavanger – registration!
Sunday, May 4th
10:00 a.m.
Stavanger and Bergen group visit to the Norwegian Seamens Church in Pasadena.
Transportation will be organized to and from the church.
4:00 p.m.
2nd Agder/Kristiansand OTC- networking reception at the Wynden, Houston. By
invitations from Mayor of Kristiansand. http://www.thewynden.com/
Monday, May 5th OTC
8:00 a.m.
Greater Stavanger and Bergen/Region Bergen breakfast meeting,
(for participants with Greater Stavanger and Bergen/NCE Subsea). Agder delegation
to join?
10:00 a.m.
OTC exhibition and conference at Reliant Park
Shuttles from most hotels to and from Reliant-Provided by OTC.
6:30 p.m.
Reception for Norwegian participants to OTC at Consul General’s residence. By
invitation only.
(Limited capacity!! Agder/Kristiansand group have a maximum of 30 guests)
Tuesday, May 6th OTC
Optional visits or receptions with Greater Stavanger
OTC continues at Reliant Park
12:00 (noon)
NAAC OTC-Luncheon, Western Galleria.
Wednesday, May 7th OTC
Optional visits or receptions with Greater Stavanger
OTC continues at Reliant Park
6:00 p.m.
NAAC Annual OTC Dinner, “Norsk aften” at River Oaks Country Club.
Address 1600 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston.
http://www.nacchouston.org/events/norskaften2013/
Thursday, May 8th OTC
Last day of OTC.
List of persons in the Agder Delegation:
st
Thursday May 1 ; College Station& Grant Prideco:
Director Ms Anne Grethe Ellingsen, NCE NODE
Deputy director, Ms Ann Marchioro, NCE NODE
International coordinator/business development Mr Øyvind Lyngen Laderud, City of Kristiansand
Director Regional Development, Mr Kenneth Andresen, Vest Agder County Council,
Head of Business development, Ms Wenche Fresvik, Aust Agder County Council
Manager, Ms Rita Schage, Innovation Norway, Agder Office,
Dean Frank Reichert, University of Agder (pending)
Adviser Pål Grandal, University of Agder, UiA (pending)
Professor, Michael R Hanssen, Faculty of Technologies, UiA (pending)
Vice Dean, Jan Inge Jenssen, University of Agder, Business and Law School,
Associate Professor, Mr Rotem Shneor, University of Agder
Faculty Director, Per Sigurd Sørensen, University of Agder
Clare Jortveit, NHO Agder, Confederation of Norwegian Industry.
Ari Mathiesen, WebStudent, NOROFF
Nils Harald Flaa, Servi Group
Donna Kidwell, WebStudent International
Thomas J Meyer, Teknova
Kristin Wallevik, CEO Agder Research
List of Companies
in the Agder Delegation:
nd
Friday May 2 : Norway House and afternoon visit:
Mayor of City of Kristiansand, Mr Arvid Grundekjøn,
Head of Unit, Mr Finn Aasmund Hobbesland, City of Kristiansand/Urban development
Director Ms Anne Grethe Ellingsen, NCE NODE
Deputy director, Ms Ann Marchioro, NCE NODE
International coordinator, Mr Øyvind Lyngen Laderud, City of Kristiansand
Director Regional Development, Mr Kenneth Andresen, Vest Agder County Council,
Head of Business development, Ms Wenche Fresvik, Aust Agder County Council
Manager, Ms Rita Schage, Innovation Norway, Agder Office,
Knut Arild Kaupang, Maritime Protection AS
Dean Frank Reichert, University of Agder (pending)
Adviser Pål Grandal, University of Agder, UiA (pending)
Professor, Michael R Hanssen, Faculty of Technologies, UiA (pending)
Vice Dean, Jan Inge Jenssen, University of Agder, Business and Law School,
Associate Professor, Mr Rotem Shneor, University of Agder
Faculty Director, Per Sigurd Sørensen, University of Agder
Clare Jortveit, NHO Agder, Confederation of Norwegian Industry.
Ari Mathiesen, WebStudent, NOROFF
Donna Kidwell, WebStudent International
Kristin Wallevik, CEO Agder Research
Thomas J Meyer, Teknova
Companies in the delegation:
NCE NODE
Representatives: CEO Ms Anne Grethe Ellingsen and Project manager Ms Ann Marchioro.
Norwegian Offshore & Drilling Engineering, NODE is a business cluster of over 50 companies within
the oil and gas industry in southern Norway. The offshore industry in southern Norway represents a
strongly industrial environment. The NODE companies deliver everything from complete platform
solutions to high-technology equipment for use on platforms and ships. Their client list includes both
national and international rig owners as well as oil and shipping companies.
Technology Ventures
Representative: CEO Kjetil Stuland
Technology Venture is an investment company, focusing on investments in technology as a first
priority, but also in other selected businesses. The investment focus is:
•Invest in selected pre commercial and commercial technologies for industrial applications
•Establish and or enter new ventures when technologies have achieved commercialization
•Select technologies which has the potential to “platforms” for applications
•Sourcing technologies to global industrial groups, i.e Industrial Partners to Technology Venture
WebStudent International
Representatives: Ari Mathiesen CEO and Founder
Donna Kidwell, WebStudent International, president
Webstudent’s concept is the use of different open-source technologies as cloud services. This is in
combination with the use of new business models for working with schools, universities and
corporate clients to distribute and sell their accredited educational or training programs.
Servi Group
Representative: Nils Harald Flaa, COO Houston, VP Sales Oil & Gas Industries
Servi, the market leader for hydraulic solutions and systems for the Norwegian offshore industry.
Servi has a clear emphasis on the offshore sector and the Norwegian maritime industry, and the
company works closely with its major customers to develop customised hydraulic solutions of high
quality. The investment company Ferd is 100% owners since 2013. Servi has 10
departments/locations, also one in Houston.
Teknova
Representative: Thomas J Meyer
Teknova was established to fill the need for a research institute for science and technology. The goal
is to create a bond between the University of Agder, Agder Research and the industry and commerce
in the southern part of Norway. This is, and will in the foreseeable future remain, the most important
feature of Teknova’s operations. Teknova also has tasks that stretch outside the southern part of
Norway, as research is often international and the industries we work with are often global. In the
Norwegian research environment Teknova is competing for funds provided by both industries and
the authorities, for instance from programs by the Research Council of Norway and the EU.
Aker Solutions
Representative: Tor Arne Håverstad, Head of M&A and Technology | Drilling Technologies
Aker Solutions is a global provider of products, systems and services to the oil and gas industry. Our
engineering, design and technology bring discoveries into production and maximize recovery from
each petroleum field. They employ approximately 26,000 people in about 30 countries
Maritime Protection AS
Representative: Knut Arild Kaupang, Sales Manager
Maritime Protection is an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in inert gas systems
for the marine and offshore industries. Inert gas is used to prevent explosions and fires occurring
onboard ships particularly industrial oil tankers carrying crude oil, hydrocarbon gases or refined oil
products.
Agder Research/Agderforskning
CEO Kristin Wallevik
AR is an interdisciplinary Social science research institute and a part of the University environment in
Agder region. AR is financed by commissioned projects. 47 academic staff members, Of these, 28
hold PhD.
University of Agder
Representatives: Frank Reichert, Dean UiA
Michael R Hanssen, Professor Faculty of Technologies
Per Sigurd Sørensen, Faculty Director
Jan Inge Jenssen, Vice Dean School of Business and Law
Mr Rotem Shneor, Associate Professor, School of Business and Law
University of Agder has about 10.000 students. Department of Engineering Sciences is responsible for
all the traditional engineering areas at the University, in addition to an MSc-programme in industrial
management. Engineering sciences is rapidly growing, both in terms of student influx, programmes
offered and research effort. Construction, planning and design handles areas within structural
engineering, design, and technical planning as well as energy design. Mechatronics is presently the
most expansive group at this department. A PhD programme in mechatronics is offered.
University of Agder School of Business and Law: Educating future leaders with professional
background in Economics and Business Administration, Accounting and Auditing, Marketing, Tourism
and Product Development, Law, International Management, Innovation and Knowledge
Development, Industrial Economics and Technology Management
Contact Persons
Royal Norwegian Consulate General
Jostein Mykletun, Consul general
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 713 503 6693
Elise Ivara Dahl, Intern
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 713 444 4582
Ragnhild Olsen Hvoslef, Intern
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 713 449 4037
Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce (NACC)
Anne-Brith Berge, Executive Director
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 281-537-6879
Innovation Norway
Asbjørn Flo
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 281 536 1449
Eric Schjøtt Namtvedt
[email protected]
Mobile: +1 713 924 7961
Agder- Delegation
Øyvind Laderud,
[email protected]
Mobile: +47 47648492
Royal Norwegian Consulate General
3410 West Dallas Street
Houston, Texas 77019
Phone: 713-620-4200
Email: [email protected]
www.norway.org/houston