From a basement at NTNU to a global tech success – OptoScale has rapidly grown into a leading player in camera technology and aquaculture. Now, we’re recognized as one of the world’s first companies to receive the “Made in Norway” origin label.
In 2015, as a young and newly graduated student, Sven Jørund Kolstø saw great potential in combining technology and fish monitoring in a way no one else had done before. What started as an idea with a handful of employees has, in just a few years, become a major success both in Norway and internationally.
“Today, OptoScale has over 50 employees across three offices in Trondheim and Chile, and our camera technology is developing at record speed. Fish farmers worldwide benefit from our precise monitoring of fish health. Receiving Norway’s first official origin label, ‘Made in Norway,’ is a great honor,” says Sven, our CEO and founder of OptoScale.
From “little” Norway to the great world
Trondheim, known as Norway’s technology capital, has proven to be the perfect breeding ground for our growth. Through close collaboration with local aquaculture producers, we’ve continuously been developing technology that sets new standards in the industry. This has not only resulted in high demand from the Norwegian aquaculture landscape, but also made us a key player on the global stage.
“Our success is built on close collaboration with fish farmers, which has been crucial to our development,” says Sven Jørund Kolstø. “Being able to solve their challenges with Norwegian technology shows a unique strength in the market. Norwegian products should be experienced and associated with quality.”
With one foot firmly planted in Norway and the other on global ground, we’re demonstrating that Norwegian technology can truly compete on the largest stages. With the origin label “Made in Norway,” this impression will now be strengthened.
The diploma says: We congratulate OptoScale AS for being one of the first companies to receive permission to use Norway’s official origin label, “Made in Norway,” on one or more of its products or solutions. The company’s participation and insight have been crucial in the development of the label, which stands for Norwegian origin, sustainability, and responsibility. Together, we will strengthen the value of Norwegian origin in both the national and international markets.
A historic event
Innovation Norway, which manages the scheme, emphasizes that the “Made in Norway” trademark is not just a stamp of Norwegian origin—it is a confirmation of quality, innovation, and sustainability. The label signals to the world that the product is developed and produced in Norway, adhering to the highest standards.
For us, this recognition is proof that our commitment to Norwegian value creation and production is paying off.
“We are extremely proud to be among the first in the world to carry the ‘Made in Norway’ label. It shows that Norwegian-produced solutions not only meet the mark but also set the standard internationally,” says Sven.
Norway on the world map
As competition intensifies and markets globalize, we place extra emphasis on two words: quality and precision.
“Our goal has always been to deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed the expectations of both Norwegian and international customers,” says Sven. “Quality and precision should be ingrained in everything we do. With Norway’s official origin label, we can now communicate this in a way that reinforces the impression global actors have of us.”
Pushing forward with new ambitions
With wind in our sails and the “Made in Norway” label as part of our brand, Sven is clear that we’lll continue to further develop the unique position we find ourselves in.
“It has been a fantastic journey so far, but we still have many ideas on the drawing board. We started with big ambitions in a small basement, and we have definitely not lost that spark. So stay tuned—the best is yet to come,” says Kolstø with a glint in his eye.
Facts about “Made in Norway“
- “Made in Norway” is a protected trademark used for marketing purposes, designed to enhance the position of Norwegian products and solutions in international markets
- The trademark scheme is part of the “Hele Norge eksporterer” initiative, launched by the government to boost Norway’s international competitiveness.
- Innovasjon Norge administers the scheme.
- Norway needs to increase mainland exports and restructure its industries. The country requires solutions that create jobs, foster sustainable growth, and boost exports.
- A common origin label will create synergies, where companies that succeed internationally with the label on their products will positively impact other Made in Norway companies.
- When you see the origin label, you can be confident that the product or solution is primarily developed or produced in Norway. The product or service also complies with Norwegian standards for responsibility and sustainability, which can be an advantage in international markets.
- The specific criteria vary depending on the product category.
