Accelerating health innovation in Rogaland

Partners from the Invest in Norway network recently gathered in Stavanger for a dedicated inspiration programme focused on Rogaland’s growing health industry. The purpose of the day was to explore the region’s capabilities, connect with innovators driving change, and identify concrete opportunities for international business and investment.

Rogaland is recognised for world-class competence in energy, engineering and digital technologies. These strengths are now increasingly applied to health and life sciences. The meeting offered an opportunity to look more closely at how this industrial base, combined with strong public-private collaboration, can support health innovation and scale new solutions.

An innovation environment built on real-world testing and collaboration

Participants met at HelseCampus Stavanger, a regional hub for applied research, simulation and innovation in healthcare. The University of Stavanger and Stavanger University Hospital shared insights into education, research and clinical development, while Laerdal Medical hosted a site visit to its Forus manufacturing facility. Presentations from companies such as SAFER, Tidewave and Cervify illustrated the region’s ability to turn clinical needs and user insight into scalable products.

What stood out throughout the day was the strength of Rogaland’s test and learning infrastructure. Simulation expertise in acute medicine, access to clinical environments, and short pathways between research, industry and the healthcare system enable practical innovation and early adoption.

A region with emerging scale and clear investment potential

Although the health industry in Rogaland is still developing, recent analysis indicates a foundation for growth. A new regional study, commissioned by Validé and carried out by NORCE, notes that the region combines internationally recognised capability in emergency medicine and patient safety with an increasingly diverse base of companies within digital health, medical training, rehabilitation technology and biologically derived ingredients.

Rogaland’s strengths include a highly skilled workforce, close collaboration between industry and health institutions, and a strong culture of technology transfer from the energy sector. Companies benefit from a compact geography, efficient collaboration platforms, and a market that is open to piloting and scaling solutions that deliver better outcomes and improved operational efficiency.

The report also points to growth potential in segments such as simulation-based training, digital and AI-enabled care delivery, and advanced rehabilitation solutions. A clearer investment focus and strengthened access to testing environments are expected to accelerate momentum.

Download the report here – Norwegian language

Moving forward together

The inspiration programme reinforced a shared ambition to build a stronger position for Rogaland in Norway’s national health and life sciences offering. For the international investor and corporate audience, it demonstrated a region where new ideas can be tested quickly, expertise is accessible, and collaboration is part of the culture.

Rogaland is already known as an innovation region. With coordinated effort and continued partnership between public, private and academic actors, it is well positioned to become an increasingly important location for health technology development and investment.