Nor-Fishing Innovation Award 2026
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Quick Answer
A NOK 100,000 (about ₹8 lakh) prize for the best new product or service for the fishing industry. The 2026 round closed on 15 May 2026.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- The Nor-Fishing Foundation
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- International
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 16 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by The Nor-Fishing Foundation. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this competition
The Nor-Fishing Innovation Award is given by the Nor-Fishing Foundation in Trondheim, Norway, which runs the Nor-Fishing exhibition for the fishing industry. The 2026 round is closed. The last deadline was 15 May 2026. The page header shows 22 to 24 August 2028 as the next Nor-Fishing exhibition, but the page does not announce a next award round, so check the Nor-Fishing site.
The award is open to companies from Norway and abroad, so an Indian company can apply. It is not limited to India.
What the program offers
The winner of the best innovative product or service for the fishing industry receives NOK 100,000 (about ₹8 lakh). The Foundation says it runs the award to encourage research and development in companies and among individuals. Previous winners have said it motivated their R&D and is a useful reference in marketing and sales to important fishing nations. The winner is announced at the Nor-Fishing opening ceremony, and the presentation is posted on Nor-Fishing's digital platform, including YouTube.
Who can apply
Companies in Norway or abroad that supply equipment or services to the fishing industry may apply. Individuals, inside or outside the industry, may also apply. Research institutions cannot be the applicant, though applicants can work with researchers, for example on laboratory tests. The project must be owned by the applicant.
The innovation must give the fishing industry, or part of it, significant benefits in at least one area: environment and sustainability, fish and sea, fish health, crew safety, facilities and vessels, economics, efficient operations, or market development.
This suits an Indian marine-tech, aquaculture-tech, safety-gear or fisheries-software company that can show a real product with a clear gain for fishers or processors. It does not suit a university lab applying on its own, or an idea owned by someone else.
How to apply
Applicants must use the Foundation's new application form. For 2026 the form was sent by email to the address on the award page, with the subject line "Nor-Fishing Innovation Award 2026". The page asks applicants to send well before the deadline. A practical tip: set out, in plain figures, what your product changes for a vessel or plant, since the jury weighs the benefit to the industry.
How applications are judged and what happens next
A jury from the fishing industry, research funding and Innovation Norway assesses the applications, with representatives from bodies such as the Norwegian Fishermen's Association and a fisheries research funder. The page names no scoring criteria beyond the benefit areas above. The winner is announced at the Nor-Fishing opening ceremony.
About the Nor-Fishing Foundation
The Foundation is based at Pirsenteret in Trondheim, Norway. It organises the Nor-Fishing exhibition and uses the award to encourage innovation in the industry.
Things to check before you apply
- If you plan to patent, file before you disclose the invention publicly, including in an award entry, because disclosure can affect patentability. If a patent application already covers it, entering is not a problem. The page refers applicants to the Norwegian Patent Office.
- The prize is in Norwegian kroner, so the rupee value will move.
- The page does not say whether the winner must attend the ceremony or whether travel is covered.
- Indian winners should check the tax treatment of foreign prize money with an adviser.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
Prizes & Awards
What You Get
The winner receives NOK 100,000 (about ₹8 lakh) and is announced at the Nor-Fishing opening ceremony. Past winners say the award helped as a reference in marketing and sales to important fishing nations.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
A jury drawn from the fishing industry, research funding and Innovation Norway assesses the applications and picks the best innovative product or service. The winner is announced at the Nor-Fishing opening ceremony, which is also shown on Nor-Fishing's digital platform.
Application Process
- 1
Complete the form
Fill in the Foundation's application form.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a company from India apply for the Nor-Fishing Innovation Award?
Yes. The page invites companies from Norway and abroad that supply equipment or services to the fishing industry. An Indian company with an owned project can apply.
Can I apply as an individual?
Yes. Individuals inside or outside the fishing industry may apply. Research institutions cannot.
How much is the prize?
NOK 100,000 (about ₹8 lakh) for the winner. The page does not state how it is paid.
What is the deadline, and is the 2026 round still open?
No. The last deadline for 2026 was 15 May 2026. The page text still reads as open, but the date has passed, and no next round is announced.
How do I apply?
Fill in the Foundation's new application form and email it, marked 'Nor-Fishing Innovation Award 2026', to the address on the award page.
What kind of innovation wins?
One that gives the fishing industry significant benefits in areas such as environment and sustainability, fish health, crew safety, economics, efficient operations or market development.
Is it a grant or equity?
It is a prize. The page does not mention equity or conditions on use.
Do I need to attend the exhibition?
The page does not say so. The winner is announced at the opening ceremony, which is also shown on Nor-Fishing's YouTube channel.
Should I patent before applying?
If you plan to patent, avoid public disclosure first, including in an award entry, because it can affect patentability. The page refers you to the Norwegian Patent Office.
Is it free to enter?
The page does not mention an entry fee.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
