The Winners of Aqua Nor’s Student Camp 2025!
21. August 2025 · Ukategorisert
The Student Camp at Aqua Nor in 2023, had an overwhelming interest. Naturally this repeated itself this year, and the event was a huge success. Over the course of two intense days, talented students have worked in teams around this year’s theme: “Beyond World Technology.” The winning idea was a digital learning platform, which secured first place – and a prize of NOK 10,000.
The jury’s decision was based on how structured, engaging, and convincing the presentation was, while also showing a strong understanding of the market, the industry, and the needs of Norway as a nation. The winning team tackled a current social issue – including rural depopulation, labor shortages, and the inclusion of those outside the workforce.
Winning Team: Group 3
- Johannes Aab (Bachelor in Environmental Management, Tallinn University)
- Kalani Rathnayake (Master in Health Management in Aquaculture, NTNU)
- Ihram Ihram (Master in Industrial Ecology, NTNU)
- Maria Sunnset (Master in Ocean Resources, NTNU)
- Gaute Øymo Mælen (Master in Aquaculture Engineering, NTNU)
AquaLearn – an inclusive learning platform for coastal communities
The challenge was to develop a digital or technological solution within aquaculture that would enhance recruitment and training in Norway’s coastal communities. The solution should help build local competence, create jobs, and support sustainable development – both for people and nature.
The winning group proposed a national digital learning platform that would deliver aquaculture education directly to local coastal communities.
— AquaLearn targets both schoolchildren and unemployed individuals. Much of the content will be the same, but unemployed users will receive more in-depth training and a final test that results in certification, explains Gaute Øymo Mælen.
Maria Sunnset adds that the program combines VR, AI, and interactive simulations, offering as much hands-on experience as possible.
— Since higher education isn’t a requirement for working in aquaculture, the certification can be a clear advantage when applying for jobs, says Maria.
Vigdis Harsvik from Innovation Norway, who also sits on the board of the Nor-Fishing Foundation, was one of four jury members at this year’s Student Camp.
— The jury greatly appreciates that the project aims to certify and uplift those who are marginalized, while also building bridges between locations and generations. We also feel the that social and economic dimensions of sustainability are well highlighted, says Harsvik.
An Intense and Educational Experience
As participants in the Student Camp, the students got to attend the exhibition, gain insight into the industry, and network with potential employers and fellow students.
The winning team agrees it’s been an intense but very educational experience, and they’re grateful for the new connections they’ve made.
— We come from very different backgrounds – which we think has been a real strength in our solution. It’s been incredibly rewarding to develop an idea together, says Maria Sunnset.
She laughs a little before continuing:
— We changed our case on day two, because we decided to go with a new idea! So we were both happy and surprised when we won. But we really believe in our concept.
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the students who participated in this year’s Student Camp!