Driving industrial innovation together
Your preferred partner for industrial research and innovation.
At Innovate Future, we aim to be your leading partner in industrial research and innovation. With extensive experience in research projects, we have gained deep insights into integrating technology, industry, and sustainability to drive a smarter, more efficient, and circular future. Together, we create innovative solutions to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Steinar Gulaker, CEO of Innovate Future, has extensive experience as a leader and participant in several recognized research projects, which you can read about below:
IPN Research Project DigiFab
- Developed a roadmap for Industry 4.0 tailored to Norwegian industry.
- The DigiFab courses are now offered in Norwegian business parks and other platforms, currently managed by Q3 Partners.
Project focus:
DigiFab aimed to create tools that make the transition to a digital factory both affordable and feasible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Norway.
Project methodology:
- Current State Analysis:
By mapping existing processes in a production company, a digital representation of the production environment was developed. - Creation of a Digital Image:
This digital representation served as the foundation for creating a company-specific roadmap towards Industry 4.0. - Customized Roadmap:
The roadmap was designed to guide SMEs on how to efficiently evolve and digitalize their operations, considering limited resources.
IPN Research Project Smartfab (Project Manager)
Funded by The Research Council of Norway
Project focus:
- Research and development of concepts within Industry 4.0.
- Product development with a focus on design for manufacturing.
- Planned and built an Industry 4.0 factory during the project period.
- Developed and implemented the learning factory Hubben.
Innovative Solutions in the Project:
Circular Business Model for Smart SMB Factories
Based on principles of circular economy, mass customization, and digitalization.
Product Development and Logistics Methods
Designed for the efficient implementation of the Smart SMB Factory concept.
Digitized Inventory Management Methods
Enhancing efficiency and reducing waste through automation.
Data-Driven Decision Support Systems
Powered by artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring and management of the value chain.
Demonstration Projects
Conducted in industrial companies to showcase practical applications.
he Smart SMB Factory strategy enables manufacturers to offer a high degree of customization while maintaining or improving response time, cost-efficiency, and quality, comparable to traditional mass production. This project strengthens the position of Norwegian SME manufacturers as providers of exclusive, high-quality products in national and international markets..
Project Partners in the Smartfab Initiative:
SINTEF Manufacturing
SINTEF Digital
Jærtek AS
Norgesvinduet Svenningdal AS
NTNU
Media and Videos from SmartFab:
Felder Group – Complete Industry 4.0 Factory developed in SmartFab
Robotic Innovation – Automated and robotic material flow solutions
Jærtek – Software solutions for the Smartfab project
Solid Works – Software contributions to SmartFab
Ungt Entreprenørskap – The launch of the Hubben Learning Factory
TV Vest – News feature about the Hubben Learning Factory
PN Research Project Circulaer (Project Participant)
Funded by The Research Council of Norway
Project Objectives
With the vision “to develop better, sustainable products in half the time”, the main goal of this project is to establish capabilities that support lean circular business models for two industrial companies.
These models aim to enable:
- Implementation of sustainable product and process innovation.
- Adaptation to future transformation needs.
- Increased productivity and market share.
- Reduced costs and environmental footprint.
Research Focus
- Lean Management for Circular Production
- Circular Product Development
- Zero-Defect Manufacturing
- Circular Methods for Waste Reduction
- Development of Concepts for Redesigning Used Furniture
The project was conducted in collaboration with
SINTEF Manufacturing
Møre Research
Lærdal Medical AS
Vitenskapelige publikasjoner
For more information and project-related publications, visit: Project Bank – The Research Council of Norway
Contact us
Feel free to contact us if you are looking for a research partner who shares your vision of a smarter and more sustainable future.