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Prototech changes name to Clara Venture Labs

Aker ASA is building a venture lab for industrial technology in Bergen. Prototech changes name to Clara Venture Labs and represent Aker’s positioning within industrial technology and materials.

Clara sky background

By Geir Omdal, Head of Marketing at Clara Published

In June Aker acquired the company from NORCE, a leading independent research institute in Norway. Prototech was established in 1988 and originated from CMR Michelsen Research Institute in Bergen.

Clara holds a portfolio of interesting technologies and competence. Aker contributes with resources, industrial competence and active ownership in the commercial development, according to Martin Bech Holte, Chairman of the Board. A new name, owner and operating model will enable Clara’s project portfolio to reach new heights.

Bernt og Martin
Martin Bech Holte, Chairman at Clara, and Bernt Skeie, CEO at Clara

The company will build on its existing positioning within research and development of technologies for space, ocean space and circular economy. Earlier this year Aker also acquired the business of advanced materials company Abalonyx, which is re-branded to LayerOne and becomes part of Clara.

Clara will be capitalized by Aker Venture Capital and be the venture platform for investments in industrial technology and materials. The ambition is to develop breakthrough industrial technology from ideas to ventures.

Clara’s first ventures focuses on fuel cells for green shipping, pyrolysis technology for waste handling. Additive manufacturing, regenerative fuel cells for space, and industrial scale production of graphene oxide.

Clara’s ambition is to create a curious and entrepreneurial environment where great minds are given the resources to make their ideas reality.

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