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Administration
Mikael Melitshenko
Mikael Melitshenko
Mikael Melitshenko is an experienced leader in innovation, business development, and incubation, with over two decades of driving growth for technology companies. As the current Head of Venture at Smart Innovation Norway, Mikael directs strategic development and commercialization of innovative tech companies.
His previous roles include Head of Incubation and Program Manager of Corporate Innovation where he was instrumental in nurturing startups and integrating new solutions into established companies.
Previous positions includes leading technology and innovation projects, and as CEO of a Swedish Business Incubator, he focused on strategic growth and support for entrepreneurs.
Mikael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Marketing, underpinning his expert leadership in technology incubation and strategic growth.
Celine Zapffe
Celine Zapffe
Celine Zapffe is an experienced Customer Success Manager at Smart Innovation Norway, known for her proficiency in project management, customer experience, and business development.
With a Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship from Kristiania University College, she specializes in creativity, innovation, and business development.
Since October 2020, Celine has been responsible for managing customer relationships and enhancing customer engagement and success at Smart Innovation Norway.
She previously led business development projects as a Project Manager and provided business strategy consulting. Her skills include business strategy and development, project management, customer success, and coaching, alongside a unique expertise in equestrian coaching as a certified Level 3 Riding Instructor.
Thomas Hansen
Thomas Hansen
Thomas holds a master’s degree in innovation and knowledge development from the University of Agder, where he specialized in the development and restructuring of entrepreneurial ecosystems. During this time he developed an interest for business development, innovation, and ecosystems.
Furthermore, Thomas has experience in consultancy from the manufacturing industry. More specifically on business development and efficiency, methods of Lean six sigma. Thomas enjoys working with people and supporting them in becoming better versions of themselves. He is an experienced instructor of organizational change processes and rock climbing. He believes the two have a lot in common in terms of uncertainty, need of guidance and use of proven methods. his position at Smart Innovation Norway, he will use his skills and knowledge to improve and support the Launchpad programs.
Matias Heggdal
Matias Heggdal
Matias Heggdal holds a Bsc in Innovation and Project Management from Østfold University College. It includes one semester abroad at California State University Monterey Bay, USA. During his stay abroad he explored the startup ecosystem in Silicon Valley and consulted a Norwegian startup on how to best become a part of this ecosystem.
Matias has for the past years been active in the startup environment and is the co-founder of two startups. Matias’ passion is to facilitate good learning arenas for startups to accelerate growth and increased likelihood of international success. For his thesis, he researched best incubator practices amongst Norwegian and European incubators, and after completion he was hired at Smart Innovation Norway.
In his current job at Smart Innovation Norway, he holds the position as Program Manager in Venture. His responsibilities are to plan and execute all the Launchpad programs.