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 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 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 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.

Focus on Compliance from a wider business perspective, and in particular Information Security and Cyber Security. In addition, broad financial experience and longtime experience in building strong and robust organizations. Managing with commercial focus both long term and short term. Strong on people management with focus both on teams and individuals. Many years’ experience in working with global companies. Headed up several restructuring projects delivered successfully and proven ability to deliver on growth targets.

Specialties: Compliance, information security, cyber security, funding, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, building efficient organizations, restructuring and profitable growth, people management.

Inge Michael Bilet has broad experience from both Norwegian and international business, covering market research, FMC, energy and automobile industry. He has been an entrepreneur and part of large international companies.

In the year 2000, he took a Bachelor’s degree in Export Marketing (Norway/Germany), followed 20 years of experience from sales, marketing, market research, consultancy and innovation. His recent positions were Head of Marketing and Product Development at Fredrikstad EnergiSalg (Fortum) and Sustainability Advisor/Project Manager at Brox Consulting.

As Business Developer at Smart Innovation Norway, Inge Michael is determined to use his experience and expertise to speed up the transition to a circle economy, by helping companies innovate in a slightly faster pace, thus helping to create sustainable businesses.

Inge Michael is a business oriented, creative team player with a passion for sustainability, digitalization, new business models and circular economy.

Tor Ø. Frydenberg holds a M.Sc. degree in Radio Technology and Information Systems from the Norwegian University for Science and Technology (NTNU).

Tor held the position of CEO at Ericsson, Norway from 1999 to 2010, and as Vice President of Ericsson Professional Services in the Nordic and Baltic regions for 5 years in the same period.

Prior to 1999, he served as General Manager of Ericsson Radar, Kongsberg Ericsson Communications and Telettra Norge. Tor began his career as a scientist at Telenor Research & Development.

He is currently serving as an investor, chairman and member of the board for a number of start-up companies. At Smart Innovation Norway, he is engaged as a Special Advisor and Senior Consultant, specifically within the ICT industry.

Manuela is Head of the Energy Transition department at Smart Innovation Norway, where she oversees a team of researchers and consultants dedicated to developing innovative sustainability projects. Her work spans key areas such as energy transition, circular economy, and the application of AI, with a focus on both national and European initiatives. With extensive experience in designing and leading research and innovation projects, Manuela has contributed to several EU publications.

Beyond her leadership role, she is also an active mentor to start-ups within Smart Innovation Norway’s Venture department, supporting early-stage companies in scaling sustainable solutions.

Manuela holds a Master’s degree in European Studies from Sciences Po Paris, where she completed a traineeship at the European Commission. Prior to joining Smart Innovation Norway, she worked as a Sustainability Manager at Deloitte Paris, where she co-developed sustainability strategies and advised public and private organizations on ESG reporting and compliance.