The story

This year marks 10 years since Innovation Dock opened its doors for the first time. Over the past decade, countless stories and successes have emerged, shaping what we are today: an innovation hub where hundreds of companies and thousands of people have been part of our journey. Here’s our story.

Founded in the summer of 2014 by two visionary entrepreneurs, Nils-Henrik Stokke and Magnus Meisal, Innovation Dock was established to revolutionize the co-working space in Stavanger. The founders quickly pivoted from leasing to owning properties, leading to the development of the Vannkanten project in Stavanger East. Initially, a modest 50m² space was considered, but it soon became clear that more room was necessary to foster a vibrant startup environment. The acquisition of an adjacent, larger section set the wheels in motion, and before long, all nine sections of the building complex were secured and opened in January 2015.

By 2016, with the properties fully leased, Pia Warland joined as CEO, further strengthening the company. New premises at Kvitsøygata 30 were acquired to accommodate the influx of startups, which sparked an array of activities including events, projects, and educational programs. Initiatives such as Gründerhub, Nordic Energy Accelerator, and Vekstlab:Reiseliv are among the many projects facilitated.

In 2019, a significant shift occurred when Nils-Henrik bought out Magnus, and Tore Gjedebo joined as a co-owner. Tore’s forward-thinking approach steered the company towards greater dedication to sustainability and impactful projects, with Fauna Eksperimentet being a prime example.

2020 marked the opening of our first Sandnes location, Apache, which was fully leased upon its inauguration. The same year, we planned for the expansion with the acquisition of a new building on the docks of Sandnes city center, named “Mörtel,” slated to open in early 2025.

Impact Awards were launced 2023 and is now an important yearly happening where we celebrate innovative achievements that shape the region for the future. This has also laid the foundation for new project, Impact Lab in particular, where we’ve partnered up with Equinor and will launch now in 2024.

At the end of 2024, the founders bought out Tore Gjedebo, and IKM Invest became a co-owner, ensuring the company’s future growth and stability.

Today, our team consists of four dedicated professionals, supported by an active and experienced board. At Innovation Dock, we have cultivated a strong network that offers comprehensive support across industries, positioning us for future growth and continued contributions to building tomorrow’s businesses and jobs.