Due to the current situation parts of their internship has been done from home office but both of them are eager to get back to Bergen, so we look forward to them joining us here soon.

During their time with the cluster the dynamic duo has been working on researching Fintech and Sustainability, helping startups with funding applications and working with PropTech Innovation on a joint initiative targeting green financing in the real estate industry and much more.

How has your time with the cluster been so far?
- The learning curve has been high since we started. We have been working on various projects and really gotten to challenge ourselves. Our interest for fintech has been heightened and we are looking forward to presenting the cluster and fintech trends to our class later this month, says Sigrid.

- With our academic background we’ve been equipped with relevant tools and frameworks on innovation processes which we´ve been looking forward to applying in a real context. It has been great to dig deeper into the challenges and opportunities in the fintech industry and we are looking forward to working more in-depth with topics like Open Banking, Fintech and Sustainability, says Astrid.

What impressions do you have of the cluster so far?
- The innovation level in the cluster and the willingness to collaborate between members is quite impressive. During our studies we’ve read a lot about the importance of working together and combining technologies in new ways to enable innovation, and it’s inspiring to see this happening in practice, says Sigrid.

- Our internship has allowed us to work with a set of members who have the drive and initiative to work on joint projects. So being a part of an open innovation ecosystem like the cluster is rewarding and is an experience I will take with me further in my career, says Astrid.

Get to know our interns a bit more:

Sigrid is born and raised in Oslo. After finishing High School, she moved to New York City with her family and enjoyed a year full of experiences, activities and pleasures in which the Big Apple has to offer. Summer of 2016 she moved to Bergen to study Organizational Psychology at the University of Bergen, where she found great interest in team development, motivational factors and leadership. Sigrid has always been intrigued by the idea of working in a cluster, and the collaboration that occurs within an ecosystem. This year she has found great interest in fintech and the immense innovation happening in this field.

Sigrid | sigrid@financeinnovation.no

Astrid grew up in a small town called Hafslo, located in the innermost part of Sognefjorden. After finishing High School in Sogndal, she has studied subjects like law, pedagogy, marketing and management of tourism experiences. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Organization and Management. Astrid has a great interest in innovation and the rapid development in digitization and technology in financial services. 

Astrid | astrid@financeinnovation.no