From the Fish Counter to UiT’s Innovation Hub

29-year-old Henrik Sørland from Ekeberg in Oslo is one of three brand-new student advisors at InnoHub. He is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, steep learning curves, and making it easier for students to take the step from idea to action.

Without innovation, development stops

For Henrik, innovation is about movement and progress, both for individuals and society.

– Without innovation, the world stagnates. It may feel safe, but then others take over. I want to be part of the development and be able to tell my grandchildren that this was something I helped create.

He believes he can contribute with new perspectives to InnoHub by combining experience from "the ground floor," leadership experience, and by connecting the Tromsø community with his national network.

At InnoHub, Henrik also wants to build on his event and project management skills. He consciously aims to take a more prominent role:

– I've often been the person behind the scenes making sure the structure works. Now I want to develop as an organizer, to become more comfortable in front of an audience. I want to see how far I can push myself.

Point of contact for UiT students

Henrik, along with two other student advisors in 20% positions, will serve as a low-threshold contact point for students curious about innovation and entrepreneurship, regardless of their academic background.

His ambition is to make InnoHub a natural meeting place for students who want to try, fail, and learn together.

– I want to create good relationships and a close knit innovation cohort, where people drop by to work on their ideas, meet others across disciplines, and gain new experiences and memories, he says.

Henrik will work one day a week and will be visible at events and meeting places organized by InnoHub. Practically speaking, this means you'll encounter him all over the campus in Tromsø, from the Fisheries College to the Business School, and the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Loves challenges

The new innovation advisor shares that he enjoys steep learning curves and new challenges. This led him to join Start UiT when he began his master's degree.

At Start UiT, he quickly became involved in the innovation group, responsible for planning and executing events. Not least, it included a trip to Start Forum in Oslo, a national pitching competition.

– It was a taste of the innovation environment in Tromsø, which I hadn't seen as clearly during my bachelor's. I really enjoy things that are new and offer a steep learning curve.

In addition, he has experience in leadership roles for student organizations, board positions, over 10 years of work experience, and two years as a production manager for the Norwegian seafood company Domstein.

The result of these experiences is a combination of structure, execution ability, and practical intuition. Or as he puts it:

– I've had a lot of responsibility and flexibility, and I thrive when I make things happen.

From the fresh food counter to aquaculture studies

Henrik originally earned a vocational certificate as a fishmonger in Oslo in 2016, and his experience from the fresh food counter eventually became a springboard for further studies.

First, he completed a bachelor's degree in fisheries and aquaculture science in Tromsø. Then he moved on to a master's program.

– Aquaculture science is interdisciplinary. I've gained insight into everything from regulation and management to biology, economics, and statistics. Along the way, I chose several courses in marketing and management, he explains.

For his master's thesis, he is conducting a socioeconomic analysis of the Alta River, examining the economic ripple effects in Alta municipality from salmon fishing in the river in 2025. However, we'll have to wait until spring 2026 to dive into his findings.

Pure flavors, clear ideas

Privately, Henrik nurtures several budding ideas. The one he is currently focusing on the most is a beverage developed with local ingredients from Northern Norway. A drink without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or artificial flavors.

– I want to focus on purity in taste. The plan is to freeze-distill the drink to concentrate the flavors. The drink should give a clear kick at the start before mellowing out. The method is in place, and the goal is to test flavors and ingredient combinations early next year, he shares.

The plan is to launch the drink by summer, if everything goes according to plan.

The chef and theater enthusiast

Outside of his studies and his work at InnoHub, you'll find Henrik in the kitchen, often preparing a three-course meal for his partner or friends. Every April and summer, he also organizes themed evenings with food and drinks for his circle of friends. Last time, the theme was Italy. Henrik Sørland enjoys the good life.

– I really love flavors. It can be anything from a well-thought-out drink to a good gin or whiskey. I like pure flavors, he says.

Theater and performing arts are another passion. He has attended theater, musicals, and operas from Tromsø to Berlin and London. The most memorable experience was Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall.

The last play he saw with his partner at Hålogaland Theatre in Tromsø was "Evig ung" ("Forever Young"), where a group of elderly actors relive their youth before the theater – which has been turned into a nursing home – is demolished.

– We had an amazing time at that performance!

And when he needs to get from A to B, he prefers to bike. No matter the weather. His creativity can also lead to spontaneous solutions, like the time he had to balance and transport 15 large moving boxes on his bike.

– It wasn't the best planning to use the bike that day, but I made it work. I get things done, he says with a smile.

Are you a student with an innovation idea? Here is how to reach Henrik

Do you have an idea, a challenge from your studies, or just want to get to know the innovation environment? Henrik and the rest of the InnoHub team would love to hear from you.

– I really appreciate when people call for quick clarifications. For longer and more complex questions, email is best, he concludes.

You can also meet Henrik at events and gatherings organized by InnoHub.

Phone: +47 99 37 69 20
Email: henrik.sorland@uit.no
Henrik's staff page