Kathrine Myhre

Kathrine Myhre is the Director General of the Norwegian Industrial Property Office (NIPO), also known as Patentstyret in Norwegian. She assumed this role on January 1, 2021.12

Professional Background

Kathrine Myhre has an extensive background in innovation, business development, and technology commercialization:

• She holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Reading, UK, and the University of Oslo.1
• Her career began at the University of Oslo, where she handled intellectual property rights (IPR) and fostered innovation culture.1
• She was instrumental in establishing Birkeland Innovation in 2004, which later became Inven2, the technology transfer office at the University of Oslo.1
• In 2009, Myhre founded Norway Health Tech, a non-profit organization focused on innovation and international scaling of health companies.12

Achievements and Roles

• Under her leadership, Norway Health Tech achieved several milestones:

  • Awarded NCE-status (Norwegian Centre of Expertise) in 2015
  • Received Gold Label-status from the European cluster organization in 2016 and 2018
  • Became the largest health cluster in Norway by 202012

• Myhre initiated and chaired Norway's first health incubator, Aleap, from 2016 to 2020.1

• She was awarded the HIMSS Future50 European Achievement Award in 2019.1

• Currently, she serves as the vice chair of the board of the Norwegian Export Strategy Council.12

Current Position

As Director General of NIPO, Kathrine Myhre leads the organization responsible for managing intellectual property rights in Norway. Her role involves overseeing various aspects of patent, trademark, and design protection, as well as contributing to innovation and business development in the country.13

Kathrine Myhre is known for her expertise in innovation, business strategy, and public sector development. She is also recognized as an engaging speaker in her fields of expertise and has initiated numerous strategic and innovative processes throughout her career.12