In a strategic renewal of their nearly decade-long alliance, Cognizant and Norway-based energy heavyweight Aker Solutions have inked a new multi-year deal aimed squarely at AI-driven IT transformation. The partnership—which dates back to 2016—enters a bold new phase, with Cognizant deploying its Neuro® platform to modernize core technology operations without rocking the stability boat.
Why does this matter? Because in the ever-volatile energy sector—where supply chain disruptions, sustainability pressures, and the hunt for operational efficiency collide—digital agility isn’t a luxury; it’s survival.
From Stability to Scalable Innovation
Under the new agreement, Cognizant will overhaul Aker Solutions’ IT service delivery by introducing a transformation roadmap that leans on the latest in generative AI, cloud infrastructure, and machine learning. The goal: faster response to market changes, tighter cybersecurity, and smoother user experiences.
That roadmap spans cloud services, network operations, application management, and cybersecurity—essentially the full digital stack. But the plan is careful not to fix what isn’t broken. Cognizant is rolling out upgrades with an eye toward continuity—think evolution, not disruption.
A key part of the initiative is a scalable, consumption-based commercial model, designed to let Aker flex its IT spend and capabilities in real time. That’s especially timely as energy companies face mounting pressure to balance innovation with cost containment.
Why Aker, Why Now?
Aker Solutions, a central player in energy engineering and technology services, is already deep into a digital pivot. “This agreement supports Aker Solutions’ digital journey,” said Signy Vefring, EVP for Strategy and Technology. “We’re aligning our tech stack to improve value creation and cut costs across the project lifecycle.”
For CIO Ingvild Berlin Kalleberg, the move is about future-proofing. “We want to stay at the digital forefront of our industry,” she said. That means embracing tools that aren’t just modern, but agile enough to evolve with Aker’s global operations.
The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Energy Transformation
With the energy sector pushing toward decarbonization and decentralization, AI adoption has quietly become a critical enabler. From predictive maintenance to supply chain optimization and real-time monitoring, energy firms are increasingly betting on AI to stay competitive.
Cognizant’s Neuro® platform enters this landscape as both a toolset and a strategy. Designed to enable secure, responsible deployment of generative AI across enterprise operations, it positions Cognizant as a key player in energy’s tech evolution—a space where rivals like Accenture and Infosys are also actively expanding their AI portfolios.
Saket Gulati, Cognizant’s Head of Northern Europe, framed the renewed partnership as a launchpad for further innovation. “We’re aiming to enhance innovation across Aker Solutions’ IT operations and drive better outcomes for the energy sector, not just in Norway but globally,” he said.
In a sector as traditional as energy, the shift from legacy systems to intelligent infrastructure can feel like turning an oil tanker mid-stream. But Cognizant and Aker Solutions are proving it’s possible—with the right tools and a steady hand on the wheel.
Their partnership underscores a larger industry trend: digital transformation isn’t coming for energy—it’s already here. And increasingly, AI is riding shotgun.
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