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How can Norwegian tech companies position themselves for the growing focus on defence, security and emergency preparedness?

This was the key topic at the third XLRTR workshop, hosted by the NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster, Ocean Autonomy Cluster and FI Ocean Space Incubator.

Throughout the day, participants gained insight into how investors, industry players and advisors assess developments in the defence-related market, and how Norwegian companies can prepare for collaboration, investment, and growth.

Egil Garberg, Investinor. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/NORDSEC

From opportunities to positioning

Egil Garberg from Investinor opened the day with an overview of the growing capital flow into the defence sector, and how companies with relevant technology can position themselves to access this funding.

Kim Lynge Sørensen from UBIQ Aerospace shared practical experiences from industrial collaboration and discussed how the company has navigated partnerships with both public and private stakeholders. His talk offered valuable insights into what works in practice—and where the common challenges lie.

Kim Lynge Sørensen, UBIQ Aerospace. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/NORDSEC

Legal and strategic frameworks

After lunch, PwC took the stage with a deep dive into the legal and strategic aspects of industrial collaboration. Morten Riseth and Haldis Ulsund outlined the legal frameworks for defence procurement, while Jørgen Mjønes and Hans Jacob Hurrød shared insights into investment processes and how Norwegian companies can position themselves in relation to international suppliers.

Kjetil Birkeland Daatland emphasized how security and preparedness are becoming competitive advantages when engaging with the defence sector.

Morten Riseth and Haldis Ulsund, PwC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/NORDSEC

Next milestone: Defence Conference, 24 September

Participants also received information about the 2025 Defence Conference, which will be held on 24 September. This conference will serve as a key arena for networking, positioning, and visibility in a rapidly growing market.

The companies in the XLRTR programme will take part in the conference, showcasing their technologies and solutions aimed at the defence and emergency preparedness sector.

Hans Jacob Hurrød, PwC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/NORDSEC

About XLRTR

The XLRTR programme is designed to accelerate collaboration between tech developers and investors, with a strong focus on the ocean space, security, and defence. The workshop offered a valuable mix of analysis, experience sharing, and practical tools to help companies take the next step in engaging with a sector in rapid development.

Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager at NORDSEC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/NORDSEC