NORDSEC and Ocean Autonomy Cluster were pleased to host Esben Gadsbøll, Chairman and co-initiator of Danish Tech Startups and one of the initiators behind the Defense Innovation Highway, together with Sigbjørn Albertsen from the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC).
The visit to Trondheim was part of efforts to strengthen Norwegian-Ukrainian technological cooperation, with a particular focus on ocean and defense technologies.
The program included a visit to Operasjon Gugne, the training program where the Norwegian Home Guard in Trøndelag provides instruction to Ukrainian soldiers, giving the guests close insight into cooperation on the ground.
As part of the visit, the guests were also introduced to pioneering research and technological solutions for autonomous maritime systems at the NTNU Shore Control Lab. They later visited Veteranhuset Midt-Norge, where they received an introduction to veteran work in Trondheim and the house’s strong engagement in support for Ukraine.
Maxime Audrain from NTNU demonstrates the Shore Control Lab for Sigbjørn Albertsen from NUCC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Next step: Tech meetup in Trondheim
Following the visit, plans are now underway to organize a Norwegian-Ukrainian tech meetup in Trondheim in collaboration with the Ocean Autonomy Cluster.
The aim is to create a physical arena where innovators, startups, academia, and businesses from both countries can come together. The event will have a particular emphasis on ocean technology, defense technology, and the development of new opportunities for cooperation.
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Demonstration at NTNU Shore Control Lab. From left: Maxime Audrain, NTNU; Esben Gadsbøll, Danish Tech Startups; Sigbjørn Albertsen, NUCC; and Tevje Ravn Eggan, NORDSEC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Defense Innovation Highway
The Defense Innovation Highway is a platform established to accelerate cooperation in defense innovation between Ukraine and the Nordic countries. By connecting startups, investors, and private-sector defense actors, DIH helps bring forward innovation with rapid implementation, including through delegation visits and networking arenas in both Ukraine and the Nordics.
Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce
The Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) is a member-based, non-commercial organization established in 2008 to promote business and trade relations between Norway and Ukraine. The organization contributes to a better understanding of the Ukrainian market and facilitates collaboration between companies in both countries through networking, advisory services, matchmaking, and support for sustainable development.