The Ocean Autonomy Cluster is formalizing a strategic partnership with TMA BlueTech, the leading BlueTech cluster in San Diego and one of the most influential hubs for ocean innovation in the United States. The collaboration builds on a relationship established in 2020 and represents a long-term commitment to connecting the Norwegian and American ocean-technology ecosystems.

TMA BlueTech brings together industry, academia, and government to accelerate innovation in maritime defense, ocean resilience, and dual-use maritime technologies. With the new agreement, the Ocean Autonomy Cluster becomes TMA’s official representative in Norway and Northern Europe, while TMA BlueTech will act as the cluster’s strategic bridgehead in the United States.

“This partnership gives our companies a structured and credible introduction to the U.S. market,” says Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. “By establishing a clearer framework for company exchange and joint activities, we are creating a real transatlantic platform for BlueTech growth.”

SeaSats represented by the LightFish and the QuickFish at National City Aquatic Center (photo: Frode Halvorsen)

Strengthened ties following BlueTech Month in San Diego

The partnership was formalized during BlueTech Month in San Diego, TMA’s global arena for ocean innovation. Throughout November, the event brings together industry leaders, researchers, investors, and policymakers, and is closely linked to the internationally recognized BlueTech Week. This year’s participation included several Norwegian actors, among them Maritime Robotics.

“BlueTech Month provides unparalleled access to the U.S. ocean-technology community,” Halvorsen says. “We see strong interest from American companies that want to understand Norwegian capabilities, and the timing is right to formalize a structure that supports this exchange.”

The two clusters also share several members, including Kongsberg, Fugro, Norbit, and Nortek, reinforcing the relevance and strategic fit of deeper cooperation.

Several USVs in the sunset at National City Aquatic Center (Photo: Frode Halvorsen)

Next step: joint activities and U.S. market access for Norwegian companies

With the new agreement in place, the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and TMA BlueTech will facilitate a two-way exchange of companies, supporting market entry, pilots, partnerships, and investor exposure in both regions. Several U.S. companies have already expressed interest in joining the Ocean Autonomy Cluster following the November meetings, drawn by Trondheim’s strong technology environment and the Trondheimsfjord as a world-class test arena under the Testination framework.

“We see a natural alignment between the technology environments in San Diego and Trondheim,” Halvorsen explains. “Our complementary strengths and shared focus on unmanned and autonomous systems create strong opportunities for collaboration.”

A joint delegation to San Diego is planned for December 2026. Companies from the Ocean Autonomy Cluster will participate in TMA BlueTech Week and connect directly with TMA’s network of industrial partners, research institutions, and maritime agencies.

“TMA will be our bridgehead in the United States, and we are establishing a long-term structure that will benefit members in both clusters,” Halvorsen says. “There is clear demand for Norwegian expertise, and this collaboration provides a practical, reliable way to connect our companies with the U.S. market.”

A welcome partnership for TMA BlueTech

Matt Classen, Executive Director of TMA BlueTech, welcomes the strengthened cooperation:

“TMA is proud and happy to partner with Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Together we are advancing the next generation of autonomy and robotics through international collaboration and knowledge sharing that accelerates real world innovation. This partnership strengthens the transatlantic Blue Economy and creates powerful opportunities for companies to grow, lead, and deliver meaningful impact. We are very much looking forward to realizing measurable and impactful outcomes via this alliance.”