Les saken på norsk Norwegian ocean technology is entering new and exciting markets. At the fourth XLRTR program session, participants received practical tools to strengthen communication and strategy, while also engaging with new international initiatives that can open doors for their technology in the defense market, both in Norway, internationally, and in Ukraine. Dual-use refers to technology developed for civilian purposes that can also be used for military applications. Andreas Birger Johansen from Halogen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Communication and market strategy in practice Over two intensive days, participants explored how messages can be tailored to different actors within the defense sector. The session was led by Jens Inge Hydnøy and Andreas Birger Johansen from Halogen, who guided participants in developing precise and visual communication solutions for both operational levels and decision-makers. Pål Rune Johansen, WaterLinked. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Exciting participant companies Companies in the XLRTR program include Zeabuz, Ocean Access, Clarify, Link Nordic, Water Linked, and Senti-Systems, representing a wide and exciting range of Norwegian autonomous ocean technology. They are all members of Ocean Autonomy Cluster or NORDSEC - Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. Clarify develops software for data-driven insights, while Water Linked provides sensor technology for underwater operations. Zeabuz works on autonomous surface vessel solutions, and Link Nordic is a distributor of technical components. Senti-Systems specializes in communication in GNSS-denied environments, and Ocean Access develops data and communication buoys that can also operate submerged. Together, they demonstrate how Norwegian technology can contribute to solutions that strengthen societal security while having broad applications in civilian markets. Jens Inge Hydnøy at Halogen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Program and partners The program is led by Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster, drawing on additional resources from FI Ocean Space Incubator, MIDAS, and Testination, all of which provide expertise, testing capabilities, and innovation support. Over four sessions, participants have gained insight into the dual-use market, corporate law and business regulations, capital and partner strategy, and now communication and market approach. Sigmund Henningsen explains how SentiSystems provides navigation solutions when GPS signals are unavailable. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Ready for Defense Innovation Highway As part of the program, participants also met Ukrainian representatives from the Defense Innovation Highway (DIH), a Danish initiative and platform to strengthen collaboration on defense innovation between Ukraine and the Nordic countries. We have made great progress in the development and use of maritime drones. We see great benefit in closer collaboration with partners in Norway on autonomous technology, said Dennis from DIH. The session also provided information on how DIH can facilitate faster cooperation and open new opportunities for dual-use technology internationally. Henrik Stray and Carl Johansson at Zeabuz. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Rewarding and inspiring The goal is to prepare ocean technology companies for deliveries to both defense and emergency markets as well as civilian customers, providing them with tools to grow into larger defense programs. Among major international programs the XLRTR companies are preparing to join is NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), which connects startups, research environments, and investors more closely with the defense sector to test and develop new technology faster. In Norway, LINK (Long-term Incentives for Knowledge and Innovation) supports SMEs in development and partnerships, helping them position themselves in the defense market. On a European level, EDF (European Defence Fund) funds R&D projects and provides resources for industry and research actors collaborating across member states. Through the fourth session, participants strengthened their ability to build clear and targeted messages, an important step toward positioning in a complex and demanding market. The process has been rewarding and inspiring, giving us new perspectives and practical takeaways. We gained a better understanding of operational needs and see great benefit in closer collaboration on autonomous maritime solutions, commented one of the participants. Thomas Olaussen, Link Nordic. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Meet XLRTR companies at the Defense Conference As part of the XLRTR program, the companies will also participate with a shared stand at the Defense Conference on 24 September. There, they will present their solutions and meet potential partners and customers at one of the most important gatherings for the Norwegian defense and security industry. The Defense Conference is organized by NORDSEC along with several partners. Syver Rønningen and Miriam Damhaug Hoel inform about the stands at the Defense Conference. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Do you want to join XLRTR? XLRTR is an acceleration/scaleup program for ocean tech companies with the ambition and potential to go into the dual-use market. Only for Norwegian companies. XLRTR - Request for more information Pictures from XLRTR Tore Norheim Hagtun at Clarify. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Andreas Birger Johansen at Halogen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Ingrid Margrethe Sandnes, manger of FI Ocean Space Incubator. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Henrik Stray and Carl Johansson i Zeabuz. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Carl Johansson, Zeabuz. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Thomas Olaussen, Link Nordic and Pål Rune Johansen, WaterLinked. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Les saken på norsk Ine Eriksen Søreide (Conservative Party), Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Mari Holm Lønseth (Conservative Party), Member of Parliament and member of the Standing Committee on Justice, Henrik Kierulf (Conservative Party), parliamentary candidate, and Ingvill Dalseg (Conservative Party), Chair of the Committee for Business and Industry in Trøndelag County Council and parliamentary candidate, visited Maritime Robotics in Trondheim to see a live demonstration of the Gjallarhorn project. Eirik Hovstein, Vice President Defence & Security at Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Gjallarhorn is a collaborative initiative between several Norwegian technology companies, developed to provide the Armed Forces and emergency preparedness agencies with enhanced situational awareness in coastal areas. The solution combines autonomous surface vessels, underwater inspection, and advanced data analytics to detect, identify, and monitor potential threats to critical infrastructure. - The technology enables the collection of real-time data both above and below the surface, with automated analysis and user-friendly visualization for decision-makers. The project is a prime example of dual-use technology designed for civilian applications, but with strong relevance for defense and security, says Eirik Hovstein in Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Demonstration at Maritime Robotics The delegation was hosted by Eirik Hovstein, Vice President Defence & Security at Maritime Robotics, who presented the company’s autonomous surface vessels and explained how they enable surveillance and patrolling without the need for onboard crew. Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager at NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster, outlined how the cluster connects the defense sector with technology companies. Trond Larsen and Oda Ryggen from Blueye Robotics demonstrated the company’s underwater drones, used for infrastructure and object inspections beneath the surface. Tore Norheim Hagtun from Clarify showcased the company’s software for data collection, visualization, and analysis, enabling rapid interpretation of large volumes of sensor data. Ingvill Dalseg and Ine Eriksen Søreide. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri - This makes me proud! The visit gave the parliamentarians and candidates insight into how Norwegian technology companies collaborate to develop solutions that can protect critical infrastructure and strengthen national preparedness. The Gjallarhorn project highlights how partnerships between innovative SMEs and the defense sector can deliver new capabilities that are rapidly deployed to meet an evolving threat landscape. “I’m glad to bring Ine to the technological heart of Trøndelag,” says Ingvill Dalseg. “What we were shown in the harbor basin was not only impressive — it was a glimpse into the future of defense. When three innovative companies, Maritime Robotics, BluEye Robotics, and Clarify, demonstrate their solutions together, we see the strength of Norwegian defense industry. These are not just individual companies, but an ecosystem where the NORDSEC cluster connects expertise into something greater than the sum of its parts. That makes me proud!” she says. “It is both important and encouraging that political leaders in Norway take the time to visit the actors working to develop relevant dual-use technology. This gives them a valuable opportunity to understand both the opportunities SMEs provide and the challenges they face,” says NORDSEC cluster manager Ebbe Deraas. Maritime Robotics, Blueye Robotics, and Clarify are members of both NORDSEC and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster, and key contributors to the Gjallarhorn project. Mari Holm Lønseth and Ebbe Deraas. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Trond Larsen, Mari Holm Lønseth, Ingvill Dalseg and Ine Eriksen Søreide. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Trond Larsen, Blueye Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Tore Norheim Hagtun, Clarify. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Les saken på norsk Arendal, 13 August 2025 – In a time of growing threats to critical infrastructure, including at sea, Fremtidens Industri, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, NORDSEC, and partners brought together key figures from defence, business, and politics for a timely panel discussion on how civil ocean technology can strengthen preparedness and surveillance. The event took place aboard MS Lofoten during Arendalsuka and attracted a full house of representatives from both the public and private sectors. Moderator Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager at Ocean Autonomy Cluster, led the conversation between Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik, Vice President Defence & Security of Maritime Robotics Eirik Hovstein, CEO of Blueye Robotics Christian Gabrielsen, COO of Clarify Bernt-Johan Bergshaven, and Trondheim City Council Leader Kristian Dahlberg Hauge. A growing threat picture at sea The discussion began with the fact that Norway, as a maritime nation, has significant assets under water—assets increasingly exposed to threats from both state and non-state actors. The panel agreed that existing, cost-effective technology from civil actors is already in place and can be scaled to cover large parts of the Norwegian coastline. “The Armed Forces must—and will—become more innovative. It will still be difficult to enter the defence industry; you have to win the competition,” emphasised Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik. SMEs must be allowed to deliver From the industry side, Eirik Hovstein of Maritime Robotics pointed out that achieving real change requires both time and collaboration, noting that smaller actors can act quickly, while larger organisations need more time to change course. “I agree that we have to win the competition, and we’re ready for that—but that assumes we know about the competition,” Hovstein said. “Today’s threat landscape demands a renewed focus on how we secure our critical infrastructure. To meet these challenges, close cooperation with civil actors who have specialised expertise in ocean technology is absolutely essential for the Armed Forces,” he added. COO Bernt-Johan Bergshaven from Clarify highlighted a challenge faced by many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): “It’s difficult to get insight into what SMEs can contribute,” he said, calling for better dialogue channels between SMEs and the defence sector. Smaller companies often end up competing with departments within larger corporations. Procurement processes must therefore be adapted to make it possible for SMEs to participate and deliver. Ready-to-use technology solutions Clarify, Maritime Robotics, and Blueye Robotics all presented concrete solutions already in commercial use but adaptable for monitoring and securing critical infrastructure. From the municipal side, Kristian Dahlberg Hauge stressed the importance of having local preparedness and technological competence in place before crises occur. Organised by Trondheim, the technology capital The event was organised by Trondheim, the technology capital, in collaboration with Trondheim Tech Port, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, Trøndelag County Council, Trondheim Municipality, and the Trondheim Region Chamber of Commerce.
Les saken på norsk During Arendalsuka, member companies from NORDSEC and the Ocean Autonomy Cluster came together to showcase some of the most advanced solutions in defence technology and maritime autonomy. The demonstrations offered the audience a unique insight into how Norwegian innovation can enhance preparedness, operational capability, and security — at sea, in the air, and on land. The featured technology included the Gjallarhorn concept — a combination of multiple autonomous maritime platforms, advanced sensor systems, and solutions for secure, robust surveillance in challenging environments. Participating member companies were Clarify, Maritime Robotics, Blueye Robotics, and LGr Technologies, collectively highlighting the strength of the clusters’ networks and their ability to connect expertise and technology. Attendees gained first-hand insight into the latest innovations that can strengthen Norwegian defence and preparedness. “We wanted to use Arendalsuka as an arena to demonstrate how technology development in the defence sector and the maritime sector can go hand in hand,” said Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster. “Our members are developing solutions that can strengthen national security. Being able to present these to decision-makers and defence stakeholders at Arendalsuka is extremely valuable.” Demonstrates the value of dual-use Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager of NORDSEC, highlighted that the event demonstrated the value of dual-use technology for protecting critical infrastructure. “The participating companies showcased mature civilian technology that is already being used by military forces in other countries. We have shown that cross-sector innovation can create solutions that make a real difference,” he said.
Les saken på norsk How can Norwegian technology create value in both civilian and military markets? This was the central question when the participants of the new business development program XLRTR met for the first time. The program, a collaboration between Ocean Autonomy Cluster, NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster, Testination, and Fremtidens Industri, brings together technology companies with ambitions to explore the growing dual-use market—technologies and solutions that can be applied in both civilian and military contexts. Dual-use is no longer a niche term “It’s a strategic priority across Europe,” says Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager of Ocean Autonomy Cluster. “Norway must position itself to play a role in this picture, and that means we need companies that can deliver technology to both the defense sector and civilian applications. Supporting relevant companies in positioning themselves for this market is therefore highly valuable,” he adds. Andreas Birger Johansen, Halogen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Strategy, scaling opportunities, and new networks The defense market is a challenging one. The XLRTR program aims to equip companies with the tools they need to navigate this landscape in a structured and targeted way. The first gathering provided participants with insight into both the opportunities and challenges in the dual-use market. It laid the groundwork for further strategy development and market positioning. The session was led by Jens Inge Hydnøy and Andreas Birger Johansen from the design and innovation company Halogen, who guided the group through key processes and contributed valuable perspectives on business development and user-oriented innovation. “Our member companies deliver technologies that are increasingly in demand by the defense sector. With XLRTR, we have established a structured arena to build competence and develop solutions that address both markets,” says Halvorsen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Pioneering players in the dual-use tech space This year’s program includes several exciting companies: Clarify, which develops software for data-driven insights; Water Linked, which delivers sensor technology for underwater operations; Zeabuz, which creates maritime autonomy solutions for surface vessels; Link Nordic, a distributor of technical components; SentiSystems, which specializes in communication for GNSS-denied environments; and Ocean Access, which develops data and communication buoys, including submersible models. One of the featured presentations during the gathering came from incubator manager Vegard Saur, who introduced the FI Ocean Space Incubator. As a co-organizer, the incubator supports startup and scaleup companies within ocean space technology and the dual-use segment, and was well received by the participants. The program is built on a solid foundation of expertise: Fremtidens Industri contributes extensive experience in business development and innovation, while Testination brings valuable knowledge in technology validation and test environments. Vegard Saur, FI Ocean Space Incubator. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Looking ahead to the next gathering The XLRTR program continues throughout spring and autumn with additional sessions, thematic deep-dives, and individual follow-ups. The goal is to support companies with the potential to contribute to the future of defense and preparedness—while maintaining a strong foothold in the civilian technology world. “This is about bridging markets, sectors, and needs. Through XLRTR, we give Norwegian technology companies the opportunity to grow in a market with both high demand and high standards,” says Frode Halvorsen. As part of the XLRTR program, the companies will also be present at the Defence Conference Forsvarskonferansen in September. The next XLRTR cohort starts before Christmas, and spots are already being filled. Jens Inge Hydnøy, Halogen. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Ocean Autonomy Cluster Want to know more about the program or the next cohort? Contact: Frode Halvorsen, Cluster Manager, Ocean Autonomy Cluster 📞 +47 918 45 969 | ✉️ frode@fi-nor.no Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager, NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster 📞 +47 400 21 020 | ✉️ ebbe@fi-nor.no Vegard Saur, Director, FI Ocean Space Incubator 📞 +47 930 27 106 | ✉️ vegard@fi-nor.no