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
Skarv Technologies is preparing to launch a new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) aimed at addressing the complex challenges of underwater data collection. Central to this design is the integration of Water Linked’s Sonar 3D-15, a technology that will enhance the AUV’s ability to perform close-range seafloor mapping and navigate around obstacles, even in murky waters. Read full article at waterlinked.com
A Norwegian-developed advanced underwater vehicle and a compact sonar that renders objects three-dimensionally have now become part of a NATO initiative. It's about the innovations of two neighbors in Trondheim. One innovation is the 3D sonar from Water Linked. The other is the autonomous BlueSTAR from Skarv Technologies. Read the full story (in Norwegian) at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) website.
Trondheim, a city with a rich technological legacy, is poised to establish Nyhavna as Norway's answer to Silicon Valley. A strategic initiative is now unveiled. Eighteen maritime stakeholders are coming together to establish the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna. The ambition is to develop a world-leading ocean technology community at Nyhavna. Trondheim has a historic opportunity to create Norway's Silicon Harbor on Nyhavna, a pivotal part of Trondheim's evolution as a technology capital. The strategic importance of Nyhavna cannot be overstated. It is not merely a harbor; it is a crucible of innovation, a convergence of established enterprises and startups, all dedicated to advancing maritime technology. The formation of the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna is a testament to the urgency of consolidating this vibrant ecosystem and elevating its visibility in both societal discourse and the developmental processes surrounding Nyhavna. From the opening of NYNU Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset The initiative stems from the desire to gather and promote the interests of marine technology, maritime industry, and related actors at Nyhavna. It is high time that the technology community associated with Nyhavna unites and highlights the ongoing developments, innovations, and value creation. This community needs a clear voice in societal discussions and the processes surrounding Nyhavna's development. The Strategic Forum for Nyhavna aims to secure the interests of ocean technology, maritime industry, and adjacent stakeholders at Nyhavna, working towards making it the world's leading area for ocean technology. From the opening of NTNU Nyhavna. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset Nyhavna boasts a robust ocean technology community with a mix of established companies and startups. This is something we need to build upon, says Frode Halvorsen of Ocean Autonomy Cluster. Ocean technology is crucial in the technology capital, and it requires access to quaysides and the fjord. Trondheimsfjorden, established as the world's first test area for autonomous vessels, he adds. The city council has been explicit in its commitment to facilitating business and industry at Nyhavna. This commitment is part of the rationale behind presenting a dedicated business program for the area, scheduled for consideration by the city council next year. The focus is on securing the natural place of ocean technology at Nyhavna. Since the adoption of the municipal plan in 2016, the presence of ocean technology companies has significantly increased, with many of them finding a home in Nyhavna. Here, they have access to quaysides and the fjord, essential for their continued development. Additionally, there is increased activity from NTNU, involving both students and researchers. The opening of NTNU Nyhavna this summer demonstrated the considerable interest in the innovation environment here. Background/Facts The Strategic Forum for Nyhavna comprises 18 key stakeholders. Its purpose is to safeguard the interests of ocean technology, maritime industry, and related stakeholders on Nyhavna, working towards establishing Nyhavna as the world's leading area for maritime technology. The objectives include communication and profiling of ocean technology actors on Nyhavna, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with policymakers, administration, and other stakeholders, and actively contributing to reports and processes crucial for Nyhavna's development. Key Forum Participants NTNU Fremtidens Industri AS Blueye Robotics AS OceanTech Innovation AS Eelume AS Zeabuz AS BOA Offshore AS Innovation JBA AS Skarv Technologies AS Selfa Arctic AS Vitensenteret Water Linked AS Ocean Access AS Maritime Robotics Norbit Oceans Trondheim Havn IKS Clean Sea Solutions AS SentiSystems AS As the Strategic Forum for Nyhavna embarks on this transformative journey, it signals not just the potential for economic prosperity but the emergence of Nyhavna as a global beacon for maritime technology innovation.