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Ukrainian and Norwegian technology companies gathered in Trondheim on 21 October to strengthen cooperation in defence and technology. Through presentations, experience sharing, and dialogue, the event laid the foundation for new partnerships between Norwegian and Ukrainian actors.

More than 70 participants from Norway and Ukraine took part in the Norwegian-Ukrainian Defence and Dual-Use Meet-up in Trondheim. The event brought together entrepreneurs, technology developers, industry representatives, and experts from both countries to explore needs, experiences, and opportunities related to defence and dual-use technologies.

Tevje Ravn Eggan, NORDSEC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

“The purpose of this meeting was to strengthen the links between the Norwegian and Ukrainian technology communities. Ukraine has developed remarkable innovation capacity during the war, and we see growing interest from Norwegian companies to contribute with technology and expertise,” said Tevje Ravn Eggan, project manager at NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster.

Oleksandr Lapko, DK NEJET. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Sigbjørn Albertsen, Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC). Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Ukrainian companies presented cutting-edge technology

Among the Ukrainian actors presenting at the event were NEJET, the Association of Ukrainian Defense Manufacturers (AUDM), and Iron Cluster, as well as Defence Innovation Highway (DIH), a Danish-led Nordic initiative supporting innovation and cooperation in the defence sector.

Oleksandr Lapko, DK NEJET. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

NEJET develops FPV systems for modern warfare in close cooperation with combat units. Their platforms are not only tested on training grounds but in real operations, from frontline trenches to complex urban environments.

AUDM is one of Ukraine’s largest and most influential defence industry networks, with more than 90 members. It provides a platform for collaboration between industry, researchers, and government, supporting its members in building partnerships and international relations. Its members operate in weapons production, military equipment, specialized communication and tracking systems, and military apparel. The organization has offices in Kyiv, Kharkiv, L’viv, Odesa, and Dnipro.

Semantykaya presented its drone innovations and international ambitions.

Vegard Forbord, CEO Biodrone. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Iron Cluster brings together more than 80 companies and 2,500 professionals, building a growth-driven ecosystem in electronic warfare, components, microelectronics, unmanned systems, robotics, and communication systems.

Defence Innovation Highway (DIH) showcased its efforts to accelerate defence innovation cooperation between Ukraine and the Nordic countries, aiming to strengthen innovation through international collaboration.

Arne Kjørsvik, CEO SentiSystems. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

“Ukrainian companies have demonstrated an impressive ability to develop and implement technology at a rapid pace. For Norwegian companies, collaboration with these actors represents significant opportunities for both innovation and export,” said Eggan.

According to Sigbjørn Albertsen from the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), Norway’s main contributions to Ukraine so far include NASAMS air defence systems, advanced communications, and large quantities of fishing nets used for drone protection.

Christian Gabrielsen, CEO Blueye Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Håvar Øie, Senior Sales Director Defence & Security, Maritime Robotics. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Norwegian companies shared experiences from Ukraine

Several Norwegian companies shared their experiences from working with Ukrainian partners, including Biodrone, Sentisystems, Nordiq Products, Blueye Robotics, and Maritime Robotics.

All of these companies are members of both the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC Defence and Security Cluster, representing various parts of Norway’s tech ecosystem — from drones and sensor technology to medical monitoring and autonomous maritime systems.

EU Advisor Linda Hald and manager of RENERGY, Thomas Bjørdal. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

A number of additional member companies from OAC, NORDSEC, and RENERGY participated in the event. The energy cluster RENERGY also leads the SUNRISE project, an initiative aimed at securing a stable power supply in war-torn Ukraine. This makes Trondheim a key hub for Europe’s efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector.

The event concluded with a panel debate discussing opportunities and the road ahead.

Ebbe Deraas, Cluster manager of NORDSEC. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Building bridges between technology and defence

The meet-up was organized by NORDSEC, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, and RENERGY, in collaboration with Defence Innovation Highway (DIH) and the Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC). After several successful editions in Oslo earlier this year, the event was held in Trondheim, Norway’s technology capital, for the first time.

Participation was open to members of NORDSEC, Ocean Autonomy Cluster, and RENERGY, as well as invited guests.

“This meeting place is not just about technology, but about building concrete partnerships that can strengthen both Ukraine’s and Europe’s security,” said Eggan.

Ebbe Deraas (NORDSEC), Oleksander Lapko (DK NEJET), Sigbjørn Albertsen (NUCC), Linda Catrine Hald (ESA BIC), Thomas Bjørdal (RENERGY) and Vegard Forbord (Biodrone). Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri

Want to learn more?

Tevje Ravn Eggan, NORDSEC — tevje@fi-nor.no

Frode Halvorsen, OAC — frode@fi-nor.no  

 Sigbjørn Albertsen, NUCC — sigbjorn@nucc.no