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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.

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