On Tuesday May 20, Proneo Incubator and NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, in collaboration with SpareBank 1 SMN and StartupTRD, hosted Defence StartUp Night 2026 at DIGS in Trondheim.
The event brought together startups, small companies, investors and representatives from the defence and security sector to discuss how Norwegian technology companies can succeed in the defence market.
Throughout the evening, participants gained insight into both opportunities and challenges related to developing technology within defence, public safety, preparedness and dual-use applications. Topics ranged from cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces and established industry players to investment, financing and commercialisation in alternative markets.
Ole Henæs from Innovation Norway on videolink from Kyiv. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
The evening started with food and networking before Ingeborg Marie Wik from Connect Midt-Norge welcomed participants to the event.
Among the presentations was a live video link from Kyiv with Ole Henæs from Innovation Norway Ukraine. Speaking directly from the Ukrainian capital, Henæs shared insights into the situation in Ukraine, opportunities emerging in the market, and advice for companies seeking to engage with Ukrainian and international defence and security actors.
Henæs encouraged companies to build on existing expertise by working with people who understand the sector, to secure funding early as access to capital can be challenging, to follow information from BraveNorway, and to stay in contact with their local Innovation Norway office. He also emphasised the importance of gaining first-hand understanding by travelling to Ukraine when possible, while underlining that companies must avoid being naive and prioritise safety at all times.
Henæs shared insights into the situation in Ukraine. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Tevje Ravn Eggan, cluster manager of NORDSEC NordicDefence and Security Cluster, spoke about opportunities for interaction with the Norwegian Armed Forces and how small and medium-sized companies can position themselves towards the Norwegian and international defence and security market. He also highlighted developments within the defence industry, supplier programmes as part of the ecosystem, and the importance of clusters and networks.
Tevje Ravn Eggan, cluster manager of NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Eggan further outlined key developments within the defence sector, including the new defence industrial strategy from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA), the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), the national drone strategy and opportunities related to deliveries to the Armed Forces. He also highlighted the role of the Armed Forces’ weapons schools, innovation centres, and the military as both users and customers.
Morten Frøseth from CoFounder spoke about investments in defence startups and the considerations investors make when evaluating companies within defence tech and dual-use technology.
Morten Frøseth, CoFounder. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Participants also heard presentations from several companies developing technology for the defence and security sector. NORLink Aviation presented its work on aviation-based logistics services for both civilian and military needs, with a focus on transportation to areas where conventional infrastructure and traditional flight routes are limited. The company is developing a dual-use aviation logistics model designed to improve access to remote and hard-to-reach areas, supporting both civil and defence-related operations through more flexible and resilient transport solutions.
Reconfig Systems, represented by Eirik Brattheim, presented the company’s modular and transportable training infrastructure for defence and emergency preparedness. The solution enables rapid reconfiguration of training environments, allowing users to simulate a wide range of operational scenarios within the same physical infrastructure, with reduced cost and setup time compared to traditional facilities.
LGr Technologies, represented by Stian Landstad, introduced the company’s radar-based sensor systems for situational awareness and perimeter security in demanding operational environments — often described as a “digital tripwire”. The technology provides early detection and tracking of movement around secured areas, supporting improved situational awareness for defence, security and critical infrastructure protection.
Presentation from Reconfig Systems. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
The event was free of charge and gathered a broad range of entrepreneurs, investors and industry stakeholders with an interest in defence, security and preparedness. The evening concluded with networking and informal meetings between participants.
Reconfig Systems developes modular and transportable training infrastructure. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri