Radionor Communications has been awarded the Research Council of Norway’s Innovation Award for its research-based development of advanced communication technology. The Trondheim-based company, a member and main partner of NORDSEC and Forsvarskonferansen Nordic Defence and Security Conference, develops systems with growing importance for defence, security and preparedness.
The award recognises research-based innovation and is presented annually to an individual or organisation that has used research strategically in its innovation activities. The winner receives NOK 500,000.
Radionor’s technology is already in operational use by several NATO countries and enables communication and navigation without relying on satellites or other infrastructure.
“Radionor Communications is a technological and commercial success in a global niche of major importance to security and preparedness. Despite the serious backdrop, it is encouraging to see how a long-term research and development effort is contributing to rapid international growth and industrial scaling,” says Gunnar Bovim, Chair of the Board of the Research Council of Norway.
Radionor Communications develops and sells long-range communication technology combining high data capacity, a low risk of interception and strong resistance to jamming. Its technology consists of digital phased-array radios for tactical broadband communication and navigation.
Instead of transmitting a signal in all directions, radio waves are concentrated into a narrow, directional beam. This enables precise navigation when satellite-based positioning is blocked or manipulated.
The technology can be used for communication and navigation between aircraft, drones, vessels and different types of vehicles, as well as by soldiers. It is currently in operational use in several NATO countries.
For NORDSEC, the award also highlights the research and technology capabilities within the cluster. Radionor Communications is both a member and a main partner of NORDSEC and the Nordic Defence and Security Conference (Forsvarskonferansen).
Strong field of finalists
The Research Council received around 60 nominations for this year’s award. The jury selected five finalists:
- Calluna Pharma AS develops a new drug for pulmonary fibrosis, a disease where there is a significant need for better treatment. The drug candidate is currently being investigated in a large global Phase 2 study.
- dSolve AS is developing technology designed to make the plugging and abandonment of oil wells more climate- and environmentally friendly. The technology can reduce emissions and costs by enabling permanent closure of oil and gas wells without the use of a rig.
- Media Futures / Christoph Trattner develops responsible artificial intelligence for the future of media. MediaFutures brings researchers and the media industry together to develop technology aimed at strengthening trust, quality and innovation.
- Memscap AS develops and manufactures advanced pressure sensors used in sectors including aviation, healthcare and space.
- Radionor Communications, this year’s winner, develops advanced communication and navigation technology for demanding operational environments.
The jury consists of the Research Council’s board members and CEO Mari Sundli Tveit.
“This year, we had many candidates who impressed the jury. There are many people across Norway’s research and knowledge sector who deserve recognition for their formidable capacity for innovation and their contribution to solutions for a more competitive and resilient society,” says Sundli Tveit.