Scale with LINC in Washington, DC
01.08.2025 - 31.05.2026
Trade Mission
LINC (Launchpad for Innovative Norwegian Companies) is a collaborative accelerator led by Innovation Norway, FFI and NADIC. It is designed for Norwegian companies at all stages – from early to growth and mature – seeking strategic opportunities in transatlantic defense and security.
The program is operationally supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Defense Attaché office in Washington, DC, as well as the Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco.
Norwegian companies with technology, products or services that may be of interest to the Norwegian, American and allied countries' militaries are encouraged to apply. LINC is particularly aimed at dual-use companies in the early, growth and mature phase.
Eight selected Norwegian companies that address critical national security needs of the Norwegian and US military are matched with US service providers to accelerate innovation, investment and sales. This is achieved through training in how to navigate the US defense market, direct link to end users and introduction to key investors and decision makers within the procurement system.
What does LINC offer companies?
Participating companies will collaborate with one or more American service providers for approx. nine months, from September 2025 to May 2026, to make progress in the following areas:
- American business culture and innovation methodology in the defense sector - via coaching, mentoring, pitch material development and introductions to investors, industrial partners and military problem owners.
- Legal framework and protection of intellectual property rights - via consultations with specialized lawyers.
- Military claims process – via interaction with the US defense acquisition system.
- Financing mechanisms for defense acquisitions - through with the US legal system.
- Prototyping, demonstrations and field exercises - through engagement with US military end users.
- Industrial cooperation (formerly called repurchase) – by working with US defense suppliers.
Photos from past LINC events
Biodrone meeting with State Secretary Stensrud at Arctic Warrior Experiment 
Eelume on panel at Canada-Norway Defence Week 
UBIQ at LINC 2024-25 Kick-off 
Skarv Technologies pitch to Palo Alto investors 
Skarv Technologies briefing Amb. Huitfeldt at AUSA 
LINCNADIC reception at Sea Air Space
Important 2025 dates:
- Kick-off in Oslo | August 2025
- USA program week #1 | October 2025
- Optional trade show participation/exhibition at the Association of the U.S. Army (USA)
- USA program week #2 | April 2026
- NADIC's annual Norwegian-American Defense Conference | April 2026
- Optional fair participation/exhibition at the Navy League's Sea-Air-Space | April 2026
Here's what Alumni have to say about the program:
“Whether you are an established company or a startup, the US defense market is a forest of challenges. After LINC I feel better equipped to navigate it. The program has given me access to a network of government officials, vetted advisors, and like minded companies that I continue to benefit and learn from.”
Runar Kvamme, CEO NFM US
“The LINC program provided exactly the kind of introduction we needed to enter the US market. It connected us with a well-established network and gave us access to key people and resources that would have taken years to reach on our own. I would strongly recommend LINC to other Norwegian companies looking to expand internationally.”
Trygve Olav Fossum, CEO Skarv Technologies
“The LINC program has been instrumental in helping Biodrone accelerate our entry into the defense market. It has provided direct access to key decision-makers, valuable market insights, and a strong international network that would have taken years to build on our own. For Norwegian companies with defense ambitions, LINC is an unmatched gateway to global opportunities.”
Biodrone
Relevant Defense Conferences in 2025-2026:
Want to learn more? Get in touch!
Einar Irgens Gustafson
Defence Sector Lead at Innovation Norway