The 2026/27 edition of LINC (Launchpad for Innovative Norwegian Companies) began on 25 August 2026 with a two-day event. Eight companies will take part in the nine-month programme.
LINC is a joint initiative involving Innovation Norway, the Norwegian American Defense Industry Council (NADIC) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). The programme covers US business culture, innovation methods, legal matters, military requirements processes and funding opportunities.
The opening event was followed by the annual Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association (FSi) exhibition at Nova Spektrum in Lillestrøm.
According to NADIC, LINC has supported more than 40 Norwegian companies since 2019 and generated more than NOK 1 billion in value for participating companies.
The 2026/27 cohort comprises eight companies: 3LC.AI, which develops AI training technology for use with limited datasets; drone logistics company Aviant; heavy-lift drone manufacturer Griff Aviation; wargaming software developer Levato; Proxflyer, developer of the Sea Shadow autonomous maritime vehicle; underwater drone company Stinger Technology; shot-detection specialist Triangula; and underwater navigation company Water Linked.
Speakers at the opening event included FFI Director General Kenneth Ruud, Innovation Norway Executive Vice President Per Niederbach, NDMA Deputy Director General Major General Øyvind Kvalvik and Polarion Capital Managing Partner Thomas Falck.
Niederbach said the value of Norwegian exports to the US defence market had increased from NOK 2.1 billion in 2023 to NOK 5 billion in 2025.
The cohort is next scheduled to take part in AUSA Week in Washington, DC, from 8 to 15 October.