FFI, Innovation Norway, and the Norwegian-American Defense Industry Council (NADIC) are once again inviting Norwegian technology companies to apply for admission to the LINC program (Launchpad for Innovative Norwegian Companies) – a transatlantic innovation and accelerator program focused on technologies that can strengthen the defense capabilities of Norway, the US, and our allies.​

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About the LINC program:

 

LINC is a program developed to help Norwegian companies enter the US and allied defense market. The program offers participants:​

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• Access to American and Norwegian service providers

• Insight into the American defense industry, regulations, and innovation methodology

• Support for prototype development, demonstrations, and meetings with operational users

• Connections to investors, industry partners, and military decision-makers

• The program normally lasts around nine months from September to May, and includes activities in Norway and program weeks in the US

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Who should apply?

 

LINC targets Norwegian companies that:

• Develop technology, products, or services relevant to defense, security, or dual-use sectors

• Seek strategic growth in the U.S. or allied defense market

• Are in the early, growth, or mature phase

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LINC program offering:

 

Participating companies receive:

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1. Market and innovation consulting, guidance on American business culture, mentoring, pitch support, and investor introductions

2. Legal and regulatory expertise, advice on IP protection, and insight into US procurement processes and military requirements

3. Operational and technical development through introduction to end users.

4. Market access and networking, participation in relevant trade fairs through Team Norway, and introductions to US and Norwegian industry partners

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Program Timeline:

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• Kick-off in Oslo: August/September

• USA Program | AUSA Week: October 8-14

• USA Program | Washington Defense Week: April

• USA Program | SOF Week: May 3-7

• Duration: August – May (approx. 9 months)

• Additional US programming offered to cohort (may incur additional fees) may include NADIC Roadshow and other conferences/trade shows 

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Costs:

 

Applying for LINC is free of charge, while participating in the program costs NOK 50,000

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Application Process:

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• Submit your application using the FFI application portal (select the “LINC 2026-2027” program)

• Fill out the QuadChart and submit in the portal using the attached template​

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Assessment: All applications are carefully assessed by FFI and Innovation Norway, with input from allied partners.

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After being accepted into the program, companies will enter the SDD (Scope Development & Definition) phase. This phase lasts four weeks and is completely non-binding. The goal of this phase is to map the company's goals and needs in order to match them with the right service provider. 

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Application Deadline:

 

Applications are open from March 6 to April 22, 2026.

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Are you ready?

 

LINC is a unique opportunity for Norwegian companies that want to grow in the allied defense market and contribute to strengthening the defense capabilities of Norway and our allied partners. The program builds on several years of experience and has already supported over 41 companies since 2019.