Health and Total Defence

Health & Total Defence is a new national innovation cluster initiated by Norway Health Tech, with support from Innovation Norway’s NIC Connect programme. The cluster brings together companies, the Norwegian Armed Forces, emergency preparedness organisations and research communities to strengthen collaboration across sectors. Norway has strong expertise and technological solutions across healthcare, defence and emergency preparedness, but lacks a national arena that systematically connects operational needs with the innovation capacity of industry and research. Health & Total Defence aims to help bridge this gap.

A national arena for collaboration and innovation

Health & Total Defence builds on the Health–Defence–Preparedness pilot project carried out by Norway Health Tech in spring 2026, in collaboration with the Norwegian Home Guard and the Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services (FSAN). The project identified a clear need for stronger connections between those who define operational needs and those who can develop solutions, as well as better access to testing and training environments. The cluster will provide a neutral arena for collaboration, complementing existing initiatives and helping turn more identified needs into concrete collaborative projects and solutions. Over time, the work aims to strengthen national preparedness and defence capabilities, increase the competitiveness of Norwegian companies, and create new opportunities for international growth and exports.

Health & Total Defence was awarded cluster status on 22 October 2026 and will formally launch on 1 January 2027.

The cluster is particularly aimed at companies developing technologies, products and services relevant to health emergency preparedness, defence and civil protection. It also brings together hospitals, municipalities, the Norwegian Armed Forces and its various institutions and units, emergency preparedness organisations, universities, research institutes and innovation environments.

Together, we will strengthen the links between operational needs, technological expertise and commercial opportunities.

The Health & Total Defence cluster will make it easier to identify needs, find relevant partners and develop solutions that can be tested, implemented and scaled. Through cross-sector collaboration, we aim to accelerate innovation, strengthen preparedness and create greater value for Norwegian companies and organisations. We have a particular focus on solutions with both civilian and military applications, known as dual-use solutions, that can help increase the resilience of Norway’s health emergency preparedness and Total Defence. By connecting Norwegian companies and organisations with relevant national and international partners, testing environments and market opportunities, the cluster will also help more solutions reach international markets and create long-term value.

The cluster has three focus areas

Insight, expertise and collaboration. We build knowledge about needs, capabilities, regulatory frameworks and market opportunities, and create arenas that strengthen collaboration between stakeholders.

Needs-driven innovation and mobilisation We connect organisations with identified needs with companies and research communities to turn concrete challenges into innovation projects, partnerships and new solutions.

Development, testing and scaling We facilitate collaboration on development, piloting, testing and implementation, helping Norwegian solutions reach relevant users and markets, both nationally and internationally.

Does your organisation have technology, expertise or experience that could help strengthen health emergency preparedness and Norway’s Total Defence? Or do you represent an organisation with specific needs, testing opportunities or expertise that could benefit from closer collaboration with industry? If so, please fill in our expression of interest form, and we will get back to you.