--- title: Speakers description: Speakers - Forsvarskonferansen Nordic Defence and Security Conference. Through a combination of presentations, discussions, industry exhibitors, and demonstrations of the Armed Forces’ capabilities, the aim is to enhance participants’ knowledge, strengthen networks, and create a valuable and engaging conference experience. --- [![NORDSEC-Conference Powered by FI](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png?width=250&height=83&name=LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png "NORDSEC-Conference Powered by FI")](https://nordsec-conference.no?hsLang=en) - [News](https://www.nordsec-cluster.no/en/news) - [Speakers](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/speakers) - Exhibitors - [Exhibitor list](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/exhibitor-list) - [For exhibitors](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/exhibitors) - [Program](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/program) - About - [Conference app](https://eventmobi.com/forsvarskonferansen2026/) - [Accommodation](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/accommodation) - [NORDSEC Cluster](https://www.nordsec-cluster.no/) - [Contact us](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/contact) - [Newsletter](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1ikEwKKO7QGWsVFcOmlZFjQ2dpxje) - [Pictures from 2025](https://www.forsvarskonferansen.no/2025/09/bilder-fra-forsvarskonferansen-2025/) - [Pictures from 2024](https://www.forsvarskonferansen.no/2024/09/bilder-fra-forsvarskonferansen-2024/) [Register 2027](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/registration?hsLang=en) [![NORDSEC-Conference Powered by FI](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png?width=250&height=83&name=LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png "NORDSEC-Conference Powered by FI")](https://nordsec-conference.no?hsLang=en) [Register 2027](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/registration?hsLang=en) - [News](https://www.nordsec-cluster.no/en/news) - [Speakers](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/speakers) - Exhibitors - [Exhibitor list](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/exhibitor-list) - [For exhibitors](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/exhibitors) - [Program](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/program) - About - [Conference app](https://eventmobi.com/forsvarskonferansen2026/) - [Accommodation](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/accommodation) - [NORDSEC Cluster](https://www.nordsec-cluster.no/) - [Contact us](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/contact) - [Newsletter](https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1ikEwKKO7QGWsVFcOmlZFjQ2dpxje) - [Pictures from 2025](https://www.forsvarskonferansen.no/2025/09/bilder-fra-forsvarskonferansen-2025/) - [Pictures from 2024](https://www.forsvarskonferansen.no/2024/09/bilder-fra-forsvarskonferansen-2024/) [Register](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/registration?hsLang=en) # Speakers Forsvarskonferansen Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026.   Through a combination of presentations, discussions, industry exhibitors, and demonstrations of the Armed Forces’ capabilities, the aim is to enhance participants’ knowledge, strengthen networks, and create a valuable and engaging conference experience. The program, content, and speakers will be published continuously in the lead-up to the conference. ![Tore O Sandvik Forsvarskonferansen 2025 Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Industri (149)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Tore%20O%20Sandvik%20Forsvarskonferansen%202025%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20(149).jpg) #### Tore O. Sandvik Minister of Defence   Tore O. Sandvik is Norway’s Minister of Defence, appointed in February 2025. A Labour Party politician with extensive experience at both regional and national levels, he served as County Mayor of Sør-Trøndelag and later Trøndelag from 2003 to 2023. Sandvik has a strong track record in regional development, industry policy, and defence issues, and has held roles as State Secretary in key ministries as well as acting Minister of Climate and Environment in 2024. As Minister of Defence, he focuses on strengthening national preparedness, allied cooperation, and Europe’s responsibility for its own security. At the conference, Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik will deliver his keynote address. ![Gunner Arpe Nielsen Foto Forsvaret Tue Skals-1](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Gunner%20Arpe%20Nielsen%20Foto%20Forsvaret%20Tue%20Skals-1.jpg) #### Gunner Arpe Nielsen, Major General Commander, Danish Home Guard Major General Gunner Arpe Nielsen is Commander of the Danish Home Guard. He brings extensive experience from senior leadership positions across the Danish Armed Forces, including as Commander of the Danish Army from 2021 to 2024. Throughout his military career, he has held key command and staff positions within the Danish Army, the Danish Home Guard, Defence Command Denmark and the Ministry of Defence. His experience includes serving as Chief of Staff and Director of Plans and Policy in the Danish Home Guard, as well as Commanding Officer of the Danish Army’s 2nd Brigade. Major General Nielsen has also served on international deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo, including as Company Commander with KFOR. He has completed advanced military education in Denmark and the United Kingdom, including the Higher Command and Staff Course in the UK. ![HKV\_Mattias\_Ardin](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/HKV_Mattias_Ardin.jpg) #### Mattias Ardin, Major General Commander, Swedish Home Guard Major General Ardin took up his current position in January 2026, after serving as Deputy Commander since 2023. He has a long and distinguished career in the Swedish Armed Forces, with extensive experience in national defence, strategic planning and international operations. Among his previous roles, he served as Commander of the Gotland Regiment and Regional Command Gotland, where he was instrumental in rebuilding Sweden’s military presence on the strategically important island. He has also served as Chief of the Home Guard Department and held several senior positions at Swedish Armed Forces Headquarters. Internationally, Major General Ardin has served in both Kosovo and Afghanistan, including as Chief of Staff of a British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team in Mazar-e-Sharif.   ![Frode Ommundsen 2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Frode%20Ommundsen%202.jpg) #### Frode Ommundsen, Major General Head of Norwegian Home Guard Frode Ommundsen is a Major General in the Norwegian Armed Forces and Head of the Norwegian Home Guard (Heimevernet). He has held key leadership roles in the Army, including in the Telemark Battalion and Panserbataljonen, and has operational experience from international missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Ommundsen also has advanced military education from institutions such as the NATO Defence College and the Royal College of Defence Studies in London, and assumed his current role in 2023, where he leads the development of Norway’s territorial defence capabilities.   ![LARS4588](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/LARS4588.jpg) #### Oleksiy Gavrysh Ukraine's Ambassador to Norway Oleksiy Gavrysh is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Kingdom of Norway. Appointed in April 2025, he brings more than 20 years of experience in energy, financial and strategic management, as well as experience from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. As Ambassador, Gavrysh brings a first-hand perspective on Ukraine’s future, its ongoing defence efforts and the importance of continued European and Nordic support. Please welcome Ambassador Oleksiy Gavrysh to the session The Future of Ukraine Is Our Future.   ![Gjallarhorn MR 140825 Foto Lars Bugge Aarset (28)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Gjallarhorn%20MR%20140825%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20(28).jpg) #### Ine Eriksen Søreide  Leader, Conservative Party Ine Eriksen Søreide is Leader of the Conservative Party (Høyre) and has extensive experience in Norwegian security, defence and foreign policy. She served as Norway’s Minister of Defence from 2013 to 2017 and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2017 to 2021. She has also chaired the Norwegian Parliament’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on two occasions. At the conference she will participate in the session “The Future of Ukraine Is Our Future – A Political Perspective”, bringing her political and strategic perspectives on Ukraine, European security and the challenges facing Norway and its allies.   ![Ivan Fedorov 3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Ivan%20Fedorov%203-2.jpg) #### Ivan Fedorov  Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Ivan Fedorov is Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration and Chief of the Regional Military Administration. Zaporizhzhia also has a special connection to Norway as Trøndelag County’s friendship region in Ukraine. Previously Mayor of Melitopol, Fedorov refused to cooperate with Russian occupying forces following the full-scale invasion in 2022. He was abducted by Russian forces and held captive for six days before being released in a prisoner exchange. With extensive experience from local and regional government, Fedorov offers a unique perspective on leadership, resilience and governing during war.  Fedorov will participate in the conference digitally. ![Øyvind Johan Kvalvik - Foto Torbjørn Kjosvold Forsvaret](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/%C3%98yvind%20Johan%20Kvalvik%20-%20Foto%20Torbj%C3%B8rn%20Kjosvold%20Forsvaret.jpg) #### Øyvind Johan Kvalvik, Major General  Deputy Director General, FMA Major General Øyvind Johan Kvalvik is Deputy Director General of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency - FMA, a position he has held since 2022. He began his military career in the Norwegian Army in 1988 and has held a wide range of command and staff positions, including infantry, mechanized and Ranger Battalion commands. He has also served as Military Advisor to the Chief of Defence and held senior positions within the Norwegian Ministry of Defence. His operational experience includes deployments with UNPROFOR, UNPREDEP, KFOR and ISAF, as well as service in NATO staff. Major General Kvalvik is a graduate of the Norwegian Military Academy, the Norwegian National Staff College and the U.S. Army War College, where he holds master's degrees in Military Science and Strategic Studies.   ![Katarzyna Zysk - Keynote at Army Summit 2025](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Katarzyna%20Zysk%20-%20Keynote%20at%20Army%20Summit%202025.png) #### Katarzyna Zysk Professor, IFS Professor Katarzyna Zysk is Professor of International Relations and Contemporary History at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS), part of the Norwegian Defence University College, and one of Norway's foremost experts on Russian security and defence policy. Her research focuses on Russian military strategy, nuclear deterrence, Arctic security, and the role of emerging technologies and AI in defence innovation. She has held senior leadership roles at IFS, been a visiting fellow at Stanford University, the University of Oxford, Sciences Po, and the US Naval War College, and regularly provides analysis and briefings to NATO, allied governments, and defence institutions. At Forsvarskonferansen 2026, she will deliver a security policy briefing on the evolving strategic landscape shaping Europe and the transatlantic community.  ![Torleiv Opland Forsvarskonferansen 2025 Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Industri](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Torleiv%20Opland%20Forsvarskonferansen%202025%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri.jpg) #### Torleiv Opland CEO, FSI Torleiv Opland is CEO of the Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association (FSi). He brings extensive experience from Norwegian foreign, security and defence policy, including senior positions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. Prior to joining FSi, Opland served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He has also held several senior roles in security policy and North American affairs, and served with Norway’s Permanent Delegation to NATO. His background combines diplomatic, political and military experience, providing him with broad insight into the international security environment and the defence industry.   ![Ntnu\_Grande 3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Ntnu_Grande%203-2.jpg) #### Tor Grande Rector, NTNU Tor Grande is Rector at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).  He is the chairman of Universities Norway.      He was Pro-Rector for Research and Dissemination in 2021 – 2023 and has previously been Vice-Dean for Research at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.  Grande is professor in chemistry and materials science and has broad experience with teaching, research, innovation, and collaboration with industry.  He has been visiting researcher at NIRIM, Japan and University of Rennes, France. He has been on sabbatical leave at the EPFL in Switzerland and the Northwestern University in the USA.   Grande has extensive experience in research evaluation including ERC evaluation panels.  ![petersson-eivind-vad-web-3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/petersson-eivind-vad-web-3-2.jpg) #### Eivind Vad Petersson State secretary, Foreign affairs Eivind Vad Petersson was appointed State Secretary (deputy minister) in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in October 2021, covering security policy and Norway’s response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.    Prior to this appointment, Vad Petersson spent six years as a foreign affairs and defence policy adviser to the Labour Party Group in the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget).   Before entering politics, he spent eight years in the Norwegian foreign service. Vad Petersson was admitted to the Foreign Service Trainee Programme in 2008. Between 2010 and 2016, he was posted as a diplomat to Norway’s Embassies to South Sudan, South Africa and Germany.   Vad Petersson holds a master’s degree in European politics and international relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and undergraduate degrees in International Studies and European Studies from the University of Oslo.   ![Cato Giil Eliassen2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Cato%20Giil%20Eliassen2.jpg) #### Cato Giil Eliassen VP, Seatex, Kongsberg Discovery Cato Giil Eliassen is the Vice President Business Development in Seatex, a Business Unit in the division Kongsberg Discovery and situated in Trondheim. He has had the role as Product Line Manager for the product line Navigation and Infrastructure in Seatex in the period 2015-2025. In the period stretching from 2002 to 2015 he was a Project Manager mainly working with AIS and DGPS infrastructure projects around the globe. He was educated at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and at the RNoN Naval Academy. He served in the Norwegian Navy for nearly nine years whereof three years at Storm/Hauk class FPV. The last two years (2000-2002) as squadron leader for the High Speed Craft (HSC) combat vessels (CB 90N) in the Norwegian Coastal Ranger Command.    ![Maja Solum Ubiq Aerospace Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Industri](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Maja%20Solum%20Ubic%20Aerospace%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri.jpg) #### Maja Solum EOM, Ubiq Aerospace Maja Solum is Executive Operations Manager at Ubiq Aerospace, a Norwegian dual-use technology company. With a background in international business and geopolitics, she works closely with the company’s leadership team to support Ubiq’s expansion into international defence and aerospace markets. Built on Norwegian innovation and NASA engineering expertise, Ubiq Aerospace develops cutting-edge technologies to address some of the aerospace sector’s most demanding challenges. Its flagship solution is the world’s only autonomous, SWaP-optimized ice detection and protection system for unmanned aerial systems, with applications across the broader aviation industry. Ubiq is also developing its own synthetic aperture radar, further expanding its capabilities for advanced sensing and operations in demanding environments. The company leverages advanced carbon composite technologies to enable innovations such as structural energy storage and radar systems, helping shape the future of resilient and high-performance aerospace solutions. ![Kenneth Ruud 3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Kenneth%20Ruud%203-2.jpg) #### Kenneth Ruud Director General, FFI Kenneth Ruud is Director General at FFI. He holds a Dr.Philos. in theoretical and computational chemistry from the University of Oslo. His main research focus has been on developing and applying electronic-structure methods to light-matter interactions in a wide frequency range, including nonlinear optical processes. Dr.Philos. Ruud joined FFI in January 2022. He has extensive experience with research and research leadership, including the position as pro-rector for research and development at the University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway (UiT). Ruud holds a position as principal investigator at Hylleraas Centre for Quantum Molecular Sciences. ![Jon\_Nypan\_RadionorCommunications-3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Jon_Nypan_RadionorCommunications-3-2.jpg) #### Jon Nypan COO, Radionor Communications Jon has been the COO of Radionor Communications AS since august 2025. Radionor is a Norwegian technology company developing advanced tactical communication, navigation and networking solutions for defense and security applications. Nypan has 22 years of experience serving in the Norwegian Defense working with communications and technology primarily for the Norwegian Army and The Norwegian Special Forces with several combat deployments. He retired as a Lt.Col in the Norwegian Defense Staff in 2021. Nypan then worked at Teleplan Globe AS, a software defense and security company developing Battle Management System applications for Norway and NATO allies,  where he left as Executive Vise President in 2025.   His career combines operational military experience with extensive expertise in defense technology and management in defense industry. ![Spiten](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Spiten.jpg) #### Christine Spiten Senior Growth Manager, Danske Bank   Christine Spiten is a Senior Growth Manager at Danske Bank Growth, working closely with high-growth companies across the Nordic innovation ecosystem. She is an entrepreneur, early-stage investor, and co-founder of Blueye Robotics. With experience spanning investment banking, technology, and venture ecosystems, she brings a strong interdisciplinary perspective on scaling companies and connecting capital with innovation. Spiten will moderate Danske Bank’s side event “Capital across the value chain: Financing the Nordic defence scale-up”   ![Birger Steen Foto Lars Bugge Aarset](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Birger%20Steen%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset.jpg) #### Birger Steen CEO of NORSAR Birger Steen is CEO of NORSAR, one of the world’s leading institutions in seismology and geophysical monitoring. He is also co-founder of Gardar Venture Capital, a Norwegian venture capital fund investing in Ukrainian defence technology. Steen has extensive international leadership experience from technology, finance, and research-driven organizations   His background includes executive leadership roles at Microsoft, Parallels, Freyr Battery, and Summa Equity, as well as non-executive roles in Nordic Semiconductor, Nordea, Schibsted, Cognite among others. He holds an MBA from INSEAD, an Msc from NTNU and is a graduate of the Defense School of Intelligence and Security in Oslo. At the Forsvarskonferansen - Nordic Defence and Security Conference, Steen will take part in the session “What must be changed to speed up acquisition, innovation and to build a more resilient supply chain?” ![Isaac Flanagan](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Isaac%20Flanagan.png) #### Isaac C. Flanagan Co-Founder of Zero Line Isaac C. Flanagan is Co-Founder of Zero Line, a US-based nonprofit working directly with the Armed Forces of Ukraine to advance tech-enabled warfighting. Based in Kyiv since 2022, he has spent more than 2,000 hours embedded with Ukrainian units and driven more than 15,000 miles across contested regions. Flanagan co-authored The Autonomous Battlefield with General David Petraeus in Foreign Affairs. His work focuses on unmanned systems, command-and-control modernisation and transferring frontline innovation to allied defence forces. Zero Line supported the DELTA battlefield management platform as it scaled from 500 to more than 150,000 users. Flanagan has been awarded medals by the Ukrainian Parliament for his contributions to Ukraine. He is a Life Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an Honorary Fellow at King’s College London.   ![Tomas Iver Hallem\_October 27, 2023-4-1](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Tomas%20Iver%20Hallem_October%2027%2c%202023-4-1.jpg) #### Tomas Iver Hallem County Mayor, Trøndelag Tomas Iver Hallem has served as County Mayor of Trøndelag since 2023, with broad experience from regional and local politics. He has a background in agriculture and industry and is a strong advocate for regional development, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. In recent years, Trøndelag has also established a sister-region relationship with Zaporizhzhia in Ukraine, strengthening ties and cooperation in a time of geopolitical tension. At the Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026, Hallem will officially open the conference and welcome delegates to Trøndelag, a region central to Norway’s industry, technology, and security preparedness.   ![Mykyta Rozhkov Frontline Robotics (2)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Mykyta%20Rozhkov%20Frontline%20Robotics%20(2).jpg) #### Mykyta Rozhkov CBDO,  Frontline Robotics Mykyta Rozhkov leads international business development and strategic expansion at Frontline Robotics, a Ukrainian defence tech company building robotic systems for the battlefield. He plays a key role in scaling Ukrainian defence innovation globally, including overseeing the Ukrainian operations of Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI), the first Ukrainian-German defence joint venture producing battlefield-proven Ukrainian technologies in Germany. With deep expertise in strategic partnerships and marketing, defence market expansion, fundraising, Mykyta focuses on turning combat-proven technologies into scalable international defence capabilities. ![Lars Bo Larsen Space Conference 3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Lars%20Bo%20Larsen%20Space%20Conference%203-2.jpg) #### Lars Bo Larsen Director, NFC Lars Bo Larsen is Executive Director of the National Defence Technology Center of Denmark, which brings together Denmark’s universities and research organizations to strengthen national capabilities in critical and emerging technologies. He previously served as Danish Ambassador to Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and ASEAN, and represented Denmark in the EU’s Political and Security Committee in Brussels. Larsen has extensive experience in defence, security and international affairs, including postings in Beijing and The Hague, as well as roles within the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the private sector. ![Anders Brun PwC 2-1](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Anders%20Brun%20PwC%202-1.jpg) #### Anders Brun Managing Director of Strategy& at PwC Anders Brun is Partner and Managing Director of Strategy& at PwC Norway, where he also leads PwC’s defence industry practice. He advises senior executives on corporate strategy, M&A and value creation, and works closely with companies in the defence industry to support growth, innovation and faster transformation. With extensive experience in corporate strategy, private equity, M&A and value creation, Anders helps leaders navigate complex and time-critical challenges with pragmatic, fact-based advice. He is particularly interested in how technology, innovation and changing geopolitical conditions are reshaping the defence industry and creating new opportunities for Norwegian companies. ![Denys Horielov](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Denys%20Horielov.jpg) #### Denys Horielov Int. Rep. Ukrainian Defence Industry Denys Horielov is International Partnerships Representative at the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, Ukraine’s largest private defence manufacturers’ association, bringing together more than 400 members across its ecosystem. Alongside this role, Denys leads the Youth Defence Tech Cluster, an NGO connecting Ukrainian youth-led defence tech startups whose solutions are already being used on the frontline. He brings valuable insight into Ukraine’s rapidly developing defence technology ecosystem and the growing role of young innovators in supporting Ukraine’s defence. ![Jan Erik Larsen Forsvarskonferansen 2024 - Foto Lars Bugge Aarset Fremtidens Industri (64)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Jan%20Erik%20Larsen%20Forsvarskonferansen%202024%20-%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset%20Fremtidens%20Industri%20(64).jpg) #### Jan Erik Larsen Conference moderator Jan-Erik Larsen is the Managing Director and a partner at the communications agency Kruse Larsen, which he founded in 2015. Larsen previously served as State Secretary to Jens Stoltenberg at the Office of the Prime Minister for two terms. He has a background as a journalist and editor, and brings extensive experience as an advisor in strategic communications. Larsen is also a highly experienced master of ceremonies and public speaker. Jan-Erik Larsen will serve as master of ceremonies at the Defence Conference. ![Tevje Ravn Eggan - Foto Lars Bugge Aarset](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Tevje%20Ravn%20Eggan%20-%20Foto%20Lars%20Bugge%20Aarset.jpg) #### Tevje Ravn Eggan Manager, NORDSEC Cluster Tevje Ravn Eggan is manager of NORDSEC – Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, organiser of the Nordic Defence and Security Conference 2026. NORDSEC brings together companies, research institutions, public authorities and defence stakeholders to strengthen innovation, collaboration and industrial growth across the Nordic defence and security ecosystem. Before joining NORDSEC, Eggan served in the Norwegian Armed Forces, including the Army and the Home Guard. He completed both NCO and officer training, served in Midt-Troms, and was deployed to Afghanistan. ![Lars\_Alstrup Danske Bank](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Lars_Alstrup%20Danske%20Bank.jpg) #### Lars Alstrup Danske Bank Lars Alstrup is the Nordic Head of Mid-Corp Commercial Banking at Danske Bank. He is a member of the bank’s Commercial Leadership Team (CLT) and has been with Danske Bank since 2012. Lars has more than 30 years of experience in the financial sector, having held roles across Denmark, Norway, Luxembourg, and Singapore. Danske Bank is a main partner for the conference and will also hold a side-event "Capital across the value chain: Financing the Nordic defence scale-up"  ![Teppo Havo](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Teppo%20Havo.jpg) #### Teppo Havo General Manager, Danske Bank Growth Teppo Havo is General Manager at Danske Bank Growth, where he focuses on how Nordic defence-tech companies scale and how their growth is financed. He has deep insight into the capital landscape supporting start-ups and high-growth companies. Danske Bank Growth provides tailored advisory services and non-dilutive financing solutions for the start-up and scale-up segment across the Nordics. Havo will participate in Danske Bank’s side event “Capital across the value chain: Financing the Nordic defence scale-up”.   ![Eirik Melle\_yttertoey\_Web](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Eirik%20Melle_yttertoey_Web.jpg) #### Eirik Melle Senior Analyst, Danske Bank Eirik Melle is a Senior Analyst in Danske Bank’s Corporate Advisory team, specializing in geopolitics, competitiveness, and global supply chains with a focus on critical minerals and advanced technologies, including semiconductors and AI. He is part of Danske Bank’s defence initiative and brings more than 20 years of experience in company and sector analysis. He will participate in Danske Bank’s side event “Capital across the value chain: Financing the Nordic defence scale-up”. ![stig-alstedt-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/stig-alstedt-2.jpg) #### Stig Alstedt Co-lead, Sopra Steria's Secure Cloud programme Having worked in the Norwegian IT community since the nineties, Stig Alstedt co-leads Sopra Steria's Secure Cloud programme, building sovereign classified cloud for defence and government across Europe. His guiding line is that sovereignty is not a product you buy, but a condition you earn through architecture, so the cloud he builds keeps no fixed address and moves faster than a court order can follow.  Stig Alstedt's presentation will be part of Sopra Steria's side session Space as a Defence Enabler. ![nicolas-frouvelle\_3](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/nicolas-frouvelle_3.jpg) #### Nicolas Frouvelle Director of Marketing, Space Activities Nicolas Frouvelle is director of Marketing and communication for Space Activities at Sopra Steria - CS Group in Toulouse (France). He was previously in charge of the Flight Dynamics & Space Surveillance department, and one of his current activities is to promote the development of a multi-sources Space Surveillance federated platform (ASTREK). He is one of the creators of the “Smartspace” initiative that aims to federate space actors to merge legacy-space long-term experience and products with newspace innovation concepts and new operational constraints, both for civilian and military needs.  Frouvelle's presentation will be part of Sopra Steria's side session Space as a Defence Enabler. ![OddHaraldHagen\_board-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/OddHaraldHagen_board-2.jpg) #### Odd Harald Hagen VP Defense and Security, Sopra Steria Odd-Harald Hagen is Vice President for Defense and Security market and sales/MajGen (ret.), responsible for the company’s national and international market and sales across the Space Norway portfolio of capabilities and services. This includes defining, developing, executing, and monitoring comprehensive strategies and business plans that integrate product development, sales processes with marketing campaigns to drive revenue and company growth. Odd-Harald Hagen's presentation will be part of Sopra Steria's side session Space as a Defence Enabler. ![TyriStugu-102](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/TyriStugu-102.jpg) #### Tyri Vik Stugu  Senior Adviser, NHO Tyri Vik Stugu is a Senior Adviser at the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). She works on national security, resilience, and preparedness policy, with a particular focus on the role of business in strengthening societal resilience. Her work includes public-private cooperation, critical infrastructure, supply chain security, and the contribution of employers and employees to national preparedness. He will participate as a speaker in the session “When Working Life Becomes Part of National Preparedness.”   ![Saira Basit](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/Saira%20Basit.jpg) #### Saira Basit Dean, NDUC Saira Basit is Dean of the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC), where she oversees higher professional military education and research across the institution. She previously served as Acting Dean and Vice Dean and worked at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Basit is Vice Chair of the board of NOKUT and serves on the Research Council of Norway’s portfolio board for Defence Capability, Security and Emergency Preparedness. Basit holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Oslo, and her research focuses on international security, Asian security affairs, and responses to militant and insurgent groups. ![trygve\_sparr3-2](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/trygve_sparr3-2.png) #### Trygve Sparr Director, Sensor and Surveillance FFI Trygve Sparr is the Director of the Sensor and Surveillance Systems Division at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). He is a physicist by training, holding a PhD from the University of Tromsø in experimental radar physics. Dr. Sparr has broad experience with sensors, signal processing, analysis, operational processes and ICT systems. The Sensor and Surveillance Division deals with surveillance in the broad sense, from the bottom of the sea to outer space. This includes FFI’s main space systems effort ![jussi-kukkola-sak-kasvokuva2 (1)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hubfs/jussi-kukkola-sak-kasvokuva2%20(1).jpg) #### Jussi Kukkola Public Affairs Specialist, FTU Jussi Kukkola has worked as a Public Affairs Specialist at the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) since 2024, with a primary focus on political advocacy and public affairs. He has been with SAK for nearly ten years. Prior to his current role, he served as an Union Organiser responsible for youth and student affairs. SAK represents a broad range of occupations that are essential to Finland’s security of supply and national preparedness. He will participate as a speaker in the session “When Working Life Becomes Part of National Preparedness.”   --- ### Partners ![ATEA.OL\_BIG.D-7a383f63](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/ATEA.OL_BIG.D-7a383f63.png?width=1558&height=402&name=ATEA.OL_BIG.D-7a383f63.png) ![Danske BankLogo White RGB](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Danske%20BankLogo%20White%20RGB.png?width=1182&height=121&name=Danske%20BankLogo%20White%20RGB.png) ![FI\_logoE\_slag1-3](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI_logoE_slag1-3.png?width=2630&height=329&name=FI_logoE_slag1-3.png) ![LO-Norge-negativ-rgb](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/LO-Norge-negativ-rgb.png?width=885&height=173&name=LO-Norge-negativ-rgb.png) ![NHO\_primaerlogo\_RGB\_negativ](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/NHO_primaerlogo_RGB_negativ.png?width=1767&height=421&name=NHO_primaerlogo_RGB_negativ.png) ![NTNU logo white](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/NTNU%20logo%20white.png?width=1675&height=322&name=NTNU%20logo%20white.png) ![Radionor\_logo\_farger\_hvit\_RGB](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Radionor_logo_farger_hvit_RGB.png?width=4582&height=1434&name=Radionor_logo_farger_hvit_RGB.png) ![Logo\_fastn├©kkel\_negativ](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Logo_fastn%E2%94%9C%C2%A9kkel_negativ.png?width=1280&height=275&name=Logo_fastn%E2%94%9C%C2%A9kkel_negativ.png) ![Sopra-Steria\_logo\_RGB\_white-color](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Sopra-Steria_logo_RGB_white-color.png?width=739&height=96&name=Sopra-Steria_logo_RGB_white-color.png) ![Trøndelagfylke logo hvit](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/TRFK%20logo%20hvir.png?width=640&height=180&name=TRFK%20logo%20hvir.png) --- [![LOGO\_NYFONT\_HVIT](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png?width=350&height=42&name=LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT.png "LOGO_NYFONT_HVIT")](https://fi-nor.no) [![FI\_logo\_PB\_hvit (1)](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/FI_logo_PB_hvit%20(1).png?width=200&height=38&name=FI_logo_PB_hvit%20(1).png "FI_logo_PB_hvit (1)")](https://fi-nor.no) [![Nordsec\_color\_logo\_and\_white\_tag\_side](https://www.nordsec-conference.no/hs-fs/hubfs/Nordsec_color_logo_and_white_tag_side.png?width=200&height=35&name=Nordsec_color_logo_and_white_tag_side.png "Nordsec_color_logo_and_white_tag_side")](https://nordsec-cluster.no) [mailto:ebbe@fi-nor.no](mailto:ebbe@fi-nor.no) Organized by NORDSEC Nordic Defence and Security Cluster, Co/Fremtidens Industri, Skippergata 14, 7042 Trondheim, NORWAY ![back-to-top](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/7712601/back-to-top.png)