Kongsberg Ferrotech has raised €12 million in seed funding, led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Norway’s state-owned Investinor. The company develops autonomous underwater robotics for inspection and repair of subsea infrastructure, offering an alternative to traditional drydocking and diver-based methods. The system, which creates a localized dry environment around damaged areas, is already in use in the Middle East. The funding will support scaling of operations and further development of the technology.
Founded in 2014 and based in Kongsberg, Norway, the company has developed a system that uses a local “dry habitat” to conduct operations directly on submerged structures such as pipelines, risers, and cables. This approach is intended to reduce downtime and logistical complexity associated with conventional repair methods. The technology has already been deployed in commercial settings, including operations in the Middle East.
“Kongsberg Ferrotech has spent the last decade developing a world-class robotic platform for critical underwater infrastructure. This funding confirms that their technology is not only commercially viable but also strategically important on a global scale,” says Svein-Olav Torø, CEO of Kongsberg Innovation.
The NATO Innovation Fund, which was launched to support dual-use technologies relevant to both civilian and defense applications, identified Kongsberg Ferrotech’s robotic systems as relevant to infrastructure resilience among NATO member states. According to NIF, the investment aligns with its strategic interest in technologies that can enhance operational readiness and asset longevity in maritime domains.
Investinor, Norway’s state-owned venture fund, has also participated in the round as part of its mandate to back early-stage companies with growth potential in strategically significant sectors.
Kongsberg Ferrotech originated as a collaboration between entrepreneur Luis de la Torre and Kongsberg Innovation, which remains a shareholder and early-stage partner. The company has also been involved in several joint development initiatives with Norwegian industry and research institutions, including projects focused on subsea 3D printing and Arctic deployment.
The funding will be used to expand operations, advance product development, and position the company’s technologies for wider adoption across civilian and defense-related maritime sectors.
According to the NIF, the investment alignswith their mission to advance dual-use technologies that contribute to both defense and civilian resilience. In the words of Ben Balmforth, Senior Associate at NIF:
“Kongsberg Ferrotech’s autonomous robotic systems for subsea infrastructure maintenance are a game changer. We see huge potential for this technology in helping NATO allies extend the life of naval assets and increase resilience of critical subsea infrastructure.”
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/kongsberg-ferrotech-raises-e12-million-seed/
