On May 14, Blue Port Studios in Karlskrona was transformed into a dynamic meeting ground for naval defense and innovation. Marine Innovation Day 2025 brought together 150 participants from the defense industry, academia, government agencies, and international innovation hubs – for a day filled with fresh perspectives, meaningful dialogue, and a shared belief in the future.
Marine Innovation Day is more than just an event – it’s a unifying force. A forum where strategies, ideas, and technical solutions converge, and where collaboration can take shape across boundaries and sectors. In a time of rapid change and growing security demands, gatherings like this are essential..
A day of international outlook and local strength
The day’s program offered both strategic future insights and concrete technological examples. We were especially proud to welcome international guests from Canada and the Netherlands – a testament to the global interest in our region as a driving force in maritime technology.
At the same time, our local actors formed the backbone of the exhibition area. Visitors had the opportunity to meet:
• FMV – The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
• Karlskrona Municipality – our home base and co-organizer
• Roxtec – world leader in cable and pipe transits
• SAAB Kockums – a marine technology pioneer with deep roots in the city
• NKT – specialists in cable solutions for power transmission
• Students from Blekinge Institute of Technology – showcasing projects and engagement from the Master of Science in Naval Architecture program
Speakers and Sessions
The day’s stage program was moderated by Karin Hübinette and opened by Christopher Larsson (Karlskrona Municipality) and David Appelberg (MTC). Here are some of the highlights:
• Anna Wieslander (Atlantic Council): Security policy perspectives on naval sovereignty in the Baltic Sea region.
• Matthew Clancey (COVE, Kanada): NATO DIANA and dual-use innovation in maritime environments.
• Paul Verbruggen (METIP, Netherlands): Innovation hubs and support for startups in maritime technology.
• Max Makarchuk (BRAVE1, Ukraine): Defense innovation in real time – lessons from Ukraine’s ecosystem.
• Gustaf von Grothusen (Polar Mist): Europe’s need for technological autonomy at sea.
• Oscar Fors (Nautrik AB): The entrepreneur’s journey in a regulated and complex defense industry.
• Jens Holzapfel (Nordic Air Defence): Building community and competence within the European Defense Tech Hub.
• Henric Johnson (BTH): Academic excellence aligned with industrial impact in maritime technology.
• David Appelberg (MTC) & Anders Westerberg (FMV): The finalists of the student challenge – innovation from the next generation.
Connections, conversations and confidence in the future
During the breaks between talks and panel discussions, conversations flowed among booths and prototypes. The day concluded with a shared dinner at the Naval Officers’ Mess – a chance to deepen new relationships and ideas.
