This Defense Breakfast will equip you with insights into Ukraine's current priorities, the Norwegian mechanisms that enable cooperation, and the practical realities of doing business in a conflict‑affected environment.

Sign up for the event here.​ (NUCC does not handle registration)

Practical Information

• Hosts: Johan Woo Kvandal & Irina Fodchenko, Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS​
• Format: Hybrid (Physical at Schjødt + Teams)
• Target Audience: SMEs, investors and defense sector stakeholders
• Venue: Tordenskiolds gate 12, Oslo, Norway

Program:

• 08:00 – 08:30

Registration and "Networking Breakfast"

Informal start with coffee and networking for SMEs and investors.

• 08:30 – 10:40

Welcome and Introduction by: Johan Woo Kvandal & Irina Fodchenko

Market Overview: Why Ukraine and what is needed now?

Speakers: Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine and Volodymyr Kabachenko, Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy

Content: An analysis of Ukraine as Europe's most exciting high-risk market and the opportunity space for Norwegian actors within defense and preparedness. Direct insight into national priorities, identifying the critical technologies and sectors for Ukraine's resilience and reconstruction.

• Overview of bilateral trade between Norway and Ukraine:
• Speaker: Kjartan Tveitnes, Norwegian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce
• Content: Promoting and enhancing business cooperation for SMEs ( Energy, IT, Manufacturing, Seafood&Agriculture, Rebuilding, Defence).

• State Guarantees: Peace of Mind for Boards
• Speaker: Ståle Torgersbråten, Eksfin (Export Finance Norway)
• Content: Practical review of guarantee schemes protecting Norwegian SMEs against losses during export or establishment.

• Capital that Builds
• Speaker: Axel Ryder Schøyen, Norfund (The Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries)
• Content: Norfund's strategy for the Ukraine Fund and models for collaboration between state capital and private investors.

• Operational Support: The Kyiv Office as a Door Opener
• Speaker: Antonina Khamkhil, Innovation Norway
• Content: Practical assistance for SMEs and identification of mature sectors (Defence, Energy, Construction and Engineering, Healthcare).

• Venture Capital in Practice: Target Hunting in a War Zone
• Speaker: Munkene (Venture Perspective)
• Content: Due Diligence in a war zone: What investors look for and how to handle operational risk on the ground.

• Resilience and Partnership
• Speaker: Kate Leschyshyn, Come Back Alive
• Content: Why stability on the ground is business-critical and how supporting defense capabilities secures the investment environment.

• Latest Status at the Front Line: What are the Most Urgent Needs
• Speaker: Palle Ydstebø, Lieutenant colonel, Norwegian Military Academy
• Panel Discussion: "Landing the First Contract"
• Content: Focused debate on concrete obstacles: Corruption mitigation, war insurance, and local recruitment. Q&A from the audience.