Will Hefring Marine Win the Nordic Innovation Award?

Hefring Marine, the Icelandic company that received the Icelandic Innovation Award 2025, has been nominated to represent Iceland at the Nordic Innovation Award 2026. The award is organised by the Nordic intellectual property offices and will be presented for the second time at a formal ceremony in Oslo on 21 May. A live stream of the ceremony will be available here on hugverk.is

Hefring Marine has developed and commercialised its IMAS® system (Intelligent Marine Assistance System), which uses artificial intelligence and real-time data from a range of onboard sensors and monitoring systems to provide vessel operators and fleet managers with real-time guidance on safety, fuel efficiency, maintenance and operations. The system is used by rescue services, navies, fleet operators, boatbuilders and maritime tourism providers around the world, including in Norway, Sweden, the UK, the United States, Canada, Italy and Iceland.

The other nominees are:

Lybe Scientific (Norway)

Lybe Scientific has developed an innovative method for rapid and precise isolation of DNA and RNA from biological samples. The technology is based on magnetic nanoparticles and is used in medical diagnostics, drug development, aquaculture, and life sciences.

Sonus Fishery (Denmark)

Sonus Fishery addresses central challenges in modern fisheries, and the solution points to new opportunities for efficient fishing with less impact on the seabed and marine ecosystems. At the same time, the solution has possibilities for broader application both in the Nordics and internationally.

Weeefiner (Finland)

Weeefiner is a Finnish technology company specialising in industrial water treatment, particularly the recovery of valuable substances from wastewater. The Scavenger® technology combines resource efficiency and environmental protection. It has been tested and piloted globally for the recovery of more than 15 different materials. The solution is suitable for several industries, such as mining, metal, chemical, and energy sectors.

Grale (Sweden)

Grale is a Swedish innovation company that develops plastic alternatives based on renewable raw materials such as agricultural and forestry residues. The technology is patented and can be produced in existing machinery, making the solution scalable and cost-effective.

When evaluating nominees, five criteria are considered:

• Innovation — The innovation must represent a new and original approach, utilising cutting-edge science or technology, unique methods, or creative problem-solving.
• Sustainability — The innovation must contribute to increased sustainability and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Commercial viability and growth potential — The innovation must form the basis for a viable and scalable business likely to generate returns in the future.
• Measurable results — Evidence must be provided that the innovation has delivered measurable results, whether in the form of revenue, market traction, business agreements or recognised methodology.
• Registered intellectual property — The innovation must be protected by registered IP rights (patent, trademark or design) in relevant markets.

The purpose of the award is to encourage and recognise Nordic companies that have developed outstanding innovations and secured their intellectual property rights. It aims to promote greater understanding of the importance of IP protection in innovation and of innovation's contribution to sustainable development in business and society.