Turning Fiber Cables into Underwater Listening Devices
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Table of Contents
Norwegian Startups selected for NATO’s DIANA Innovation Accelerator
Two Norwegian startups have been chosen to participate in DIANA, NATO’s ambitious innovation accelerator program. The program aims to foster cutting-edge technological advancements by connecting startups with industry leaders, providing funding opportunities, and creating a collaborative ecosystem. Aedil, based in Bergen, and Factiverse, headquartered in Stavanger, were selected from a pool of promising applicants.Aedil specializes in DAS interregulators, crucial components for connecting fiber optic cables. “The Trondheim company Alcatel Submarine Networks Norway AS produces world-leading DAS interregulators, and we are planning a good collaboration with them,” as highlighted by Eide. Factiverse leverages the power of artificial intelligence to verify details from various sources, including news articles, reports, and even AI-generated text. Their innovative approach is rooted in machine learning research conducted at the University of Stavanger. The DIANA program goes beyond financial support. It provides participants with valuable mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. “Participating in the DIANA program gives us a foothold in the accelerator program, with monthly trips to the meeting place in Munich and follow-up both in terms of technology and business model development,” explains Eide. Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) expressed pride in norway’s representation in the program: “- We are very pleased that norway is also making a strong showing this year from cutting-edge technology environments and that our small and innovative businesses are asserting themselves internationally.”I’m excited to welcome Øyvind Andreas Eide, Chairman and General Manager of Aedil AS, to Archyde today. Øyvind, thank you for joining us.
**Øyvind:** Thank you for having me.It’s a pleasure to be here.
**archyde:** Your company’s concept of transforming existing fiber optic cables into underwater listening devices is incredibly unique.Could you elaborate on how this technology works?
**Øyvind:** Absolutely. At Aedil, we’re leveraging our extensive experience in underwater acoustics from our time in the navy. Essentially, we’re developing systems that can utilize existing fiber optic cables laid across the ocean floor as if they were massive microphones. [[ ]]
** Archyde:** That’s engaging. What advantages does this approach have over traditional underwater surveillance methods?
**Øyvind:** There are several key advantages. First, it’s incredibly cost-effective. We’re repurposing existing infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive and time-consuming deployments of new equipment. Secondly, fiber optic cables span vast distances, allowing us to monitor enormous stretches of water simultaneously.this technology is highly sensitive, capable of picking up even subtle underwater sounds. [[ ]]
** Archyde:** You recently secured funding from NATO’s DIANA programme, a very competitive initiative. What does this achievement mean for Aedil?
**Øyvind:** We’re incredibly proud to have been selected from over 2,600 applicants. It’s a huge validation of our concept and its potential. This funding will allow us to accelerate our advancement efforts and bring this groundbreaking technology to market faster.[[ ]]
**Archyde:** What are some of the potential applications for this technology, both for defence and beyond?
**Øyvind:** The possibilities are truly exciting. For defense, it could revolutionize underwater surveillance, providing early warning of submarine activity, detecting illegal fishing, or monitoring marine environments.But the applications extend far beyond defense. This technology could be used for scientific research, monitoring marine life, and even supporting offshore energy exploration. [[ ]]
** Archyde:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Øyvind. Aedil AS is certainly a company to watch, and we look forward to following your progress.
**Øyvind:** Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our work.
## Archyde Interviews Aedil: Turning Ocean floor Cables into Underwater Ears
**Archyde:** Welcome,Øyvind. Your company, Aedil, is on the cutting edge of underwater surveillance technology. For our readers unfamiliar with your work, can you explain what you do and what makes it groundbreaking?
**Øyvind Andreas Eide:** We develop systems that leverage existing undersea fiber optic cables as vast networks of underwater listening devices. this technology, known as Distributed Acoustic Remote Sensing (DAS), allows us to detect and analyze even subtle vibrations and acoustic signals traveling through water. essentially, we turn fiber optic cables into microphones on a massive scale.
**Archyde:** That’s incredible! How is your approach particularly innovative?
**Eide:** While the concept of using fiber cables for underwater sensing isn’t entirely new, our strength lies in our advanced data processing techniques.They allow us to monitor vast sea areas with unprecedented scale and precision.Imagine being able to detect ships, submarines, or even seismic activity over hundreds of kilometers using a single fiber optic cable – that’s the potential of our technology.
**Archyde:** Recently, Aedil secured funding from NATO’s DIANA program, a highly competitive initiative supporting defense innovation.What does this support mean for Aedil?
**Eide:** This funding is a tremendous validation of our concept. It will enable us to conduct six months of trials and technological advancement, proving the viability of our system. we will be conducting experiments off the coast of Norway,using an existing submarine fiber cable.
**Archyde:** What are the key challenges you face in developing and scaling this technology?
**Eide:** One major challenge is efficiently processing the massive amounts of data generated by the DAS sensors. We are constantly working on refining our algorithms and developing sophisticated data analysis techniques to extract valuable insights from this data flood. Another challenge is ensuring these systems are robust and reliable in harsh underwater environments.
**Archyde:** Have you encountered any resistance or skepticism from the shipbuilding or naval defense industries?
**Eide:** Initially,there might be some hesitation with any new technology. Though,once we demonstrated the capabilities of our system,the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The potential benefits, in terms of enhanced maritime security, surveillance, and environmental monitoring, are simply too notable to ignore.
**Archyde:** What are your long-term goals for Aedil?
**Eide:** We see Aedil becoming a leading provider of advanced underwater surveillance solutions. We envision our technology playing a crucial role in safeguarding critical sea lanes, securing maritime infrastructure, and contributing to a better understanding of the ocean surroundings.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Øyvind. Your work is truly interesting,and we look forward to seeing Aedil’s continued progress in transforming underwater surveillance.
