Squarehead Technology
Builds acoustic detection arrays that precisely locate drones, gunshots, and artillery using AI-driven sound-source localisation.
Squarehead Technology AS is a Norwegian defense and industrial technology firm headquartered in Oslo, established in 2004. The company is led by Managing Director Stig Oluf Nyvold and operates with a workforce of approximately 72 employees. Its primary business focus is the development of acoustic detection systems designed to identify and locate sound sources in complex environments. The firm’s core intellectual property is centered on its DiscovAir technology, a sophisticated microphone array system that utilizes artificial intelligence to process audio data for precise source localization. This technology allows for the passive detection of threats and anomalies without emitting any signals, a characteristic that distinguishes it from active radar systems.
The company’s product line is divided into two main sectors: defense and industrial applications. In the defense domain, Squarehead Technology provides solutions for counter-drone operations and Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (RAM) detection. The DiscovAir system is engineered to fill gaps in traditional security perimeters, offering early warning capabilities for drone incursions and indirect fire attacks. The system’s ability to operate passively makes it particularly valuable for protecting critical infrastructure and military assets from stealthy aerial threats. In the industrial sector, the same acoustic technology is adapted for predictive maintenance and quality control in heavy industries such as maritime operations, pulp and paper, and metal manufacturing. By listening to machinery performance, the system can detect deviations in production processes before they result in equipment failure or quality issues.
Squarehead Technology has begun to demonstrate its capabilities in real-world operational settings. In May 2026, the company announced a software update that enabled 360-degree drone detection using a single sensor, a significant advancement in situational awareness for security operators. This development was highlighted as a key step toward providing comprehensive protection for civilian and military targets. The company also entered into an Early Adopter Pilot agreement with Reach Subsea in May 2026 to deploy its acoustic monitoring technology onboard the Reach Remote 1, one of the world’s first remote-operated uncrewed surface vessels. This partnership underscores the versatility of the technology, extending its application from land-based defense to maritime security and industrial monitoring.
Financially, Squarehead Technology has shown consistent revenue growth, reporting operating income of 130.3 million Norwegian kroner for the year 2025. Despite this revenue, the company reported a pre-tax loss of 7.2 million kroner, reflecting the high costs associated with research and development in a competitive technology sector. The firm has received significant public support, including grants and tax benefits totaling tens of millions of kroner from Norwegian research and innovation bodies. This financial backing highlights the strategic importance of the company’s technology to the Norwegian defense and industrial base.
The company’s presence in the global defense market is growing, with plans to exhibit at major international events such as the AUSA National Convention in 2026. Its technology addresses a critical need in modern warfare and security: the detection of small, slow, and low-flying drones that are difficult to track with conventional radar. As drone threats proliferate globally, Squarehead Technology’s acoustic solutions offer a cost-effective and reliable alternative for layered defense systems. The firm’s ability to apply its core acoustic technology across both defense and industrial sectors provides a diversified revenue stream and a robust platform for future innovation.
