A dramatic surfing trip sparked a product with global potential
A new standard for water sports safety
When Thomas Klingenberg was struck on the head by his surfboard during a trip to Ervik in 2021, everything changed. The concussion kept him out of the water for five months, and despite his background in competitive cycling and having broken more than 30 bones, this was the most serious injury he had ever experienced. Frustrated by how little protection water sports helmets actually provide, Thomas, a mechanical engineer, decided to create his own.
The technology works
Using viscoelastic materials, he developed helmets that absorb impacts far more effectively than conventional helmets. With support from Aneo, NTNU Discovery and us, the helmet was tested at the Research Institutes of Sweden. The results were impressive: g-forces were halved compared with the standard, and the risk of concussion was reduced twentyfold.
After selling almost 200 handmade helmets from his workshop in Oslo, Thomas faced a new challenge: how could he scale up production to meet growing demand?
Your path to Europe
Thomas's search for manufacturing partners led him to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). In EEN's partnership opportunities database, he found a promising manufacturer in Hungary. With support from us and the Pécs-Baranya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PBKIK), they held several online meetings. EEN adviser Enikő Schmidt provided clear translations and ensured that everyone understood the technical details and quality requirements. The Hungarian manufacturer has extensive experience in finding international partners through EEN.
«Growing internationally is not just about finding the right partner. It is also about understanding the market, the people and the culture. Our EEN advisers help small and medium-sized businesses bridge these differences.»
We also provided Sjø Protection with advisory on intellectual property and partnership agreements through EEN adviser Lars-Erik Solvang. This led Sjø Protection to register its trademark.
'With a registered trademark, they are in a stronger position to protect their innovation and prepare for international growth,' says Solvang.
They also received guidance from EEN advisor Mariann Markseth Omholt on using an ATA Carnet to temporarily export equipment for testing.
'Small and medium-sized enterprises often have limited resources, so careful planning is essential to avoid unnecessary costs and delays,' says Omholt.
Ready for growth
Connecting with the Hungarian manufacturer has been an important step for Sjø Protection. Although discussions are still ongoing, the collaboration is already providing valuable insights into how the company can increase its production capacity and grow internationally.
‘We have shown that the technology works. Now we need to scale up to meet demand. The support from EEN has given us a better understanding of the practical challenges involved in production, and that is crucial as we take the next step,’ says Thomas Klingenberg, founder and CEO of Sjø Protection.