About Us
A rock mechanics technology company
qWave is a startup based in Stavanger, Norway. Established in 2015, we have grown to a team of nine employees and contractors, working to develop technology for a better understanding of underground rock mechanics. Our first technology is a patented technology using focused acoustic shockwaves to generate a qWave perforation into the wellbore wall. To improve the accuracy of measuring the stress properties in the rock formations which is important data for operators of both oil & gas and carbon storage wells and projects. Multiple successful tests of a prototype tool have been conducted with backing from Equinor, DNO, Vår Energi, OMV and the Norwegian research council (Forskningsrådet). We are now moving into an exciting phase: to develop the next version of the tool to be the basis for commercial market entry.
History
The idea behind the technology is to utilize the same principles as used within medicine for extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for generating series of repeatable focused shockwaves for gradual degeneration of kidney stones. To transfer a medical technology to an offshore well application. By partnering with German medtech companies the concept has been feasibility tested successfully. This led to the development of a prototype which has been tested both at a test center and offshore Norway. The prototype continues to be used in testing to acquire additional knowledge that is used in design and engineering of the next version of the technology and tool.
Joint Industry Partners
The qWave technology has been developed as a Joint Industry Project (JIP) with the industry partners Equinor, Vår Energi, DNO, and OMV. They are contributing with their drilling, operations, and rock mechanics expertise and funding, while also defining technology requirements and development objectives. The partners see potential in qWave's technology - not only to improve safe storage and cost efficiency in CO2 storage projects, but also for applications in oil and gas wells. The next version of the tool will also be developed as a JIP with Equinor and DNO as partners.
The Team
Jan Ove Nesvik
CEO
Jan Ove has 28 years of experience from the oil & gas industry and 7 years from technology startups, including 18 years in leadership roles in Norway, UK, USA, and Russia, having held various roles within Strategy, Business Development, Commercial, Accounting, Tax, Controlling, Internal Audit, Compliance, Procurement, and IT. He has worked for Conoco, ConocoPhillips, E.ON Rhurgas, E.ON E&P, and DEA. Jan Ove holds a Masters in Business Administration from Warwick Business School and a Bachelor in Computer Science from University of Manchester. Jan Ove joined qWave as CEO in May 2022.
Hans Petter Eng
CTO and Founder
Hans Petter has more than 25 years experience within the oil & gas industry, having held various technical and managerial positions in oil service and E&P companies such as Schlumberger, 4Sea Energy, Aker Exploration, Det norske and Genesis Oil & Gas Consultants. Hans Petter holds a MSc in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. Hans Petter is the founder of qWave and the man behind the pulser technology idea.
Robin Greene (C)
Project Manager
Robin has more than 19 years experience with down hole tool research and development. He has held positions as Principle Engineering Analyst & Team Lead at Canrig Drilling and as Senior Simulation & Modelling Engineer at Slb. In these roles he has been responsible for mechanic and liquids dynamic simulations and research leading to development of patents. Robin holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked with qWave since 2020.
Andre Sætre
Operations Manager
Andre is an Oil & Gas professional, with over 13 years of experience with wireline operations. He has worked in different roles ranging from supervising field operations, technology development and customer engagement, across several companies both in Norway and abroad, such as Archer, Aker Solutions, Altus, and EPLUG. He enjoys working with technology startups. Andre joined qWave in May 2023.
Glenn Finnebråten
Workshop Manager
Glenn has 6 years experience from mechanics and field operations in the oil & gas industry, with Halliburton and new technology development with EPLUG. He is responsible for the workshop, performing mechanics work and leading the implementation of testing activities. Glenn joined qWave in February 2024.
Gunnar Grindheim (C)
Lead Mechatronics Engineer
Gunnar has many years of experience from mechanical and electronics work with companies developing down hole tools. He has worked on many R&D projects. He is responsible for the electronics and high voltage scope of the qWave technology, and also supports the mechanical scope.
Demeke Getachew Feyisa
Test Engineer
As our Test Engineer, Demeke is involved in the design of test applications, to construct, operate, and validate hardware and test systems for the innovative qWave technology. It involves developing and maintaining data-acquisition and control interfaces, executing factory acceptance tests and R&D test plans, capturing and analysing test data, and producing documentation and reports to support engineering design. Demeke joined qWave in August 2025.
Kenneth Fuglestad (C)
Sr Design Engineer
As our Sr Design Engineer Kenneth is responsible for design, drawings and the basis of calculation that is delivered to the project. He is involved in new concepts, design and testing of new innovation and solutions. Kenneth is the CTO and Founder at Well Conveyor AS and works part-time for qWave. He has more than 20 years experience from design, engineering and technology development of down hole equipment. Kenneth joined qWave on part-time basis in October 2025.
Tore Grenasberg (C)
Sr Electronics Engineer
As our Sr Electronics Engineer, Tore is involved in the design, engineering and testing of the high voltage system, electronics, and all other electronics development related projects. Tore has more than 15 years experience as design engineer in electronics, down hole high temp electronics, schematics and PCB design. Tore joined qWave on part-time basis in August 2025.
Board of Directors
Frederik Hvistendahl — Chairman of the Board
Hans Petter Eng — Board Member
Oluf Bergsvik — Board Member
Johannes Løyning — Board Member