Accelerator Programme
DEFINE Accelerator
DEFINE Accelerator is a 3-month startup accelerator focused on scaling defence, security and dual-use innovations — access to mentors, customers and capital, from Helsinki to Brussels and the NATO ecosystem.
Photo: Juho Haavisto
Application period ended on June 21, 2026. The Autumn 2026 programme kicks off in late August 2026 and runs until November 2026.
What is the DEFINE Accelerator program?
Coordinated by the City of Riihimäki, the DEFINE Accelerator brings together the Finnish Defence Forces, the country’s leading companies from the industry, research institutes, and startups. Our mission is to support participants in developing defence and dual-use technologies that address both military and commercial market needs. We provide resources, mentorship, and connections for you to enter global markets.
Join our accelerator program and transform your defence and security product into a scalable business with support from world-class mentors and industry leaders.
Why choose the DEFINE Accelerator?
The DEFINE Network — leading the charge in defence technology. As a participant, you’ll be part of Defence Innovation Network Finland’s thriving defence-tech ecosystem:
- At the DEFINE Innovation Hub in Riihimäki, you’ll be in close proximity to key institutions like the Defence Forces Research Institute, Command Systems Centre, and Electronic Warfare Centre.
- Industry leaders such as Sako and Millog are part of our local network, employing over 1,000 people collectively.
- You’ll benefit from the city of Riihimäki’s and DEFINE’s reputation as critical players in Finland’s defence sector, opening doors to valuable connections and collaborations within the country.
- Direct access to DEFINE’s domestic and international networks — potential customers and investors within the NATO and EU ecosystems.
- Access to the DEFINE Innovation Hub facilities, coworking space and planned product development infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU).
By joining our accelerator, you’re not just entering a program — you’re becoming part of a nationwide defence-tech community in Finland, with access to resources, industry leaders, and a supportive ecosystem primed for defence technology breakthroughs.
How the DEFINE Accelerator works
3 months to accelerate your defence and dual-use technology startup. Our accelerator is designed to guide startups from validation to market entry:
- Phase 1: Validation & Strategy Development — collaborate with expert mentors to refine your business idea and strategy.
- Phase 2: Technology Development & Prototyping — access cutting-edge facilities to develop and test your prototypes.
- Phase 3: Go-to-Market & Investment Readiness — prepare for market entry and secure investments from global defence and commercial investors.
Meet the coaches
Photo: Juho Haavisto
Antto Piirainen: VC Investor
Juha-Pekka Keränen: General Major (ret.)
Kaj Hagros: VC Investor
Meri Heikkinen: VC Investor
Mika Hyytiäinen: Military Professor (2012–2017)
Tatu Tahkokallio: Senior Researcher, Army Academy
Zeljko Boskovic: Cyber Security and AI Professional
Session partners
Our session partners, including Finland’s most successful defence and technology companies, provide support by sharing their first-hand knowledge and insights into their success. Companies will benefit from real-world expertise, know-how, and business guidance.
DEFINE Accelerator FAQ
Is there a participation fee?
No fees. Each participant however covers their own travel and other direct costs due to participation.
Who can apply?
Startups and SMEs from NATO countries.
Does the program take equity?
No, we do not take stakes of your company — the accelerator is free of charge and no strings attached.
Do we have to be based in Riihimäki for 3 months?
No. We welcome participating startups to use our facilities, coworking space and other planned infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU), but the program is also open to companies that may only visit a few times or even not at all. Remote participation is possible. We are open to applicants from all NATO countries.
What can we expect to get from the program?
You will learn from defence industry company case studies and gain new connections from the defence industry that will help you open new pathways for your dual-use product/service. We will explain how to develop partnerships with the Defence Forces, defence industry and NATO allies. In addition to some 20 group sessions, you will receive weekly 1-on-1 coaching by one of our three head coaches. You will also gain access to DEFINE’s upcoming product development infrastructure (3D additive manufacturing, AI/GPU), partner test facilities, and co-working space.
How much time should we allocate?
The calendar duration is approx. 3 months or 12 weeks. You should be prepared to join 1 or 2 weekly joint sessions (each ca 1–1.5 hrs) plus one 1-on-1 session each week. In addition, you are welcome — but not required — to work on your project individually at the DEFINE Innovation Hub coworking space, free of charge during the program.
Can I see the detailed curriculum?
We will share that with the participating cohort.
Can several people from our company participate in the sessions?
Yes, we do not limit the number of online remote participants. When participating physically in Riihimäki, we advise a maximum of three participants from each company.
When do we need to be ready to start?
The DEFINE Accelerator kicks off in late August 2026 and the programme will be running until November 2026.
How to reach Riihimäki?
It is about 60 km from HEL airport, or about 55 min by train from Helsinki.