DEFINE — Defence Innovation Network Finland
News & Events
Digia Joins the DEFINE Network
The nationwide DEFINE network brings together Finland’s top defence and security professionals and companies. The goal is to develop new defence innovations for the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces and NATO — and to create growth and jobs in Finland. Software company Digia is the newest member of the network.
Borderland Europe Joins NATO’s Innovation and Testing Network
A new innovation environment for border security and dual-use technologies is being built in Finland, as the Borderland Europe testing environment joins the NATO Innovation Range (NIR) innovation and testing network.
DEFINE Innovation Hub Welcomes Spring 2026 Accelerator Teams
Spring 2026 accelerator teams met at DEFINE Innovation Hub on March 19, 2026 for a full-day program.
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DEFINE Innovation Hub was once again buzzing when the spring 2026 accelerator teams met on March 19, 2026 for a full-day program. Twelve teams from across Europe participated in the event, which kicked off at the Riihimäki Garrison and continued at DEFINE Innovation Hub in Riihimäki.
The afternoon program featured brief introductions from each new accelerator team, allowing them to showcase their solutions. Participants also heard from a lineup of expert speakers, including Lieutenant Colonel Jukka Nikkilä from the Defence Command Finland, Nicholas Nelson from Archangel Ventures, Henri Kivioja from RAIN Global Oy, and Rasmus Basilier from Millog Oy.
Spring ’26 batch teams: Aiglos, AVRAX Systems, Clausal Computing, EOB Space, Fara Technologies, I-CONIC Vision AB, Kolibri Defence, Louhi, LUMRA, Metaktik, Seamless Subsea, spogen.ai
Oulu Strengthens 6G and Radio Technology Development in the DEFINE Network
DEFINE, the defence and security network developed by the City of Riihimäki, brings together Finland’s experts, companies and testing environments. The network has now expanded nationwide to five cities and two universities of applied sciences with funding from Sitra — and Oulu’s technology expertise plays a significant role.
Growth and Jobs from Defence Innovation — DEFINE Goes Nationwide
Sitra accelerates defence and security innovation by supporting the new nationwide DEFINE network. The cooperation, expanding to six cities, brings growth, jobs and new opportunities across Finland.
Riihimäki Seeks the NATO Label for Finnish Defence Technology
NATO tested and showcased its newest defence technologies in Finland for the first time at the Innovation Range event in Riihimäki and at Räyskälä Airfield. 17 growth companies from different NATO countries took part, with their solutions evaluated by NATO and Finnish Defence Forces experts — partly led by judges with combat experience.
NATO Innovation Range: A Remarkable Three Days of Innovation and Collaboration
NATO Innovation Range brought together international innovators, companies and experts in Riihimäki.
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As NATO Innovation Range comes to a close, we are left with strong confidence in having taken an important step towards securing the futures of our nations. The event was held at the DEFINE Innovation Hub and at Räyskälä Airfield from December 8 to 10, 2025.
Each of the 17 demonstrating companies offered a unique perspective. Special recognitions were awarded within four challenge categories:
- Sine Engineering — Resilient Connectivity
- Kuva Space — AI-Enhanced Decision Support
- Jet Connectivity — 5G/6G and Non-Terrestrial Networks Integration
- Kelluu — Mission Assurance in Extreme Conditions
Alta Ares, ARX Robotics, Dwarf Engineering, Granta Autonomy, IS-Wireless, Kraken, Lennartsfors, Microamp, ReLoc, RSI Europe, TACTIQL and Tekever likewise showcased impressive solutions.
Defence Super Day at DEFINE Innovation Hub
Defence Super Day on August 27, 2025 featured pitches, speed mentoring, and a Memorandum of Understanding signing.
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The DEFINE team hosted a truly inspiring Defence Super Day on August 27, 2025 at the DEFINE Innovation Hub in Riihimäki, bringing together Finland’s National Defence University’s Senior Staff Officer Course alongside company pitches, foresight presentations and speed mentoring with DEFINE Batch 3 startups.
The day concluded with a visit to the SAKO factory and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the cities of Riihimäki and Mooresville, North Carolina.
Photographer: Juho Haavisto
Event timeline
DEFINE co-organized NIR Finland with Digital Defence Ecosystem, Business Turku, Business Joensuu and Oulu Zone.
Accelerator teams met at DEFINE Innovation Hub for a full-day program.
Three days of innovation at Riihimäki Innovation Hub and Räyskälä Airfield.
Pitching, speed mentoring and MoU signing with SAKO factory visit.
1.5h crash course on breaking into defence.
Robotics battle tournament and hackathon at Riihimäki Innovation Hub.
Archive
All DEFINE news and events from 2024 onwards are collected in the archive.