The defence and security expertise of Kanta-Häme and the DEFINE project coordinated by the City of Riihimäki attracted broad interest at an international seminar held in Brussels on 12 June 2025. DEFINE is one of the first defence innovation ecosystems launched with EU regional development funding. At the event, the project’s activities were presented and new international cooperation relationships were established.

Mayor of Riihimäki Jouni Eho and Technology Director Teemu Seppälä highlighted the city’s role in the development of the project and its rapid expansion. Regional Mayor of Häme Toni K. Laine emphasised the project’s importance for the vitality of the entire region and its appeal at the EU level.

Representatives of the European Commission and Members of the European Parliament gave recognition to DEFINE for its topicality and for its model supporting SMEs and dual-use technologies. The seminar strengthened Kanta-Häme’s position as a pioneer in defence innovation and initiated negotiations with several European partners.

Read more in the press release of the Regional Council of Häme (published on 17 June 2025).