Photos from the event.

The regional Define ecosystem coordinated by the City of Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Millog Oy and Sako Oy are deepening their cooperation with defence sector actors in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The actors from Kanta-Häme and around twenty Lithuanian, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian companies, research institutes and state-backed organisations will henceforth form ODIN (Organisation for Defence Innovation in the Nordics), a defence innovation network.

“This is the first joint Nordic defence network with cooperation between companies at its core. Deepening the cooperation makes it possible to tap into new kinds of funding channels, creates connections to new kinds of talent and strengthens the position of Finnish actors in the defence sector,” says Teemu Seppälä, Technology and Innovation Director at the City of Riihimäki.

The members of the network commit to cooperating in the development, funding, testing and scaling up of defence innovations.

“The cooperation advances the development of dual-use technologies and innovations and strengthens regional cooperation. At the same time, it opens up new international opportunities for companies and supports exports. With ODIN, the Nordic and Baltic countries are taking a determined step towards a stronger and more integrated defence innovation ecosystem,” says Toni Piispa, Director of the Authorities and Industry business area at Millog Oy.

The parties will sign a memorandum of understanding to confirm the cooperation in Riihimäki on Wednesday 26 February 2025.

Talent for defence companies

“For HAMK, working in the network brings the opportunity to train talent for companies in the defence sector, among others,” says Lassi Martikainen, Director of HAMK’s Business, Design and Technology unit.

Dual-use technologies, i.e. technologies suitable for both civilian and military purposes, are at the centre from the perspective of both education and research.

“The multidisciplinary nature of our university contributes to the application of dual-use technologies and their transfer to different fields. From the perspective of our research, development and innovation activities, the cooperation makes it easier to commercialise results for dual-use technology purposes,” adds Jukka Pulkkinen, Director of the HAMK Tech research unit.

Support for testing innovations

Millog, which is responsible for the maintenance of the Finnish Defence Forces’ equipment, has in-depth knowledge of the special needs and operating environments of the defence sector. In the Define network, Millog supports, among other things, the testing of new innovations, which speeds up their adoption for operational use.

“This year we have further increased our investment in Define, and we are excited about the expansion of the cooperation network through ODIN. Through our expertise, we have a significant opportunity to act as a bridge-builder between the civilian and defence sectors and to support the development of new defence innovations. At the same time, we also strengthen and secure our own technological expertise,” Piispa says.

Smaller companies also get a chance to stand out

“Cooperation with Define and the newly launched ODIN network is very meaningful for us. It brings important expertise and thus enables the development of new technologies and larger system-level solutions, and with that, also the growth of exports,” says Raimo Karjalainen, Member of the Board at Sako Oy.

“Through the network, smaller companies also have the opportunity to take part in development projects and to contribute their expertise, including critical expertise, to increasing the security of the Nordic and Baltic countries,” Karjalainen continues.

In addition to Define, HAMK, Millog and Sako, the cooperation includes, among others, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE) from Finland, Kaunas Science and Technology Park from Lithuania, Milrem Robotics from Estonia, the National Defence Technology Centre from Denmark, Vinnova from Sweden and Kongsberg Innovation from Norway.

Further information

Teemu Seppälä
Technology and Innovation Director
City of Riihimäki
tel. +358503744589
teemu.seppala@riihimaki.fi

Lassi Martikainen
Director, Business, Design and Technology unit
Häme University of Applied Sciences
tel. +358408221734
lassi.martikainen@hamk.fi

Jukka Pulkkinen
Director, HAMK Tech research unit
Häme University of Applied Sciences
tel. +358504618927
jukka.pulkkinen@hamk.fi

Toni Piispa
Director, Authorities and Industry business area
Millog Oy
tel. +358503321078
toni.piispa@millog.fi

Raimo Karjalainen
Member of the Board
Sako Oy
tel. +35840508876
raimo.karjalainen@sako.fi

HAMK

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is a learning and research community for doers who want to change the world. We are a community of around 10,000 future makers in bioeconomy, well-being, business, education, design and technology. Häme University of Applied Sciences operates on seven campuses, online and internationally. For students, staff and partners, we offer excellent tools and environments for working and doing useful deeds together.
www.hamk.fi

Millog

Millog Oy is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, specialising in securing the security of supply of authorities and companies as well as in comprehensive life cycle management. Our services include, among others, life cycle planning and upgrades of technical systems, cybersecurity, spare parts procurement, logistics and warehousing services, and end-of-life processing.
www.millog.fi

Sako Oy

Sako is among the most respected rifle and cartridge manufacturers in the world. We have been developing world-class military, precision and hunting rifles as well as cartridges for decades.

Founded in 1921, Sako has a rich and varied history. It was originally established to recondition and maintain the weapons of the Finnish Civil Guards. The company has played a central role in Finland’s defence industry, and it has been a trusted supplier to dozens of defence forces operating around the world.

In 2000, Sako joined the Beretta Holding Group, whose unique firearms manufacturing traditions date all the way back to 1526. This partnership gives Sako a unique opportunity to offer its customers holistic and comprehensive solutions and systems.

https://www.sako.global/