About

What is DEFINE?

Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) is an innovation ecosystem initiated by the City of Riihimäki. We are developing a world-class defence and security innovation network that generates new expertise and accelerates innovation in the sector.

Photo: The Finnish Defence Forces 2024

Our work produces dual-use technologies that serve both military organisations and civil society, strengthen the defence capability of Finland and NATO, reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy and citizens’ comprehensive security — and accelerate the growth of our companies. Several significant defence and security companies already operate in the Riihimäki region.

DEFINE’s operations are centred in Riihimäki because the region already hosts top expertise in the field: the Finnish Defence Forces’ centre of excellence for cyber security, digitalisation and command & control systems, where specialists are trained, research is conducted and innovations are created.

Riihimäki also offers an internationally unique robotics education path, written into the curriculum all the way from early childhood education to upper secondary school. Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) trains top professionals for technical fields at its Riihimäki campus, and its newest degree programme — Technology Solutions for Comprehensive Security — leads to a Master’s-level UAS degree.

What does DEFINE offer for companies?

Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) is an open network that brings together The Finnish Defence Forces, defence and security companies, educational institutions and research institutes, as well as other stakeholders in Riihimäki and the Kanta-Häme region. The aim of the network is to accelerate the innovation and development activities of the participants, and to increase the participating companies’ turnover.

The network was launched in 2023 with the funding decision. The building of the network is coordinated by the City of Riihimäki. Lieutenant General (res) Ilkka Korkiamäki works as a special expert for the ecosystem project. DEFINE is open to all innovative companies in the defence and security sector.