Finland’s application to join NATO’s DIANA accelerator and test centre network has been approved in Brussels. Finland’s application was prepared and submitted last June by VTT together with the Ministry of Defence. VTT also coordinates DIANA activities in Finland. The main content of the application consists of next-generation communication systems, 6G technology, cybersecurity, and quantum and space technologies.

In the initial phase, a business accelerator and two test centres will be established in Finland. The activities will be network-based, and cooperation will be carried out with various parties. Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), led by the City of Riihimäki, wants to be part of this network.

The DEFINE network brings together public and private defence sector actors

The defence sector innovation ecosystem project DEFINE was launched a year ago. During spring 2023, an extensive round of interviews was carried out and an event was organised, on the basis of which it was confirmed that there is strong demand for an innovation network of this kind. A steering group was established for the project, with members representing the network’s key actors such as the Finnish Defence Forces, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), VTT, the cities of Riihimäki, Hämeenlinna and Forssa, and, from among companies, Millog and Sako.

The motto of the DEFINE network is “Innovations for total defence and security”. In line with the project’s vision and mission, we are building a world-class defence and security network that generates new expertise and accelerates innovation in the sector. Our activities generate dual-use technologies serving military organisations and civil society, improve Finland’s national defence capability and the comprehensive security of citizens, and boost our country’s exports.

The year 2023 culminated in an expert seminar held at the Finnish Glass Museum in Riihimäki, which gathered around 80 participants. We received excellent feedback from the participants. The event was organised in cooperation with the national Digital Defence Ecosystem DDE.

Funding from the Regional Council of Häme secures activities for the coming years

With the EU funding the project has received from the Regional Council of Häme, we will be able to continue the project’s activities effectively over the coming years.

This year, as our most visible event, we will organise MaanpuolustusAreena in connection with the International Erämessut fair, with the theme “Will technology decide the new cold war?”. Speakers in the part open to the public include the Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces/a representative of the Finnish Defence Forces, Risto E. J. Penttilä, Jarno Limnell and Raimo Karjalainen (Sako).

In addition, an invitation-only seminar will be held, as well as, for the first time in Finland, a pitching event aimed solely at defence and dual-use technology startups, where entrepreneurs meet investors. This Pitch DefSec Finland event is organised by the Finnish Business Angels Network Fiban. Finnish venture capital investors have woken up to the business opportunities brought by dual-use technologies and want to invest 100,000  euros in the best startup at the event held in Riihimäki.

Building a business accelerator is one of the key objectives

Building a business accelerator focused on dual-use technology, that is, applications suitable for both military and civilian use, is one of the important objectives of the DEFINE project. We have applied for funding for the accelerator from the Häme ELY Centre. If funding for the accelerator is confirmed, we will get it up and running this year. We are offering the accelerator and the strong defence sector expertise associated with it to be part of NATO’s DIANA network in Finland. We want to cooperate closely with various actors, and we especially hope that the Finnish Defence Forces will take part in this activity, which strengthens Finland’s comprehensive national defence.

The Define project also organises a great deal of other activities and events. Examples include a hackathon event planned for September 2024 with Millog and the Finnish Defence Research Agency, seminars on various themes, and training for companies. We want to become visible to everyone and invite all interested parties to join in strengthening our network.

What is Define?

DEFINE (Defence Innovation Network Finland) is a project led by the City of Riihimäki whose purpose is to build an internationally high-level defence and security network. The aim is to bring together the best military and civilian experts to create new innovations that serve both military needs and society as a whole at the same time. Define is a project co-funded by the Regional Council of Häme, receiving support from the European Regional Development Fund programme.