DEFINE Accelerator backed by Redstone

3 months to accelerate your defense and dual-use technology startup

Our accelerator is designed to guide startups from validation to market entry. Here’s how the program works:

• Phase 1: Validation & Strategy Development: Collaborate with expert mentors to refine your business idea and strategy.
• Phase 2: Technology Development & Prototyping: Access cutting-edge facilities to develop and test your prototypes.
• Phase 3: Go-to-Market & Investment Readiness: Prepare for market entry and secure investments from global defence and commercial investors.

Why Riihimäki is Leading the Charge in Defence Technology?

As a participant in our accelerator, you’ll be part of Riihimäki’s thriving defence-tech ecosystem. This city has long been at the forefront of advanced technology and defence innovation, and you’ll have the opportunity to tap into this rich environment:

• You’ll be in close proximity to key institutions like the Defence Forces Research Institute, Command Systems Centre, and Electronic Warfare Centre.
• Industry leaders such as Sako and Millog are part of our local network, employing over 1,000 people collectively.
• You’ll benefit from Riihimäki’s reputation as a critical player in Finland’s defence sector, opening doors to valuable connections and collaborations within the country.
• Our local education system, from early robotics programs in schools to Häme University of Applied Sciences’ expertise in automation, robotics, and mechanical engineering, ensures a constant flow of talent and ideas.
• Access the facilities, coworking space and planned product development infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU)

By joining our accelerator, you’re not just entering a program – you’re becoming part of Riihimäki’s defence-tech hub, with access to resources, industry leaders, and a supportive ecosystem primed for defence technology breakthroughs.

Seasoned industry-leading experts and investors guiding your startup journey

• Kaj Hagros – Managing Partner at Redstone Nordics
• Oskari Lehtonen – Partner at Redstone Nordics
• Tatu Tahkokallio – Senior Researcher at Army Academy
• Michael Brehm – Co-founder at Redstone
• Mickaël Bellaïche – General Partner at Redstone
• Mohamed Foulser – Investor at Redstone

Our Session Partners

Our session partners, including Finland’s most successful defence and technology companies, provide support by sharing their first-hand knowledge and insights into their success. Companies will benefit from real-world expertise, know-how, and business guidance.

Why Choose DEFINE?

DEFINE Accelerator program provides country’s best opportunity to grow your startup with:

• 3 months of mentorship in a flexible setting from defence and technology leaders.
• Direct access to potential customers and investors within the NATO and EU ecosystems.
• Specialized resources to refine business models and dual-use technologies.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and global market connections.

Many of today’s most impactful innovations, like the Internet, GPS, and touchscreen, originated from military research. DEFINE is proud to continue this tradition by supporting startups developing dual-use technologies that benefit both civilian and military markets. European defence startups are gaining momentum, driven by public sector support such as NATO’s $1 billion startup fund and the European Investment Fund’s €175 million fund for dual-use technologies.

Stay Updated on DEFINE Events

• SLUSH Business Growth Event – November 22, 2024
• Defense Innovation Workshop – January 2024
• International Dual-Use Technology Showcase – February 2024

View All Events

Q: Is there a participation fee?
A: No fees. Each participant however covers their own travel and other direct costs due to participation.

Q: Who can apply?
A: Startups and SMEs from NATO countries.

Q: Does the program take equity?
A: No, we do not take stakes of your company, the accelerator is free of charge and no strings attached.

Q: Do we have to be based in Riihimäki for 3 months?
A: No. We welcome participating startups to use our facilities, coworking space and other planned infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU) but the program is also open to companies that may only visit a few times or even not at all. Remote participation is possible. We are open to applicants from all NATO countries.

Q: What can expect to get from the program?
A You will learn from defence industry company case studies and gain new connections from the defence industry that will help you open new pathways for your dual-use product/service. We will explain how to develop partnerships with Defence Forces, defence industry and NATO allies. In addition to some 20 group sessions, you will receive weekly 1on1 coaching by one of our three head coaches. You will also gain access to DEFINE’s upcoming product development infra (3D additive manufacturing, AI/GPU), partner test facilities, and co-working space.

Q: How much time should we allocate if we are to join?
A: The calendar duration will be approx. 3 months or 12 weeks. You should be prepared to join 1 or 2 weekly joint session (each ca 1-1.5hrs) plus one 1on1 session each week. In addition, you are welcome but not required to work on your project individually at the DEFINE Innovation Hub coworking space, free of charge during the program.

Q: Can I see the detailed curriculum?
A: We will share that with the participating cohort.

Q: Can several people from our company participate the sessions?
A: Yes, we do not limit the number of online remote participation. When participating physically in Riihimäki, we advise a maximum of three participants from each company. It may be beneficial to engage several team members for relevant group sessions and especially for the 1on1 coaching.

Q: When do we need to be ready to start?
A: The DEFINE Accelerator kicks off during Slush week on Nov 22nd. The first companies to have enrolled, will have a chance to pitch during the launch event. We thus encourage to apply now.

Q: So what are the exact dates?
A: The Accelerator will run from end of Nov 2024 until end of Feb 2025. But no sweat, the coaches will be flexible to accommodate with everyone’s availability and calendars.

Q: How to reach Riihimäki?
A: It is about 60km from HEL airport, or about 55min by train from Helsinki.