Teemu Seppälä
Technology and Innovation Director
City of Riihimäki
DEFINE Accelerator’s newest Spring ’25 batch launch – 12 innovative defense and deep tech companies
Photos from the event. Feel free to use. Photographer: Juho Haavisto
DEFINE, Finland’s leading defense accelerator, has launched its Spring 2025 batch. The program selected 12 promising companies from over 80 applicants across Europe. These companies represent the cutting edge of defense and deep technology, creating solutions for critical defense needs.
These companies are developing secure communication solutions, counter-drone systems, quantum technology, GPS-free navigation, battlefield medicine, and tactical energy solutions.
The growing number of applicants and interest aligns with Finland’s strengthened commitment to defense innovation since joining NATO in 2023, enabling the country to contribute meaningfully to the alliance. By fostering homegrown defense technologies, Finland reduces dependency on foreign suppliers while maintaining control over critical security infrastructure. Additionally, the defense technology sector generates high-skilled jobs and drives innovations that frequently find applications in civilian markets.
The launch event was held in Riihimäki, which has rapidly emerged as a vibrant hub for technological innovation and a strategic meeting ground where startups, SMEs, established corporations, and international visitors converge. Founders, investors, and defense sector experts gathered to kick off the three-month program.
The companies’ Demo Day will be held on June 4th. This represents a fantastic opportunity to witness firsthand the future of European defense innovation and the remarkable progress Finland is making in this critical sector. Join us for a showcase of technological advancement!
Learn more about the companies below.
Aestus Systems
Aestus Systems develops sensor networks specialized for harsh environments. Our advanced technologies enable the networks to provide observations and analyses based on real-time data. The collected information serves as a decision-making tool in critical situations. Moreover, our network is designed for easy setup and effortless deployment.
AlionLife
AlionLife enhances individuals’ physical and mental performance with innovative neurotechnology. The technology activates C-tactile (CT) nerve-endings located on the skin, a significant mechanism that was only discovered in humans at the beginning of the millennium. CT nerves play a crucial role in stress management and stimulate inner brain areas related to the reward system, for example. In defense applications, AlionLife’s vision is to improve stress resilience through its neurotechnology. The goal is to provide individuals with the opportunity to enhance their well-being anytime, anywhere.
Avartek
Avartek, founded in 1968, is a Finnish technology company developing advanced unmanned aerial systems and hybrid energy solutions. The company is involved in defence and security projects, utilizing drone technology for both commercial and military purposes. Avartek has delivered over 1,000 target drones for military use, ensuring high operational efficiency and reliability in various extreme conditions.
BattleBoxes
BattleBoxes is transforming high-stakes logistics by providing secure, scalable, and data-backed modular units that deliver mission-critical supplies where and when they’re needed most. The system combines hardware (modular units with smart access technology) and software (data analytics, forecasts and recommendations) to optimize the last tactical mile, reduce bottlenecks, and mitigate operational risks. BattleBoxes empowers military and civilian operations with highly adaptable solutions that enable faster, safer, and more cost-efficient logistics at scale, all while ensuring secure and efficient supply chain management backed by actionable data insights.
Donut Defence
The Finnish company Donut Defence develops and manufactures next-generation electric mobility technologies for the defense industry. The company offers disruptive solutions that revolutionize vehicle performance on land, at sea, and in the air. Donut Defence’s flagship product is the Donut motor, the most powerful electric motor in the world by any parameter. Its maximum power and torque density enable an exponentially greater payload while reducing everything unnecessary—weight, space, raw materials, costs, cooling and complexity. Reduced noise and heat enhance survivability and agility in operations. The company’s technology and all platform components are developed and manufactured in Europe.
Litqu
Litqu Group Oy offers the Biodecon solution for effective neutralization of chemical and biological warfare agents. Biodecon product uniquely enables users to decontaminate assets in the field without leaving a toxic footprint—avoiding costly post-processing of waste or environmental harm. The technology supports effective operations on Western soil without compromising its future ability to sustain life and liberty.
PLENO
PLENO develops hardware-agnostic autonomous AI systems for defense applications. PLENO uniquely merges AI and robotics into a single autonomous agent trained in simulation like a real soldier. This enables drones to execute multiple missions instantly, reducing development and preparation time critical for defense operations. The AI agent functions as an autonomous team member, aligning with human operators’ objectives to enhance operational efficiency and adaptability in the field.
Rebelvolt
Rebelvolt replaces loud, and polluting diesel generators with mobile, battery-based e-Generators. They produce no heat radiation, fumes or noise and operate reliably in Arctic combat conditions. Our solution can be charged from the grid or integrated with diesel generators, significantly reducing their fuel consumption and maintenance. Our goal is to provide logistically easier and stealthier power for even the most demanding operational sites. We have already tested our e-Generator with the Finnish Defence Forces and have bootstrapped over one million euros in revenue.
SemiQon
SemiQon manufactures CMOS chips for next-generation electronics operating in extreme low-temperature environments, such as space. Our ultra-low-power solutions enable efficient control and signal processing at cryogenic temperatures, reducing system complexity and power consumption. Using standard CMOS chip manufacturing processes, we deliver scalable, cost-effective solutions for a wide range of applications. While SemiQon’s core focus is next-generation quantum processors based on cryo-CMOS, we also recognize its broader potential across industries.
Sharpnav
Sharpnav is developing the first LEO-PNT satellite constellation for Finland and the Nordic region to provide precise and interference-resistant positioning. We are implementing a low Earth orbit (LEO-PNT) satellite navigation solution that enables accurate and resilient positioning beyond the 60th parallel north, where traditional and planned GNSS systems do not provide reliable coverage. Our initial constellation is focused on Finland and the High North, where positioning accuracy and interference resistance are critical for defence, aviation, logistics, and autonomous systems. As development progresses, the system will be expanded globally. Sharpnav’s solution provides Europe and Finland with an independent positioning infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign GNSS services and addressing the growing demand for precise and secure positioning in high-latitude regions.
SkyDock
SkyDock develops autonomous docking and charging stations enabling uninterrupted 24/7 drone operations. SkyDock uniquely combines a patented overhead docking system with inductive charging technology, creating scalable drone networks that require minimal infrastructure and can rapidly deploy in border security, ISR, defense, and emergency-response scenarios. This enables continuous drone missions, significantly reducing downtime, operational costs, and carbon emissions, while ensuring critical coverage of remote and hard-to-reach territories, coastlines, and military applications.
TYTAN Technologies
TYTAN Technologies specialises in developing AI-powered, cost-effective counter-drone solutions to address the evolving challenges of modern defense. By creating cost-effective and scalable systems, we empower democratic nations to protect people and critical infrastructure against emerging threats.
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