DEFINE ready to join NATO’s DIANA network in Finland

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 the DIANA activities in Finland. The application focused on 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 set up in Finland. The activities will be network-based and there will be cooperation between different actors. The Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), led by the City of Riihimäki, wants to be part of this network.

DEFINE brings together public and private defence organizations

The DEFINE defence innovation ecosystem project was launched a year ago. An extensive round of interviews and an event in spring 2023 confirmed that there is a strong demand for such an innovation network. A steering group was set up for the project, with members representing the network’s key players such as The Finnish Defence Forces, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), VTT, the cities of Riihimäki, Hämeenlinna and Forssa, and the companies Millog and Sako.

DEFINE’s slogan 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 will generate new knowledge and accelerate innovation in the sector. Our activities will generate dual-use technologies for military organisations and civil society, improve Finland’s national defence capabilities and the overall security of its citizens, and boost our exports.

The year 2023 culminated in an expert seminar at the Finnish Glass Museum in Riihimäki, which attracted 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 will secure the following years’ activities

The EU funding from the Regional Council of Häme will enable us to continue the project effectively over the next few years.

This year, the most prominent event will be the MaanpuolustusAreena Defence Exhibition, which will be held in conjunction with the International Sportsmen’s Fair under the theme “Technology to solve the new Cold War?” Speakers in the public part will be a Commander/Representative of The Finnish Defence Forces, Risto E. J. Penttilä, Jarno Limnell, and Raimo Karjalainen (Sako).

There will also be an invitation-only seminar and, for the first time in Finland, a pitch event exclusively for defence and dual-use technology start-ups, where entrepreneurs will meet financiers. This Pitch DefSec Finland event is organised by the Finnish Business Angels Network FiBAN. Finnish venture capitalists have woken up to the business opportunities offered by dual-use technologies and are looking to invest €100,000 in the best start-up at the event in Riihimäki.

Building a business accelerator is one of the key objectives

One of the main objectives of the DEFINE project is to build a business accelerator focusing on dual-use technology, i.e., applications suitable for both military and civilian use. We have applied for funding for the accelerator from the Häme Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. If funding for the accelerator is secured, we will be able to launch it during this year. We will offer the accelerator, and the strong defence know-how that comes with it, as part of NATO’s DIANA network in Finland. We want to work closely with the different stakeholders, and we hope that The Finnish Defence Forces in particular will participate in this activity to strengthen Finland’s overall national defence.

DEFINE also organises many other activities and events. Examples include a hackathon event planned in September 2024 with Millog and the Defence Research Agency, seminars on various topics and training sessions for businesses. We want to be visible to everyone and invite all interested parties to join us in strengthening our network.

What is DEFINE?

DEFINE (Defence Innovation Network Finland) is a project led by the City of Riihimäki to build an internationally advanced 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 the society as a whole. DEFINE is a project co-funded by the Regional Council of Häme, and supported by the European Regional Development Fund programme.