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 operating in the defence and security sector. We offer a platform for technology and innovation development, and provide financing and business support to companies.

Finnish technology and innovation know-how is world-class, and through our NATO membership, the demand and markets for Finnish high-tech defence products has grown tremendously. For example, in the autumn of 2023, almost 100 defence and security companies participated in the business growth event SLUSH in Helsinki.

The benefits generated by the DEFINE network spread far beyond the defence and security sector. The dual-use technologies emerging as a result of research development in the defence sector serve military organisations, but also the civil society.

The world’s most advanced technologies and solutions are often created through joint development and innovation activities between companies, military organisations, and research institutes. For example, the Internet has its roots in the U.S. Department of Defense’s ARPANET project. Similarly, many of the technological innovations that have influenced the development of smartphones, such as GPS and touch screen technologies, were born as a result of cooperation between defence administrations and companies. We want to foster the development of innovations and services that influence the society as a whole. The DEFINE network launches and accelerates technologies and business activities that improve the quality of life throughout society.