What is DEFINE?

Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) is an innovation ecosystem initiated by the City of Riihimäki. It’s goal is to build an international, high-level defence and security industry network. As an innovation ecosystem, DEFINE brings together the best military and civilian experts to create new innovations that serve both military needs and the society as a whole.

DEFINE’s hub of defence excellence is located in Riihimäki, in the South of Finland, making use of existing expertise in the area. Riihimäki already hosts, for example, The Finnish Defence Forces’  competence centre for cyber security, digitalisation and management systems, where specialists are trained, research work is carried out, and innovations are created.

Several important defence and security companies also operate in the Riihimäki area. The Riihimäki unit of Häme University of Applied Sciences trains top experts in technical fields, and is currently expanding its training offer. Riihimäki also has an internationally unique robotics education path from early childhood education all the way to university.

Our task is clear and exciting: we create new ways to keep Finland safe, and to accelerate our country’s export activities.

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. Read more about the topic.

Partnerships

Defence Innovation Network Finland is funded by the City of Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences HAMK, City of Hämeenlinna, Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy, Millog, and Sako Finland. A significant part of the funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through development projects. The EU funder is represented by the Regional Council of Häme.