Build technology for security and resilience. Explore Finland’s expertise in sensing, secure connectivity, autonomous systems and space, alongside research, testing and startup support.
Finland’s defence and dual-use ecosystem brings together startups, established industry and research organisations. Its strengths span sensing, secure connectivity, cybersecurity, software, advanced manufacturing and space, with technologies serving both military and civilian markets.
For founders, that creates opportunities to develop capabilities for defence, critical infrastructure and wider commercial use. Technical expertise, testing environments and innovation networks support development, while companies such as ICEYE demonstrate the potential to build a globally significant business from Finland.
Sensors and data processing help turn observations into a usable picture of the operating environment. Finland’s capabilities span radar, radio-frequency sensing, imaging and sensor fusion, supporting applications in surveillance, infrastructure monitoring and situational awareness across defence and civilian settings.
Reliable communications and protected information systems underpin both military operations and critical infrastructure. Finland brings expertise in wireless networks, secure connectivity and cybersecurity, with applications in communications, information sharing and the protection of connected systems.
Autonomous and remotely operated systems combine sensing, communications, software and control technologies. Finnish companies develop capabilities for aerial, land and maritime applications, including inspection, monitoring and logistics. These technologies serve civilian operations as well as emerging defence needs.
Software connects information, people and operational decisions. Finland’s capabilities include advanced computing, data processing and software for command, control and intelligence applications, as well as tools supporting logistics and other operational functions. These draw on expertise developed across commercial technology and defence.
Materials, components and manufacturing processes shape how equipment performs and how reliably it can be produced. Finland’s engineering and industrial capabilities support the development of specialised products and production methods, connecting technology development with the practical demands of manufacturing and supply chains.
Earth observation, satellite communications, positioning and timing support both defence and the continuity of civilian services. Finland’s space companies and research organisations develop satellites, connectivity, sensing and data capabilities relevant to monitoring, communications and infrastructure resilience.
Finland’s defence and dual-use ecosystem draws on capabilities in sensing, secure connectivity, cybersecurity, software, advanced manufacturing and space. For founders, these strengths create opportunities to develop technologies with applications across military operations, critical infrastructure and civilian markets.
Finland combines technical expertise with opportunities to test technologies in demanding conditions. Research organisations, testing environments and defence innovation networks can help founders develop their solutions and demonstrate their capabilities.
The Finnish Defence Forces’ innovation unit, PVINYX, connects companies, researchers and other partners with military capability needs. Alongside accelerator programmes and testing networks, it forms part of the support available for developing and assessing new technologies.
Finland’s defence and dual-use companies are attracting substantial investment, with ICEYE demonstrating the potential to build a globally significant business here. Investor activity also extends across sensing, connectivity, cybersecurity and other technologies serving defence and civilian markets.
Explore the organisations behind defence innovation, technical development, testing and startup support.
Founded in 1942 to advance defence technology, and holds a facility security clearance for classified work. Runs Finland’s NATO DIANA accelerator in Otaniemi and the DIANA test centre for secure connectivity, space, and quantum, with sites in Otaniemi, Oulu, and Sodankylä.
Operates the VTT Drone Test Center near Oulu: over 3,500 km² of airspace, a 150 km corridor, aircraft up to 150 kg. Works under a 2026 to 2030 framework agreement with the Defence Forces Logistics Command.
Runs 6G Flagship, the world’s first 6G research program, and the 6G Test Centre, part of NATO DIANA’s test centre network.
Anechoic chambers for radio testing up to 330 GHz and a 5G and 6G test network across the campus. Over 100 companies have tested there.
Started by the City of Riihimäki and nationwide since January 2026, with Espoo, Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Joensuu, Oulu, Metropolia, and HAMK. Runs the DEFINE Accelerator for startups and SMEs from NATO countries: 12 weeks, no fees, no equity, remote participation possible.
Hosts the DEFINE Innovation Hub in Riihimäki and, with Millog, a testing environment for networks and software. Co-organized NATO Innovation Range 2026, where 30 companies tested across 4 locations.
In its own words “the leading dual-use, deep-tech hub in the Nordics”, with over 100 companies, among them ICEYE, IQM, Kuva Space, Vaisala, and Varjo.
Partners include VTT, the NATO DIANA accelerator, DEFINE, and Technopolis. Welcomes both Finnish and global defence players: startups, companies, investors, and research organizations join as partners.
PVINYX, the Finnish Defence Forces’ innovation unit, connects companies, researchers and other partners with military capability needs.
It assesses promising innovations and coordinates collaboration around experimentation, demonstrations and prototype development. The unit also acts as a contact point for national and international innovation networks, bringing together research, development and capability building.
Grants that take no equity. The Defense and Digital Resilience program (€120M, 2024 to 2028) funds cybersecurity, digital defence, critical communications, and dual-use technologies, for Finnish companies and foreign companies registered in Finland. Tops up European Defence Fund projects to up to 90% of costs.
Sprint: €75,000 to €100,000 of early R&D at 75% of costs. Evaluates business plans for the startup permit.
Meet companies developing technologies for defence, security and civilian applications, from sensing and software to autonomous systems and space.
Sovereign intelligence. From space.
Anti-drone system
Real world. Digitally delivered.
Adaptive intelligence for Europe’s security
Mission-ready XR
Distance Technologies unlocks the ability to see beyond human sight, scaling computational optics across any transparent surface.
Kova Labs is an advanced engineering lab building the autonomous land force.
Capturing Every Ray of Light
Tell us what you’re building, where you are today, and how we can help.
