DEFINE Accelerator

What is the DEFINE Accelerator program?

DEFINE Accelerator is a 3-month startup accelerator focused on scaling defence, security and dual-use innovations. Coordinated by the City of Riihimäki, the DEFINE Accelerator brings together the Finnish Defence Forces, the country’s leading companies from the industry, research institutes, and startups. Our mission is to support participants in developing defence and dual-use technologies that address both military and commercial market needs. We provide resources, mentorship, and connections for you to enter global markets.

Join our accelerator program and transform your defence and security product into a scalable business with support from world-class mentors and industry leaders.

For the companies applying: The DEFINE Accelerator will move forward at a rapid pace, with activities beginning in late August 2026 and the programme will be running until November 2026.

Leave your application here.

The DEFINE Network Leading the Charge in Defence Technology:

As a participant in our accelerator, you’ll be part of the Defence Innovation Network Finland’s (DEFINE) thriving defence-tech ecosystem. The DEFINE ecosystem launched by the city of Riihimäki is at the forefront of advanced technology and defence innovation, and you’ll have the opportunity to tap into the DEFINE ecosystem’s rich environment:
- At the DEFINE Innovation Hub in Riihimäki, you’ll be in close proximity to key institutions like the Defence Forces Research Institute, Command Systems Centre, and Electronic Warfare Centre.
- Industry leaders such as Sako and Millog are part of our local network, employing over 1,000 people collectively.
- You’ll benefit from the city of Riihimäki’s and DEFINE’s reputation as critical players in Finland’s defence sector, opening doors to valuable connections and collaborations within the country.
- Direct access to DEFINE’s domestic and international networks, meaning potential customers and investors within the NATO and EU ecosystems.
- Access to the DEFINE Innovation Hub facilities, coworking space and planned product development infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU)
By joining our accelerator, you’re not just entering a program – you’re becoming part of a nationwide defence-tech community in Finland, with access to resources, industry leaders, and a supportive ecosystem primed for defence technology breakthroughs.
3 months to accelerate your defense and dual-use technology startup

Our accelerator is designed to guide startups from validation to market entry. Here’s how the program works:
- Phase 1: Validation & Strategy Development: Collaborate with expert mentors to refine your business idea and strategy.
- Phase 2: Technology Development & Prototyping: Access cutting-edge facilities to develop and test your prototypes.
- Phase 3: Go-to-Market & Investment Readiness: Prepare for market entry and secure investments from global defence and commercial investors.
Antto Piirainen: VC Investor
Juha-Pekka Keränen: General Major ret.
Kaj Hagros: VC Investor
Meri Heikkinen: VC Investor
Mika Hyytiäinen: Military Professor (2012-2017)
Tatu Tahkokallio: Senior Researcher, Army Academy
Zeljko Boskovic: Cyber Security and AI Professional
Our Session Partners

Our session partners, including Finland’s most successful defence and technology companies, provide support by sharing their first-hand knowledge and insights into their success. Companies will benefit from real-world expertise, know-how, and business guidance.
Q: Is there a participation fee?
A: No fees. Each participant however covers their own travel and other direct costs due to participation.

Q: Who can apply?
A: Startups and SMEs from NATO countries.

Q: Does the program take equity?
A: No, we do not take stakes of your company, the accelerator is free of charge and no strings attached.

Q: Do we have to be based in Riihimäki for 3 months?
A: No. We welcome participating startups to use our facilities, coworking space and other planned infrastructure (3D/BJAM/AI GPU) but the program is also open to companies that may only visit a few times or even not at all. Remote participation is possible. We are open to applicants from all NATO countries.

Q: What can expect to get from the program?
A You will learn from defence industry company case studies and gain new connections from the defence industry that will help you open new pathways for your dual-use product/service. We will explain how to develop partnerships with Defence Forces, defence industry and NATO allies. In addition to some 20 group sessions, you will receive weekly 1on1 coaching by one of our three head coaches. You will also gain access to DEFINE’s upcoming product development infra (3D additive manufacturing, AI/GPU), partner test facilities, and co-working space.

Q: How much time should we allocate if we are to join?
A: The calendar duration will be approx. 3 months or 12 weeks. You should be prepared to join 1 or 2 weekly joint session (each ca 1-1.5hrs) plus one 1on1 session each week. In addition, you are welcome but not required to work on your project individually at the DEFINE Innovation Hub coworking space, free of charge during the program.

Q: Can I see the detailed curriculum?
A: We will share that with the participating cohort.

Q: Can several people from our company participate the sessions?
A: Yes, we do not limit the number of online remote participation. When participating physically in Riihimäki, we advise a maximum of three participants from each company. It may be beneficial to engage several team members for relevant group sessions and especially for the 1on1 coaching.

Q: When do we need to be ready to start?
A: The DEFINE Accelerator kicks off in late August 2026 and the programme will be running until November 2026.

Q: So what are the exact dates?
A: The exact dates will be announced soon, but the Accelerator in the Autum 2026 will rung between August – November 2026.

Q: How to reach Riihimäki?
A: It is about 60km from HEL airport, or about 55min by train from Helsinki.