What is DEFINE?

Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) is a defence, security and dual-use technology innovation ecosystem launched by the City of Riihimäki in 2024. Its goal is to develop a world-class innovation network for the defence and security sectors, creating new expertise and accelerating innovation.

DEFINE’s activities are primarily built around an accelerator programme for companies developing defence and dual-use technologies, supported by an extensive industry network. The ecosystem fosters the development of dual-use technologies serving both defence and civilian applications. These technologies strengthen Finland’s and NATO’s defence capabilities, enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and the comprehensive security of citizens, and drive business growth.

Nationwide Network

• Riihimäki: AI and autonomous solutions
• Espoo: Deep tech
• Oulu: 6G and radio technology
• Joensuu: Border security
• Forssa: ESG and sustainability
• Hämeenlinna
• Tampere
• Salo
• Lohja
• Turku

Research and Higher Education Partners

• Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
• Metropolia University of Applied Sciences
• VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
• Oulu DIANA Test Center
• Lappi Defence (Rovaniemi Municipal Education and Training Consortium REDU and Lappia Vocational College)
• Digital Defence Ecosystem

Corporate and Government Cooperation

• Ministry of Defence
• National Defence University
• Finnish Defence Forces units in Riihimäki, including the AI Centre
• Millog
• Sako
• CoE Group
• OP Häme
• Digia

International NATO Partnerships

• Organiser of the NATO Innovation Range network (Future Connectivity) and the Borderland Europe test environment
• NATO Innovation Fund (NIF)
• NATO Command and Control Unit (operations scheduled to begin in 2027)

Global Ecosystems

• The Nordic ODIN network, comprising approximately 20 partners
• European Network of Defence-related Regions (ENDR)
• Kaunas Tech-Park
• AMYNA / Lund University
• Defence Tech Denmark
• Valencia
• Mooresville, North Carolina, USA
• DEFINE AI Foundry: Launched in June 2026, DEFINE AI Foundry is a global artificial intelligence platform providing an AI Defence Cloud environment for use by the Finnish Defence Forces and NATO.

DEFINE in Riihimäki

Riihimäki is a significant centre of expertise in the defence and security sectors, bringing together industry, research, education and technological development. The city is home to defence and security companies such as Millog and SAKO. Riihimäki also hosts a Finnish Defence Forces centre of expertise specialising in cybersecurity, digitalisation and command and control systems. The centre provides specialist training, conducts research and develops new innovations. In addition, those who have completed military service in the Cyber Conscription programme have the opportunity to progress directly to higher education studies.

Riihimäki has been selected as the location for NATO’s Command and Control Unit. Operations are scheduled to begin in 2027, further strengthening the city’s position as a national and international centre of expertise in defence and security.

DEFINE Innovation Hub

DEFINE Innovation Hub is located in Riihimäki’s historic locomotive roundhouses. It serves as a shared meeting place and collaborative workspace for ecosystem participants, promoting cooperation, the development of new ideas and the creation of innovations.

The Hub provides ecosystem participants and stakeholders with working spaces, resources and opportunities to test technologies and build networks. It also accommodates companies and hosts seminars, expert meetings and other events related to defence, security and dual-use technologies.

The Hub brings together companies, students, experts and other partners, facilitating knowledge sharing and creating opportunities for new forms of collaboration.

DEFINE Accelerator

DEFINE Accelerator is a three-month startup accelerator coordinated by the City of Riihimäki. It supports the growth of companies developing defence, security and dual-use technologies, helping them scale their solutions and businesses.

Held twice a year, the programme connects startups with the Finnish Defence Forces, leading industry companies and research institutions.

The aim is to accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovations and foster collaboration that helps companies respond to the evolving needs of the defence and security sectors while expanding their business into international markets.

DEFINE Internship Programme

The DEFINE Internship Programme offers upper secondary and higher education students the opportunity to develop their skills within a defence, security and dual-use technology innovation ecosystem. Approximately ten new students are selected twice a year.

Interns participate in the day-to-day operations of DEFINE Innovation Hub and, whenever possible, contribute to assignments provided by companies. The internship offers practical experience in working life, project work and multidisciplinary collaboration, as well as opportunities to connect with companies and industry experts.

After completing the internship, students can apply to continue supporting the Hub through a paid tutor programme, where they can put the knowledge and skills gained during their internship into practice. The City of Riihimäki is responsible for coordinating and supervising the internship programme.

Robotics Education

Riihimäki has an internationally unique robotics education pathway integrated into the curriculum, extending from early childhood education all the way to upper secondary school. Students can continue their robotics studies at Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK).

The educational approach combines curriculum-based learning objectives with creative and innovative applications of technology. Robotics provides students with a practical environment in which to develop problem-solving skills, strengthen their technological expertise and build confidence in their abilities.

Robotics Campus is a community dedicated to developing future skills and serving companies, students and professionals seeking further education and training.

HAMK is part of Robotics Campus, and its Riihimäki campus educates highly skilled professionals for technical fields. Technologies for Comprehensive Security is HAMK’s newest degree programme, leading to a Master’s-level University of Applied Sciences degree.