Riihimäki: Departure for the defense revolution in the heart of Finland!

Riihimäki: Departure for the defense revolution in the heart of Finland!

Riihimäki, Finnland - What happens in Riihimäki? This small town, located 60 km northwest of Helsinki, is in the process of becoming a hub for defense innovations in Finland. The city already houses half of the Finnish defense industry and has the Defense Innovation Network Finland (Define) called. Teemu Seppälä, the city's technology and innovation director, sees this development the opportunity to create a strong innovation ecosystem that attracts both companies and startups.

In the region, important companies such as Seco, Sako - a leading rifle manufacturer - and Patria, the largest defense officer, are based. Riihimäki himself has set itself the task of promoting technological innovations in the defense sector by working with the Finnish armed forces as well as Educative institutions to create a strong foundation for the next generation of defense technologies.

The Define Accelerator

The Define Accelerator, which was launched as part of this project, offers three-month support for startups that focus on defense, security and dual-use technologies. The accelerator is coordinated by the city of Riihimäki and directed by Redstone, a venture capital company specializing in early phase investments. Participants can access a network of mentors, industrial experts and defense stakeholders and thus test their innovative ideas in the real world-from drone flights to ammunition replicas, as it is.

The accelerator is part of a wider trend in which the defense spending in the EU increases considerably. Between 2021 and 2024, an increase of over 30 % is expected, which increases the pressure on investors in the defense sector. In this context, the integration of startups is particularly relevant to promote the technological development in this critical area, as the Analysis

The current geopolitical situation, reinforced by conflicts such as the Ukraine War, has increased interest in innovative solutions in the defense area. In Finland, where the defense industry is already generating an estimated 2.5 billion euros a year, startups seem to be well positioned in the Defencetech area. Companies that develop solutions that have both military and civil applications benefit from growing market opportunities, especially now that Finland has joined NATO.

The well -known newcomers in the Defencetech area include Alvidiotech, Delta Technics and Eagle Ray Robotics, all of which will work together in the upcoming Define Batch 3. For example, Alvidiotech launches a AI vision solution that is suitable for non-digital environments. Delta Technics specializes in modular, robotic weapon systems, while Eagle Ray Robotics develops underwater drones. These startups represent the innovative strength that Riihimäki will continue to consolidate as a technology hub.

The efforts of Riihimäki in defense innovation are a strong signal for the future in an area that continuously grows and collects. With an active network of companies and the support of educational institutions, the city is well equipped to promote and test the next generation of technologies in the defense sector.