VTT’s new programme helps Finnish companies identify their potential in the defence industry market

News, Press release

VTT launches a free dual-use technology pre-accelerator programme that helps Finnish companies find ways to adapt their technology, products and know-how to match defence industry needs. The programme suits companies of any size and from anywhere in Finland, and it offers them direct feedback from defence professionals as well as expert guidance and networking.

For many Finnish companies, the defence industry market is a great but, to date, completely unexplored opportunity to expand business operations. There is plenty of interest, but the big obstacle is identifying how well their know-how suits the industry's interests. To ease this, VTT has decided to arrange a free dual-use technology programme with ten collaborators from around Finland.

The application period for the Dual Use Discovery programme ends on February 16. The six-week programme, beginning in March, gives companies direct feedback from defence professionals as well as expert guidance and networking opportunities.

“All companies from all over Finland keen to figure out how products and technology could be developed and sold to the defence market are welcome to participate. Compared to the country’s size, Finland has much more to offer and opportunities in dual-use technology even on the scale of the entire European defence”, says Rasmus Basilier, manager of VTT’s incubator and accelerator services.

According to Basilier, companies operating in regular civilian markets have plenty of valuable know-how that would be adaptable as dual-use technology. For instance, an agricultural machine in a properly modified format could suit mine clearance, or an optical product could assist in detecting dangerous gas particles on the front lines.

“Many companies are pondering upon their chances and ideas. Now, we offer them a unique opportunity to explore this concretely. The limit in dual-use technology is often only imagination and the ability to apprehend the right angles. Already in the early phase of our programme, companies will get into one-on-one discussions with defence professionals, which helps in realising their potential”, says Basilier.

The programme accelerates the way towards NATO’s DIANA accelerator and EU’s EUDIS programme

By participating in the new pre-accelerator programme, companies can strengthen their readiness to apply to deeper development programmes such as NATO’s DIANA accelerator and the EU’s EUDIS programme. Four Finnish companies have been approved for DIANA programmes so far. Finland is now part of the DIANA network, and in 2026, VTT will lead a DIANA accelerator in cooperation with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. The application period for the next accelerator programme will open this summer.

VTT’s new dual-use pre-accelerator programme will mainly be conducted online. It is open to companies of all sizes and industries except those already in the defence market. The programme culminates in a two-day defence hackathon in late April. The live hackathon in Helsinki has a separate application process.

VTT’s collaboration partners in the dual-use programme:

AaltoES; Business Joensuu, ICT Hub Joensuu & Borderland; Business Vantaa; Cities of Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Porvoo, Rovaniemi and Tornio; Enter Espoo; FiBan; the Finnish startup community; HAMK; Maria01; MUOVA; Patteri Entrepreneurship Society; Riihimäki DEFINE; Startup Factory Vaasa; Team Finland; TESI; Tribe Tampere & RedBrick; University of Oulu & University of Vaasa, Business Turku, Business Tampere, Cursor- Oy - Kotka, Linnan Kehitys Oy.

The Dual Use Discovery programme: https://www.vttresearch.com/en/dual-use-discovery

More information:

Rasmus Basilier, VTT
Manager, Incubator and Accelerator Services
+358504091504
rasmus.basilier (at) vtt.fi

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Rasmus Basilier
Rasmus Basilier
Manager, Incubator and Accelerator Services