Join us in multiple events around dual use, defence and security during the biggest startup event of the year on 18th to 20th of November 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.
This page gathers all events in Dual-use, Defence and Security during the Slush week in Helsinki, Finland. If you are looking to sell or learn, are an dual use startup, defence scaleup or prime, support organisation, investor or just dual use curious looking to make connections - we have the events for you.
In collaboration with:
This week is packed with a series of events organized by various parties, focusing on the latest advancements and discussions in the fields of defence, dual-use technologies, and security. Below is the schedule of events happening throughout the week:
Is your event missing? Please contact [email protected].
Please note that each event has their own registration and entry criteria.
Pre-Slush
Growth Companies in the Defence Sector – Strategy & Tactics
Organizer: Hannes Snellman Attorneys Ltd
12 November 2025
Description: Warming up for Slush Week, DDE, FVCA, Hannes Snellman, Nordic West Office, and Pillsbury are pleased to invite you to a Slush side event: Growth Companies in the Defence Sector – Strategy & Tactics, taking place on Wednesday, 12 November 2025 at the Hannes Snellman office, Eteläesplanadi 20, Helsinki.
This high-level gathering will bring together investors, legal and policy experts, and technology leaders to explore the strategic and regulatory dimensions of the defence and dual-use technology sectors. As global security priorities evolve, the defence tech landscape is becoming increasingly relevant for innovation-driven investment.
Request to join on the Slush Platform!
DEFINE Accelerator companies’ Demo Day
Organizer: DEFINE
Date and Time: 17 November, 2025, 18:00
Location: DEFINE Innovation Hub, Riihimäki, Pohjoinen Asemakatu 5
Description: Join us for the DEFINE Demo Day, a premier event dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in defence technology and innovation. Witness live demonstrations from the DEFINE Accelerator companies and connect directly with industry pioneers and key stakeholders.
Register here!
Knights of Nordics
Organizer: Enter Espoo & VTT
17-18 November, 2025
Register: Invite Only
Description: Espoo is where most of Finland's unicorns are born, and at our 13th annual Knights of Nordics, you can catch the next unicorns created in our deep tech ecosystem.
During the two days before Slush, we'll discover standout founders, hear exciting keynotes, and enjoy the exclusive Knight of Nordics dinner party.
Tuesday 18th (Slush Day 0)
DECOI 2025 - Defense Ecosystem of Innovators
Organizer: FiBAN and EUDIS Matchmaking
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Valo Hotel and Work, Mannerheimintie 109, Helsinki.
Description: Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN) and EUDIS Matchmaking are proud to host Northern Europe’s largest Defence pitch event on November 18th together with partners: Patria, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, Enterprise Estonia.
This exclusive event will feature selected startups and scale-ups presenting their cutting-edge solutions to a distinguished audience of Angel Investors, Defence VCs, and key representatives from the Military Industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and collaborate!
Apply to participate here.
Leveraging Defence Tech: Unlocking the Nordics
Organizers: eALLIANCE ecosystem (FI), Digital Defence Ecosystem (FI), Defence Innovation Highway (DK-UA), Danske Bank and Telia
Time: 4:30 PM
Description: The global security landscape is changing rapidly, and defence technology innovation is at the heart of this transformation. The Nordics and Ukraine have a unique opportunity to join forces—combining technological excellence, industrial capacity, and strategic vision to lead the future of defence innovation.
Invitation-only event bringing together policy makers, investors, innovation agencies, and defence industry leaders to shape the next era of Nordic–Ukraine collaboration in defence and dual-use technologies.
Registration: Invite-only!
For more information contact: [email protected], [email protected]
BORDERLAND - Security Eastern Finland
Organizers: Kuopio, Joensuu, Lappeenranta, Mikkeli, Imatra, University of Eastern Finland, and LUT.
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Epicenter, Mikonkatu 9, Helsinki, Finland
Description: BORDERLAND Goes SLUSH will bring together approximately 300 participants—ranging from startups and investors to technology companies and organizations interested in dual-use solutions, with a particular focus on digital border security. The event is co-organized by seven organizations from Eastern Finland.
Registration link here.
Thursday 20th (Slush Day 2)
Airbus Kicksled - Dual-use technologies for security & defence
Organizer: Airbus Defence and Space
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Partner Side Event Wing, Venue 2 in Messukeskus
Description: The Airbus Kicksled is a high-impact side-event built around a reverse pitch where Airbus will present key topics under three main themes. This dynamic forum is designed to move beyond presentations and into partnership-building. Our focus is on boosting dual-use innovation, exploring how technologies can be applied across commercial, security, and defence sectors to build a safer, more sustainable future.
This event is for founders, C-level executives, and technical leaders from growth-stage startups working on cutting-edge solutions. We are looking for companies in the following domains:
- Sensor Technologies & Integration
- Cybersecurity
- AI & Machine Learning
Innovating for Resilient Futures: Accelerating dual-use startups in NATO DIANA 2026
Organizer: VTT
Time: 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM
Location: Messukeskus - Slush venue, VTT booth 7B5
Description: Explore how cutting-edge deep tech is transforming resilience and security across sectors. This session will showcase VTT's Dual-Use LaunchPad's role and Finnish participation in NATO DIANA 2026 (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) for dual-use startups.
Learn about opportunities for dual-use startups and investors to engage with national and international platforms that are advancing solutions for a safer, more resilient future.
Registration link here.
SLUSH: Harness the Power of Supercharged Ecosystems for Your Company’s Success
Organizers: 6G Bridge Program, Defense & Digital Resilience Program & Generative AI Campaign of Business Finland.
Time: 12:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Business Finland Happiness Lounge, Room 208, Conference Center, Helsinki Exhibition Center
Description: Join our unique matchmaking event at Business Finland Happiness Lounge where leading companies operating in Finland and visionary startups connect to co-create the future through transformative digital solutions related to dual-use, defence, and AI as well as other emerging technologies and disruptive innovations. You can join this event without a Slush ticket!
Registration link here.
Ukraine Friends Night
Organizer: Advicera, Business Finland, Business Helsinki, F-Secure, Peikko, City of Vantaa
Description: A pivotal invite-only event is the Ukrainian Friends’ Night, where Finnish and Ukrainian representatives, investors, and officials gathered to explore potential collaborations.
Past speakers included the Ukrainian Ambassador, Finnish MFA, Finnpartnership, Business Finland, and others.
