A Gathering of Innovators
Oulu stood at the forefront of defense and technology on April 8, as experts from across Finland and abroad converged for the Dual-Use Tech Summit, as experts from across Finland and abroad converged for the Dual-Use Tech Summit. Organized by BusinessOulu, the event spotlighted advanced digital solutions designed to serve both national security and civilian applications. With new projects unfolding, participants sensed a powerful momentum toward fresh ideas and partnerships, uniting industry giants, agile startups, and active investors under one roof.
Opening Remarks: Shifting Defense Realities
Director Juha Ala-Mursula of BusinessOulu launched the day with an urgent call to action, referencing how recent events in Ukraine have intensified Europe’s commitment to bolster its security framework. Finland, along with fellow EU countries, is increasing its defense investments, ushering in a new era that demands both readiness and resilience. Ala-Mursula underscored Oulu’s standout capabilities, especially in 6G wireless technology, and urged attendees to form robust alliances that can pivot quickly to deliver leading-edge, dual-use innovations.
New Initiatives: Northern Defence and Security Network (NDSN) and a Possible NATO CoE
A dynamic panel of leaders from Nokia, the University of Oulu, Bittium, and other major players unveiled two milestone programs. The Northern Defence and Security Network (NDSN) aims to synchronize local tech companies, universities, and government entities to fast-track breakthroughs in AI, wireless communications, and more.
Next, BusinessOulu’s Key Account Director, Jussi Leponiemi, presented the concept of a NATO Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Oulu, envisioned to spotlight advanced cyber, connectivity, and AI research. If realized, this CoE could reshape Finland’s role as a driver of next-generation defense technologies.
Exhibitors and Live Pitches
Attendees then dove into the exhibition area, where startups showcased solutions that bridge civilian and military needs. From next-level sensor systems to AI-enabled communication tools, it was clear that Oulu’s culture of innovation runs deep. The interactive pitching session offered an exciting glimpse of what’s on the horizon, as new voices and ideas took center stage, strengthening connections and fueling conversations on future collaborations.
Keynotes: Preparing for Geopolitical Changes
standout keynote by Colin Brown, CEO of Capability Brown, cast a wide lens on rising global pressures and encouraged Finland to be proactive. Brown drew attention to the “automation age,” insisting that emerging AI and robotics will redefine industries faster than many expect. Meanwhile, VTT’s Connectivity Lead, Mika Rantakokko, emphasized the critical role of broader collaborations in what he called “New Defence,” underscoring the urgency for faster, more integrated R&D efforts in Finland.
Practical Ideas from Local Companies
Two Finnish SMEs then took the spotlight to prove that even small-scale solutions can have huge impacts. FabPatch’s CEO, Taija Sälio, showcased adhesive patches initially designed for children’s clothes that are now used to repair military gear in challenging environments. KNL’s CEO, Toni Lindén, shared hard-won lessons on pitching to defense clients and achieving the regulatory gold standard. Both presentations underlined the importance of quality, reliability, and trust when moving into the defense arena.
The Digital Defence Ecosystem and an Interactive Session
Program Director Tomi Kankainen next championed the idea of “mobilizing innovation,” calling for an ecosystem where emerging tech can be swiftly tested, refined, and deployed. This Digital Defence Ecosystem aims to unite innovators across academia, defense, and private enterprise, ensuring the pace of technology keeps up with rapid-fire changes in global security. An interactive session followed, led by Juuso Rönnholm and Jussi Leponiemi from BusinessOulu, highlighting Finland’s potential as a key manufacturing hub and the importance of capital investment to scale promising prototypes to full production.
Business Finland’s Support for Dual-Use Projects
Senior Director of Ecosystems Digitalization at Business Finland, Arto Pussinen, then reviewed an array of funding avenues for defense-related ventures. He pointed to major opportunities like the Defense & Digital Resilience plan and the broader European Defence Fund, both geared to encourage cross-border cooperation and cost-sharing. With Finland advancing toward 4% of GDP in R&D spending, Pussinen urged companies to seize the moment, emphasizing that well-crafted proposals can unlock substantial support.
NATO’s Evolving Innovation Agenda
NATO’s evolving innovation agenda took center stage in a presentation by Senior Policy Officer Moritz Zimmermann from the alliance’s Innovation Hybrid and Cyber Division. He described how Russia’s actions in Ukraine and growing geopolitical tensions— have fundamentally altered NATO’s approach to security. According to Zimmermann, challenges such as climate change and societal vulnerabilities now intersect with traditional defense issues, underscoring the need to think beyond conventional military strategies. NATO also recognizes that smaller tech firms and startups are increasingly essential to defense innovation, broadening the once-exclusive defense industry to include a dynamic range of new players and investors.
Zimmermann further highlighted two major steps NATO has taken: establishing the Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIANA) program to help early-stage companies develop dual-use technologies, and creating a NATO Innovation Fund to encourage private sector investment. However, he stressed the need for better communication of NATO’s technical requirements and faster procurement processes, given that current systems can take up to 15 years—far longer than today’s rapid innovation cycles. He also mentioned NATO’s exploration of permanent experimentation sites to give startups more immediate access to testing facilities. Concluding with praise for Finland’s remarkable talent pool and collaborative mindset, Zimmermann called on allies and governments to streamline their procedures and treat the next generation of tech innovators as key partners in shaping defense solutions.
A Bright Future for Oulu
Bringing the summit to a close, BusinessOulu’s Key Account Director, Jussi Leponiemi, reiterated that Oulu is primed to lead in dual-use innovations, with NATO membership and local initiatives like NDSN offering expanded possibilities. The city’s proven capabilities in wireless communication, AI, and scalable tech make it an ideal launchpad for new defense products. With attendees heading home energized, there was a palpable sense that Oulu’s momentum is only building—and that its pioneering spirit in dual-use technology will continue to resonate both nationally and on the global stage.