Oulu DefTech Cluster

From 6G connectivity and Embedded AI to ultra secure communications and more – Oulu-based stakeholders drive Europe’s next generation of defence and dual-use innovation

Oulu combines world-class connectivity and digital technology research, advanced testing environments, and strong public–private partnerships. Together, we enable faster, smarter, and more secure technology development for the new era of defence and security.

Oulu DefTech Cluster – Overview

Oulu-based stakeholders have been developing dual-use technology solutions — benefiting both civilian and military applications — for decades. While there are no arms factories in the region, local organizations have successfully leveraged their expertise in advanced digital technologies to create new capabilities and value for defence use cases.

For us, dual-use technology goes beyond serving two sectors; it reflects our versatile, high-impact contributions across connectivity, ICT, health tech, and automotive industries — all offering sophisticated solutions that also support military needs.

The Oulu DefTech Cluster unites companies, research institutions, and public actors developing defence and dual-use technologies across connectivity, sensing, edge computing, and cybersecurity. Our mission is to strengthen Finland’s and Europe’s resilience through next-generation innovations in connectivity, sensing, edge computing, cybersecurity, and other technologies developed and adopted by our members.

Formed in collaboration with BusinessOulu and the Oulu Innovation Alliance, the cluster connects Oulu’s unique technological strengths with the growing needs of modern defence.

What we offer?

“The competition is on at the international level, and we must lead the way.”

• The Strongest Innovation Ecosystem in Finland

  Around 70 active businesses in Security & Defence / dual-use sector + 100 potential companies

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  Diverse R&D-facilities, holistic value chain available locally

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  Defence Cluster by BusinessOulu,Oulu Innovation Alliance, NDSN

• Competence applied to the defence sector

  Decades of technological know-how in in Oulu’s key competence areas:

  1. Wireless Connectivity 5G & 6G
  2. Embedded systems/AI
  3. Micro-component designs
  4. Sensorfusion
  5. Dedicated applications

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  Examples of Oulu University Research
  Themes on 6G Resilience

  1. Resilient-by-Design Principles
  2. AI-Optimized Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN)
  3. Energy Efficiency and           Sustainable Coverage
  4. Interplay of Resilience, Efficiency, and Sustainability

   

• The world’s best testing environment

  At the core of product development and rapid innovation is the world’s best testing environment

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  OuluZone

  Vuosanka and Rovajärvi field testing areas

  Sodankylä Geophysical observatory

  Ruutikangas Shooting and testing Center

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  • 5G/6G test networks
  • NATO Diana Test Centre (6G)
  • Oulu University – RFLabs, materials, and more
  • VTT – human performance chips
  • Oulu University of applied Sciences – NuveLab & Arctic Drones
  • Companies – Embedded AI, services
  • Lumi super computer
  • Digital twins/XR/AR/VR/Metaverse
  • Game industry – human in centre

Oulu DefTech Cluster ongoing projects

The booming market in defence, security and dual-use field have accumulated numerous projects and funding opportunities for Finnish companies working and aiming to work on this field. Here are few BusinessOulu led projects aiming to develop the cluster activities in Oulu.

• Deftech North

   

  

  DefTech North is a BusinessOulu-led initiative supporting Northern Finnish SMEs in entering the defence and dual-use technology markets. The project addresses the high entry barriers, limited networks, and commercialization challenges faced by technology companies in the Oulu region, despite their strong expertise in connectivity, distributed computing, and cybersecurity.

  Key actions:

  • Building support structures to help SMEs develop scalable, internationally competitive solutions for the defence sector.
  • Organizing targeted coaching, workshops, and matchmaking events to strengthen business skills, open funding channels, and connect companies with defence sector integrators and testing platforms.
  • Promoting collaboration with universities and research institutions, and establishing a permanent innovation network for piloting and market entry.
  • Enhancing the region’s visibility in national and international defence innovation networks, including the EU and NATO.

  Main goals:

  • Strengthen the business opportunities of SMEs in the defence sector.
  • Align technology profiles and product development with concrete defence needs.
  • Facilitate access to regional and international testbeds and pilot environments.
  • Support SMEs in finding funding and strategic partners.
  • Build and consolidate a regional innovation ecosystem focused on defence and dual-use technologies.

  Long-term impact:
  The project aims to establish Oulu as a recognized platform for defence and security technology development, increasing the role of local SMEs in European and global value chains. The results and best practices will be shared openly, and the innovation network will continue to operate after the project, supporting ongoing collaboration and new initiatives.

  Project partners:
  The project is implemented in cooperation with Oulu University of Applied Sciences and supports the activities of the University of Oulu.

  Funding:
  DefTech North is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the “Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021–2027” EU programme.

• Deftech North – OAMK Drones Focus

  

  DefTech North explores and develops dual-use possibilities for drones and brings drone development and manufacturing work to Finland’s leading technology hub in Oulu. This project that is focusing on the drones is project ongoing within the DefTech North, and it is implemented by BusinessOulu and  Oulu University of Applied Sciences.

  The main objectives of the project are to increase and strengthen the access of Oulu region companies to the dual-use market by bringing together makers and users, as well as to implement drones fully manufactured in Finland. During the project, several prototypes of drones suitable for different applications will be built.

  For more information, visit the project page.

• Deftech Cluster North

  

  DefTech Cluster North builds a regional cluster in Oulu focused on security and defense technologies, especially dual-use solutions. The project brings together local SMEs, research organizations, and public actors to boost innovation, business development, and international connections (e.g., NATO, EU).

  Key actions:

  • Cluster coordination and networking
  • Workshops and events for companies and researchers
  • Sharing information about testbeds and pilot environments
  • Creating a joint roadmap for defense technology expertise
  • Increasing cluster visibility nationally and internationally

  Goal:
  To make Oulu a leading hub for security and defense technology, supporting SME growth, research collaboration, and internationalization.

  Funding:
  European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) / Uudistuva ja osaava Suomi 2021–2027, City of Oulu

  
  Become a Cluster Member
  

• Cluster Events

  Explore our key webinars, workshops, and matchmaking events planned for 2026–2027.

  2026 Events

  Spring 2026

  • Cluster Updates Webinar – Monthly
  • Dual Use Tech Summit – 8 April 2026 Matchmaking Event
  • German-Finnish Defence Dialogue Matchmaking – 17 March 2026
  • Workshop: Technical & Commercial Overview – 19 March 2026
  • Participation in Eurosatory Trade Fair – 15-29 June 2026

  Autumn 2026

  • Cluster Updates Webinar – Monthly 
  • Technical Workshop – 15 September 2026, 8:30-11
  • Matchmaking Event (in connection with NIR) – 28 October 2026

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  2027 Events

  Spring 2027

  • Cluster Updates Webinar – Monthly
  • Commercial Workshop – 16 March 2027, 8:30-11
  • Dual Use Tech Summit Matchmaking Event – 8 April 2027 

  Autumn 2027

  • Cluster Updates Webinar – Monthly
  • Workshop: Technical & Commercial Overview – 14 September 2027, 8:30-11

   

• DEFINE – Defence Innovation Network Finland

  

  DEFINE – Oulu builds a regional ecosystem in Oulu focused on defence and dual-use technologies. The project brings together local companies, universities, and public actors to scale innovation, support business growth, and strengthen international connections.

  Project duration: 2 years (November 2025 – October 2027)

  Key actions:

  • Local implementation of the DEFINE operating model

  • Participation in accelerator programs, hackathons, and training sessions
  • Collection and sharing regional company and ecosystem data via the digital platform
  • Connecting local stakeholders to the national DEFINE ecosystem
  • Strengthening regional expertise and collaboration in defence technologies

  Goal:
  To make Oulu a key hub for defence and dual-use technology, supporting business growth, research collaboration, and integration into the national and international innovation ecosystem.

  Partners:
  City of Oulu, City of Riihimäki, City of Espoo, City of Hämeenlinna, City of Forssa, City of Joensuu, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Sitra

Oulu is part of Finland’s broader engagement with NATO

NATO DIANA in Oulu
Oulu is home to NATO’s DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program, with the operational accelerator managed by VTT and the testing centre run by the University of Oulu. While the centre specializes in emerging 6G technologies, it also plays a key role in developing digital dual-use solutions and innovations, utilizing the strengths of the local ecosystem. For more information, visit the 6G Flagship website. 6G Flagship.

NATO Innovation Range, Future Connectivity
Finland has signed a letter of intent to host a new NATO Innovation Range. These experimentation facilities, part of the broader Rapid Adoption Action Plan, are designed to accelerate the adoption of dual-use technologies for the defence sector. Finland’s Innovation Range activities will focus on next-generation communication technologies (Future Connectivity), which makes it a perfect extension of Oulu’s leading role in 6G development and the NATO DIANA network. Through this initiative, Finnish companies are offered a unique opportunity to test and develop their innovations in an international framework and integrate more closely into NATO’s defence value chains. Oulu will naturally play a role in this new tool and we work with key stakeholders to create mechanism to accelerate innovations for the needs of the nation and the alliance.

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