Oulu DefTech Cluster – Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Oulu-based stakeholders have been developing dual-use technology solutions \u2014 benefiting both civilian and military applications \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 all offering sophisticated solutions that also support military needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Oulu DefTech Cluster<\/strong> 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\u2019s and Europe\u2019s resilience through next-generation innovations in connectivity, sensing, edge computing, cybersecurity, and other technologies developed and adopted by our members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Formed in collaboration with BusinessOulu<\/strong> and the Oulu Innovation Alliance<\/strong>, the cluster connects Oulu\u2019s unique technological strengths with the growing needs of modern defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The competition is on at the international level, and we must lead the way.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around 70 active businesses in Security & Defence \/ dual-use sector + 100 potential companies<\/p>\n Diverse R&D-facilities, holistic value chain available locally<\/p>\n Defence Cluster by BusinessOulu,Oulu Innovation Alliance, NDSN<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n <\/ul>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Decades of technological know-how in in Oulu’s key competence areas:<\/p>\n Examples of Oulu University Research <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n <\/ul>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n At the core of product development and rapid innovation is the world\u2019s best testing environment<\/p>\n OuluZone<\/p>\n Vuosanka and Rovaj\u00e4rvi field testing areas<\/p>\n Sodankyl\u00e4 Geophysical observatory<\/p>\n Ruutikangas Shooting and testing Center<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n DefTech North<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Key actions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Main goals:<\/strong><\/p>\n Long-term impact:<\/strong> Project partners:<\/strong> Funding:<\/strong> Duration:<\/strong> DefTech North explores and develops dual-use possibilities for drones and brings drone development and manufacturing work to Finland\u2019s 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\u00a0 Oulu University of Applied Sciences.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For more information, visit the project page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n \n <\/ul>\n\n \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat we offer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\nThemes on 6G Resilience<\/p>\n\n
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Oulu DefTech Cluster ongoing projects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
\nThe project is implemented in cooperation with Oulu University of Applied Sciences and supports the activities of the University of Oulu.<\/p>\n
\nDefTech North is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the \u201cRenewing and Skilled Finland 2021\u20132027\u201d EU programme.<\/p>\n
\n1.8.2025 – 31.7.2027<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/li>\n <\/p>\n
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