Defense cooperation is intensifying in the Nordic and Baltic countries – Define, HAMK, Millog and Sako from Kanta-Häme join new network

The regional Define ecosystem coordinated by the City of Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Millog Oy and Sako Oy are intensifying their cooperation among Nordic and Baltic defense industry players. The participants from Kanta-Häme Region and around twenty Lithuanian, Estonian, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian companies, research institutes and state-supported organizations will form the defense innovation network ODIN (Organization for Defence Innovation in the Nordics).

"This is the first Nordic defense network focused on cooperation between companies. Deepening cooperation enables the utilization of new types of financing channels, creates connections with new types of experts, and strengthens the position of Finns in the defense sector," says Teemu Seppälä, Director of Technology and Innovation at the City of Riihimäki.

Network members commit to collaborating in the development, financing, testing, and expansion of defense innovations.

"The collaboration promotes the development of dual-use technologies and innovations and strengthens regional cooperation. At the same time, it opens up new international opportunities for companies and supports exports. With ODIN, the Nordic and Baltic countries are taking a decisive step towards a stronger and more integrated defense innovation ecosystem," says Toni Piispa, Director of Millog Oy's Public Authorities and Industry Division.

The parties will sign a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in Riihimäki on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Experts for defense companies

“For HAMK, operating in the network brings the opportunity to train experts for companies in the defense sector, among others,” says Lassi Martikainen, Director of HAMK's Business Administration, Design and Technology Unit.

Dual-use technologies, i.e. technologies suitable for both civilian and military purposes, are at the center of attention from both an educational and research perspective.

"The multidisciplinary nature of our university facilitates the application and transfer of dual-use technologies to different fields. From the perspective of our research, development and innovation activities, cooperation facilitates the commercialization of results for dual-use technology purposes," adds Jukka Pulkkinen, Director of HAMK's Tech Research Unit.

Support for testing innovations

Millog, responsible for the maintenance of the Finnish Defence Forces' equipment, has in-depth knowledge of the specific needs and operating environments of the defence sector. In the Define network, Millog supports, among other things, the testing of new innovations, which speeds up their utilization for operational use.

“This year, we have further increased our investment in Define, and we are excited about the expansion of our collaboration network with ODIN. Through our expertise, we have a significant opportunity to act as a bridge builder between the civilian and defense sectors and support the development of new defense innovations. At the same time, we are also strengthening and securing our own technology expertise,” says Piispa.

Smaller companies also get to stand out

"The collaboration with Define and the emerging ODIN network is very meaningful to us. It brings important expertise and thus enables the development of new technologies and larger system complexes, and thus also increases exports," says Raimo Karjalainen, member of the board of directors of Sako Oy.

“Through the network, smaller companies also have the opportunity to participate in development projects and contribute their critical expertise to increasing security in the Nordic and Baltic countries,” Karjalainen continues.

In addition to Define, HAMK, Millog and Sako, the collaboration includes, among others, the Finnish Technical Research Centre VTT and Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE), Kaunas Science and Technology Park from Lithuania, Milrem Robotics from Estonia, the Danish National Defence Technology Centre, Vinnova from Sweden and Kongsberg Innovation from Norway.

Additional information

Teemu Seppälä
Technology and Innovation Director
The city of Riihimäki
tel. +358503744589
teemu.seppala@riihimaki.fi

Lassi Martikainen
Director, Business, Design and Technology Unit
Häme University of Applied Sciences
tel. +358408221734
lassi.martikainen@hamk.fi

Jukka Pulkkinen
Director, HAMK Tech Research Unit
Häme University of Applied Sciences
tel. +358504618927
jukka.pulkkinen@hamk.fi

Toni Piispa
Director, Government and Industry Sector
Millog Oy
tel. +358503321078
toni.piispa@millog.fi

Raimo Karjalainen
member of the board
Sako Ltd.
tel. +35840508876
raimo.karjalainen@sako.fi

The participants from the Kanta-Häme Region briefly

Define

Define, or Defence Innovation Network Finland, is a project launched by the City of Riihimäki, which brings together defence and security companies, educational institutions and research institutes into a network and innovation ecosystem. Define's aim is to promote the competitiveness of participants and increase the turnover of companies. Define's activities are funded by the City of Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), the City of Hämeenlinna, Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy, Millog Oy and Sako Oy and OP Häme. In addition, a significant part of the funding comes from the EU Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The EU funding has been granted by the Häme Regional Council. Define has been accepted as a member of the ENDR cooperation network of the European Commission and European defence actors.
www.definefinland.fi

Häme University of Applied Sciences

Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) is a learning and research community for makers who want to change the world. We are about 10 makers of the future of bioeconomy, well-being, business, education, design and technology. Häme University of Applied Sciences operates on seven campuses, online and internationally. We offer students, staff and partners excellent tools and environments to work and do useful things together.
www.hamk.fi

Millog

Millog Oy is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces and specializes in ensuring the security of supply of authorities and companies and comprehensive life cycle management. Our services include, among others, life cycle planning and updates of technical systems, cybersecurity, spare parts procurement, logistics and warehousing services, and post-processing.
www.millog.fi

Sako Ltd.

Sako is one of the world's most respected rifle and cartridge manufacturers. We have been developing world-class military, precision and hunting rifles and cartridges for decades.

Founded in 1921, Sako has a varied history. Originally established to refurbish and maintain the weapons of the Finnish security forces, the company has played a key role in the Finnish defense industry and has been a reliable supplier to dozens of defense forces around the world.

In 2000, Sako joined the Beretta Holding Group, whose unique firearms manufacturing tradition dates back to 1526. This collaboration gives Sako a unique opportunity to offer its customers holistic and comprehensive solutions and systems.

https://www.sako.global/