Development Manager
Markus Rankka
With a focus on collaboration and practical impact, Markus drives DEFINE’s mission to unite defence, research, and industry for sustainable, future-ready security innovation.
Defence Innovation
Network Finland
Innovations for total defence and security
What is DEFINE
Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) is an innovation ecosystem initiated by the City of Riihimäki. DEFINE is an international, high-level defence and security network.
As a network, DEFINE brings together the best military and civilian expertise to co-create technologies, services and operating models that deliver real-world impact for Armed Forces, society and for safety at large.
DEFINE has just gained development funding from Sitra. Sitra is a fund supervised by the Finnish Parliament, tasked with promoting Finland’s well-being and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
DEFINE Innovation Hub
DEFINE Innovation Hub prime location right next to Riihimäki Railway station and just 40 minutes from Helsinki-Vantaa main airport makes our Hub easily accessible. The City of Riihimäki hosts the Finnish Defence Forces’ competence centre for cybersecurity, digitalisation, medicine, logistics and command systems plus more.
Who we bring together
Collaboration based on the quattro helix model; the city, businesses, research institutions, and civil society strengthens the city’s innovation activities and enables inclusive, sustainable, and impactful development.
36 companies have graduated from DEFINE Accelerator – with outcomes like spin-offs and sales. More than 150 companies have attended Hackathons and open network events.
Join and get started
Bring us a challenge or a technology concept, and we will align the partners with you. Together at DEFINE we scope the use case, define success measures and map facilities. Companies can join at any time; project calls, pilots and events run year-round. The city business services Invest-in host you along the way.
Skills that scale
Häme University of Applied Sciences’ (HAMK) applied research and test labs provide solutions for raw material production, the circular economy, sustainable construction and built environment, and future skills and education – with digitalization supporting development. HAMK combines high-level research expertise with the needs of a changing world.
How to participate
DEFINE is an open network for innovative defence and security companies of all sizes. Joining gives you possibility for direct contact to the end-user Finnish Defence Forces and to the society as well as Research partners in Riihimäki and all over Europe. Riihimäki team supports you by coordinating onboarding and project setup so you can move from first conversation to collaboration fast phased.
From idea to impact
Our Riihimäki team supports you on national and EU applications, contracting, IP and go-to-market planning and offers you financing information about national and European Union funding.
As well we aim to create softlanding with the help of International House Riihimäki. Reach out to the team!
Ready to build with us?
History of DEFINE
Launched in 2023, DEFINE is coordinated by the City of Riihimäki. Mayor of the City Mr. Jouni Eho, Technology and Innovation Director Mr. Teemu Seppälä and Lieutenant General (res.) Mr. Ilkka Korkiamäki made the groundings for what we are today, an internationally recognized defence innovation centre.
The activities of the Defence Innovation Network Finland are funded by the City of Riihimäki, Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), the City of Hämeenlinna, Forssan Yrityskehitys Oy, Millog, and Sako Finland. A significant portion of the funding comes through development projects supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The EU funding is represented by the Häme Regional Council.
Education that feeds R&D
Riihimäki offers a full robotics learning path concept called Robotics Campus from early childhood to studies in applied sciences. Companies can tap student teams for real projects, thesis work and internships. This adds R&D capacity, brings fresh ideas into pilots and creates a steady pipeline of skilled talent.
We chose the City of Riihimäki -
Meet us in Business!
Frequently asked question
Who can join DEFINE?
Any innovative company operating in the defence or security sector, including SMEs and startups. Research partners and public stakeholders are also welcome.
What does it cost to participate?
Participation terms depend on the project. We will help identify suitable funding instruments and partners to share costs.
Do I need a ready product to join?
No. You can join with a challenge, a concept or a prototype. We’ll shape a project plan and testing pathway with you.
How do projects typically start?
Start with a short scoping call. We align needs, partners and facilities, then draft a pilot plan and funding route.
