Expand your dual-use business in one of Europe’s most advanced technology ecosystems 

Why Helsinki for your dual-use innovation? 

Access cutting-edge R&D, NATO-aligned innovation, and world-class engineering talent in one of Europe’s most secure and advanced technology ecosystems. 

Key facts about dual-use  in Finland

• 30–40% growth rates in emerging dual-use technology segments
• About 300+ dual-use technology companies operating across security, resilience, space, and advanced technologies 
• Finland participates in NATO’s innovation ecosystem through DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), focusing on secure connectivity, quantum technologies, and space innovation. 
• #1 of Europe’s strongest innovation and digital infrastructure environments 
• Global leadership in secure connectivity and next-generation 5G-6G technologies 
• SecD-Day, Northern Europe’s leading dual-use and resilience startup event, is held biannually in Helsinki 

Key dual-use innovation areas 

Helsinki’s dual-use ecosystem builds on close collaboration between industry, research organisations, and leading universities including VTT, Aalto University, and the University of Helsinki. 

New Space 

Helsinki is emerging as one of Europe’s most dynamic new space hubs. The metropolitan region is home to companies such as Finland’s first satellite unicorn, ICEYE, an Aalto University spin-off operating the world’s largest commercial SAR satellite constellation, and ReOrbit, developing software-defined and autonomous satellite systems. 

Kuva Space, originally founded in Helsinki in 2016 as Reaktor Space Lab, is building a hyperspectral satellite constellation delivering AI-powered Earth intelligence. 

Together with strong capabilities in software, data analytics, sensing technologies, and telecommunications, these companies form the foundation of Finland’s rapidly growing space ecosystem. 

Cybersecurity and Secure Connectivity 

Finland has long been recognised for its strengths in telecommunications and secure digital technologies. Helsinki offers leading expertise in areas such as quantum-safe encryption technology, monitoring response and forensics capabilities, secure communications network, and ultra-secure mobile communications technologies.  

Global companies such as Nokia and WithSecure are part of the ecosystem shaping secure connectivity and cyber resilience technologies. 

XR and Advanced Interfaces 

Helsinki’s ecosystem combines advanced software engineering with cutting-edge XR and situational awareness technologies. 

Varjo develops industry-leading XR headsets used in aerospace, simulation, and industrial applications. Distance Technologies is pioneering glasses-free mixed reality displays for advanced operational environments. 

Autonomous and Intelligent Systems

Many Finnish dual-use companies operate at the intersection of software, sensing technologies and robotics. These capabilities support applications ranging from autonomous systems and drones to advanced sensing, data processing and intelligent control systems. 

Arctic and Maritime Technologies

Finland has globally recognised expertise in maritime engineering and technologies designed for demanding operating environments. 

Companies in the Helsinki region develop solutions ranging from autonomous vessels and maritime sensing systems to navigation technologies and ice-capable ship design, creating strong dual-use capabilities for both commercial and governmental applications. 

Benefits of establishing a presence in Helsinki 

• R&D tax incentives for research-intensive companies  
• Corporate tax rate of 20%, decreasing to 18% in 2027  
• Transparent regulations and digital-first public services  
• Cost-efficient environment for R&D-intensive operations  
• Strong support for piloting and co-development initiatives  

From research to commercialisation 

Helsinki’s dual-use ecosystem combines world-class research, advanced engineering, and commercial execution. 

• Distance Technologies – next-generation situational awareness
  Distance Technologies develops glasses-free mixed reality technologies designed for advanced operational environments. The company works on next-generation interfaces and situational awareness systems relevant for mobility, industrial, and security-related applications.  
• ICEYE – satellite intelligence and real-time Earth observation 
  ICEYE, an Aalto University spin-off headquartered in Espoo, Finland, operates the world’s largest commercial SAR satellite constellation. The company delivers near real-time Earth observation data for environmental monitoring, disaster response, security, and critical infrastructure applications. ICEYE has raised hundreds of millions in funding and become one of Europe’s most recognised New Space companies. 
  In 2025, ReOrbit raised a record €45 million Series A round, one of Europe’s largest space technology funding rounds, accelerating the development of secure and interoperable satellite systems for commercial and governmental applications. 
• Nest AI – AI-enabled autonomous systems for European security 
  Nest AI develops AI-powered technologies for autonomous and unmanned systems, focusing on advanced situational awareness, edge AI, and intelligent operations. In 2026, Nest AI partnered with Patria to develop AI-enabled unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for European security and resilience applications, strengthening Finland’s position in next-generation autonomous technologies and defence innovation. 
• Nokia – secure connectivity and next-generation networks 
  Nokia is a global leader in secure connectivity, advanced telecommunications, and resilient network infrastructure. The company’s technologies support critical communications, private wireless networks, edge computing, and future 5G-6G systems used by industries, governments, and critical infrastructure operators worldwide. 
  Nokia’s capabilities also span tactical communications, data centre networking, and secure low-latency connectivity designed for demanding operational environments. The company is actively developing technologies supporting real-time situational awareness, interoperable multi-domain operations, immersive communications, and quantum-safe networking, strengthening Finland’s position in next-generation secure connectivity and resilience technologies. 
• Reaktor – advanced software and emerging technologies 
  Reaktor is one of Finland’s best-known technology companies, combining software engineering, AI, data, and emerging technologies across industries including space and advanced digital systems. The company played a key role in establishing Reaktor Space Lab, which later became Kuva Space. Founded in Helsinki in 2016 as Reaktor Space Lab, Kuva Space combines hyperspectral satellites, AI, and advanced analytics to deliver decision-ready intelligence about Earth. Its technology supports applications ranging from environmental monitoring and maritime operations to industrial and security-related use cases. 
• ReOrbit – autonomous satellite systems and secure space infrastructure 
  ReOrbit develops software-defined and autonomous satellite platforms designed for resilient connectivity and next-generation space infrastructure. Headquartered in Helsinki, the company combines advanced software capabilities with a satellite manufacturing facility located in downtown Helsinki, strengthening the city’s position as a growing European New Space hub. The collaboration combines Patria’s expertise in defence systems with Nest AI’s advanced AI capabilities to accelerate the development of intelligent drone technologies for demanding operational environments. 
• Varjo – advanced XR technologies for simulation and training 
  Varjo develops high-end XR headsets used in aerospace, industrial, and simulation environments globally. Its technologies are widely adopted for pilot training, situational awareness, design, and mission-critical applications requiring ultra-realistic visual fidelity. 
• WithSecure – cybersecurity for critical infrastructure 
  WithSecure delivers advanced cybersecurity solutions focused on protecting businesses, critical infrastructure, and digital environments. The company is internationally recognised for its expertise in threat detection, resilience, and enterprise security technologies.