Dual-use.
With the right purpose.
Made in Helsinki.
Helsinki is rapidly emerging as a global hotspot for companies active in the dual-use industry, particularly those specialising in new space & satellite technologies, advanced 5-6G telecommunications, and drone applications.
Why Helsinki for your dual-use solutions?
#5th European city attracting VC investments in Defence, Security and Resilience
Helsinki is among the top five cities in Europe for defence, security and resilience investments, according to a report issued by Dealroom, in collaboration with the Nato Innovation Fund.
Dual-use space is growing fast
Finland’s innovation ecosystem is reaching new heights, with a recent survey by state-owned investment company Tesi highlighting rapid growth in the country’s dual-use technology sector. Out of 134 companies active in the dual-use space, many are startups and scaleups, showing a remarkable 30–40% increase in net sales, the highest among all sectors analysed.
A strong infrastructure developed for several years
Helsinki metropolitan area is home to the Defence Tech Hub, Digital Defence Ecosystem and one of the NATO Diana test centres, focusing on secure connectivity, quantum technologies, and space technologies. Besides, Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, providing access to advanced facilities and top-tier talent in telecommunications, aerospace engineering, and autonomous systems.
Leadership in Emerging Technologies
Finland leads in 5G implementation and is aggressively advancing towards 6G development, complemented by a dynamic satellite technology sector and an innovation-friendly regulatory environment for drones.
Gateway to European and Global Markets
Strategically located, Helsinki is well connected to Europe, Asia, and North America. SMEs positioned here can efficiently access broad international markets, facilitating rapid scale-up and global reach.
Innovation nation
Finland, ranking #1 in digital savviness in 2023, has been a forerunner in tech innovation: from creating the world’s first text message by Nokia to groundbreaking advancements like Teuvo Kohonen’s self-organizing map in 1981. This culture of digital excellence is the foundation of Helsinki’s dynamic tech ecosystem, where bold ideas turn into global impact.
Finland's space vision for 2030
Finland’s National Space Strategy focuses on advancing sustainable space technology, promoting dual-use innovation, and strengthening the country’s position as a leading European hub for satellite data, Earth observation, and new-space commercialisation.
Main focus areas
Space & satellite tech
Helsinki metropolitan region is the home of trailblazers ICEYE, a spin-off from Aalto University, operating the world’s largest commercial SAR satellite constellation and ReOrbit, originally based in Stockholm but now headquartered in Helsinki, developing software-defined, autonomous satellites.
Drones
Helsinki is one of the most forward-thinking cities when it comes to drone regulations. Flexible UAV regulations and strong alignment with EU aviation standards (EASA), as well as BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) testing is allowed under certain conditions, which is rare in many countries. There are dedicated test zones (like the Helsinki Testbed), making it easy to experiment with new tech.
Benefits of expanding your company to Helsinki
- R&D Tax Incentives: Substantial benefits for research-driven companies.
- Low Corporate Tax: A flat 20%, one of the lowest in the EU, decreasing to 18% in 2027.
- Pro-Business Climate: Transparent regulations, digital-first services, and minimal bureaucracy.
- Cost-efficient location for R&D capabilities: Helsinki is a Nordic cost-leader for R&D-intensive sectors.
Funding opportunities for dual-use innovation
Business Finland
Grants and loans tailored to dual-use R&D and export-driven growth.
EU & NATO-Aligned Programs
Leverage Finland’s strong ties in both innovation and security sectors.
ESA Phi-Lab Finland
ESA Phi-Lab Finland is offering funding and support for space innovation projects.
Venture Capital funding
Although startup investments declined in Europe, in Finland the investments increased by 56% compared to 2023.
Public-Private Partnerships
Finnish agencies are ready to co-invest in breakthrough tech.
Champions from Helsinki Area
Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in secure and resilient connectivity. Its advanced 5G, private network, and edge computing solutions power critical communications for industries and governments.
ICEYE
ICEYE first gained global attention for its satellite radar capabilities that helped uncover Russian troop movements toward Ukraine. Today, it’s one of the most closely watched companies by investors and governments, delivering real-time Earth observation data for both civil and defence applications.
ReOrbit
ReOrbit designs and manufactures software-first, autonomous, and inter-networking satellite platforms. In 2025, they raised a record €45 million Series A, the largest space-tech round ever in Europe.
Kuva Space
Their extensive hyperspectral microsatellite constellation, paired with advanced AI deliver near real‑time, decision‑ready intelligence about Earth. They launched Hyperfield-1A satellite in August 2024 and Hyperfield-1B in June 2025, expanding coverage and speeding up their intelligence pipeline.
Skyfora
Skyfora is turning weather data into actionable intelligence. Its AI-powered sondes and GNSS meteorology tools serve needs from climate forecasting to atmospheric sensing. Their StreamSonde is the world’s lightest weather sonde, capable of delivering precise atmospheric data even when launched from drones, balloons, or aircraft.
Varjo
Varjo’s advanced XR headsets are used by aerospace, defence, and industrial leaders for simulation, training, and design. Recently, Varjo welcomed THEON (a defence tech leader) as a strategic investor, strengthening its position in dual-use applications.
Distance Technologies
Distance Technologies is redefining situational awareness with its glasses-free mixed reality displays. Backed by a €10M seed round led by Google Ventures, the company joined forces with Patria under Finland’s eALLIANCE programme to integrate its next-gen HUD technology into 6×6 defence vehicles.
Hei innovators, welcome to Helsinki
Are you looking to expand your business? We can help you identify the right opportunities whether opening a subsidiary, piloting new products or services, establishing an R&D hub, and more. We can introduce you to key people in the city, from government officials to private companies and research institutions. We’ll also help you understand the taxation, get insights into the market, and offer practical advice on expanding into Europe.
Grow
Your team in Helsinki
Contact us
If you are interested in learning more about Helsinki and the opportunities available in the dual-use space please contact us via the form here. We’ll make sure to get back to you within a few working days.
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