Where is VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad based and what is its focus?
VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad is a science-based deep tech incubator based at the leading technical research institution VTT, located in Espoo, Finland. It supports the commercialisation of cutting-edge research and the creation of startups rooted in scientific excellence. VTT startups have attracted 10.5% of all equity capital funding raised by Finnish startups. In recognition of its impact, the Financial Times included VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad in its 2024 list of Europe’s leading startup hubs. Finland has selected VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad as one of NATO DIANA's accelerator sites in collaboration with national and local organisations. This has led to the establishment of the VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad, which focuses on accelerating the development of deep tech and dual-use innovations and businesses in strategic fields such as 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and space.
What is your role within the NATO DIANA programme, and what support do you offer innovators?
As an activated accelerator site for the first time, the VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad will begin delivering the NATO DIANA curriculum in 2026. With Finland and VTT at the forefront of technological innovation, we are uniquely positioned to accelerate the development and deployment of emerging technologies. VTT brings unparalleled technical depth to the dual-use ecosystem, providing companies with the expert support, guidance, and services needed to access and succeed in the NATO defence market. Through our comprehensive Test, Evaluation, Validation, and Verification (TEVV) infrastructure - available at both classified and non-classified levels - innovators can demonstrate that their technologies meet the stringent requirements of military applications.
What makes VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad unique?
VTT is uniquely positioned as a multidisciplinary research organisation, offering expertise that spans a wide range of scientific and technological domains. While our core strengths lie in 5G/6G, quantum technologies, and space operations, our capabilities extend far beyond these areas. With a team of 2,400 world-class researchers, VTT is committed to actively contributing to defence-related projects, bringing deep scientific knowledge and practical innovation to support national and allied security objectives.
What are you hoping to achieve through your site’s participation in the DIANA Programme?
Participation in NATO DIANA presents a strategic opportunity for VTT and Finland to establish themselves as leaders in the dual-use technology sector.
VTT’s strong focus on communications technologies aligns naturally with Finland’s reputation as the “land of Nokia,” reflecting our internationally recognised expertise in this critical defence domain. We aim to capitalise on the substantial business potential in the defence and dual-use markets, particularly in the area of digital solutions.
On a broader societal level, NATO’s Rapid Adoption Action Plan provides a framework to expand and strengthen the startup ecosystem in New Defence, diversifying the supplier base across the Alliance. As a committed member of NATO, Finland and VTT pledge to accelerate the deployment of dual-use technologies and increase innovation funding - ultimately contributing to a safer, more resilient future.
How does your site help connect people to your broader networks?
The delivery of the NATO DIANA programme is supported by our key partners: Aalto University, Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE), and the University of Helsinki. Finland’s top two universities and VTT share a long-standing collaboration across science, technology, and business disciplines, forming a strong foundation for innovation. With DEFINE as part of our team, we are able to integrate leading military and civilian expertise, leveraging their established capabilities in defence innovation.
Together, we share a common mission: to create new innovations that serve society as a whole. With the support of these institutions, we are able to expand the resources available to innovators, tapping into each partner’s extensive networks and knowledge base. Through our combined expertise across technical, business, and defence sectors, we aim to act as a catalyst for opportunity - empowering innovation teams to access the tools, connections, and support they need to establish a strong presence in Finland’s, and ultimately NATO’s, dual-use and defence ecosystem.
VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad team.