In an era where knowledge is the cornerstone of security, a groundbreaking partnership between Ukraine and Finland is set to redefine defence innovation and collective security in Europe. By merging Ukraine’s wartime ingenuity with Finland’s advanced defence systems, the two nations are creating a unique accelerator programme that promises to turn shared knowledge into faster innovation and stronger defence capabilities.
The collaboration between 17Tech and Defence Builder is poised to bring together the best of wartime innovation and tech excellence. This partnership will provide startups from both countries with access to a combined network of resources, expertise, and validation pathways. These pathways span from real battlefield environments to NATO-aligned defence forces, ensuring that the solutions developed are both practical and scalable.
17Tech, with its extensive experience in cooperating with multiple countries’ defence forces and managing accelerators across 12 countries, brings a wealth of international business and tech development capabilities to the table. The company also offers startups access to international prime contractors and a well-developed investor network, providing a robust foundation for growth and success.
On the other hand, Defence Builder contributes top-tier expertise and access to up-to-date battlefield feedback, enabling real-world testing in Ukraine. With 15 startups already accelerated across two batches, of which six have been battlefield-tested or deployed their solutions, Defence Builder has proven its ability to transform battlefield-driven technologies into scalable solutions. These startups have collectively received nearly €4 million in soft commitments and have been verified with the Ukrainian military and the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
Sami Luukkonen, Chairman of the Board at 17Tech, highlights the significance of this partnership: “The partnership between Defence Builder and 17Tech marks a groundbreaking moment in the defence innovation ecosystem. By merging Ukraine’s modern wartime experience with Finland’s world-class deep tech expertise, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind defence technology accelerator – something truly unprecedented in today’s landscape.”
Line Rindvig, CEO of Defence Builder, emphasises the strategic importance of this collaboration: “Ukraine is developing tomorrow’s defence technologies and sharing hard-won knowledge while fighting for its freedom. Finland understands this and knows that modern warfare is won through superior capability delivered at speed. Our purpose in partnering with 17Tech is to transform this shared knowledge into advanced innovation and a faster, more resilient collective defence – for Ukraine and Europe.”
Antti Kosunen, Co-founder of 17Tech, adds: “This is truly an exciting milestone for Ukrainian, Finnish, and European defence technology. Together, we’re unlocking synergies and collaboration potential that have never before existed in the defence accelerator space.”
This partnership not only underscores the importance of knowledge-sharing in enhancing European security but also sets a new standard for defence innovation. By combining Ukraine’s wartime experience with Finland’s technological expertise, the collaboration aims to create a more resilient and capable defence framework for the future. As the defence landscape continues to evolve, such partnerships will be crucial in driving innovation and ensuring collective security across Europe.