Defence & Dual-Use Technologies – New Growth Opportunities in Lappeenranta and South Karelia
Lappeenranta and South Karelia are actively developing a regional business ecosystem for defence, security and dual-use technologies. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between industrial companies, technology businesses and research organisations, help existing companies access new markets, and attract new business activities and investments to the region.
The evolving defence and security markets create opportunities across a broad range of industries. Beyond traditional defence manufacturing, demand increasingly extends to critical infrastructure, logistics, energy systems, industrial manufacturing, digital technologies and autonomous solutions.
Lappeenranta and South Karelia bring these capabilities together. The region has an established industrial base, technology companies and emerging growth businesses, supported by research, innovation and education at LUT University and LAB University of Applied Sciences.
Five strengths supporting security and resilience
Protective Infrastructure & Security Construction
Local expertise in industrial engineering, construction and manufacturing creates opportunities for modular protective structures, deployable infrastructure and solutions supporting critical operations. One regional example is KT-Shelter, which develops and integrates rapidly deployable shelter systems for international defence applications in Lappeenranta.
Logistics & Security of Supply
South Karelia's industrial base, road and rail infrastructure, and inland waterways provide a foundation for logistics and supply chain development. Mustola Port in Lappeenranta is part of the EU's TEN-T comprehensive transport network. Mustola Business and Logistics Park is being developed as a multimodal location for industrial operations, storage and logistics services.
Industrial Manufacturing & Supply Chains
The region has established capabilities in mechanical engineering, metal fabrication, industrial technology and subcontracting. Existing manufacturing expertise, components, automation and industrial services provide opportunities for entering defence supply chains and supporting the production of new dual-use technologies.
Electrical, Energy & Technology Solutions
Lappeenranta's expertise in electrification and energy engineering supports the development of reliable power supply, energy management, electric propulsion and resilient critical infrastructure. LUT University's research in electrical engineering, power electronics and energy systems offers opportunities for joint research and product development.
Data, Situational Awareness & Autonomous Systems
The data economy plays an increasingly important role in security and defence applications. Artificial intelligence, machine vision, sensors and analytics can support critical infrastructure monitoring, operational situational awareness, logistics management and autonomous systems.
One example is Rumble Tools, an Imatra-based company expanding its operations to LUT University's Lappeenranta campus. The company develops autonomous drone systems and related technologies.
Developing the ecosystem together
The City of Lappeenranta works with companies, higher education institutions and regional and national partners to develop new business opportunities in the defence and dual-use sectors.
The work focuses on connecting companies, identifying applicable industrial capabilities, building partnerships and helping businesses understand the requirements of defence and security markets.
Borderland – Cooperation Across Eastern Finland
Lappeenranta participates in the Borderland network, which supports companies exploring defence, security and dual-use business opportunities.
The 2026 training programme covers dual-use technologies, defence procurement, opportunities to become a NATO supplier and international markets.
New Growth Opportunities for Established Companies
A new growth programme for established companies is being planned to help businesses identify potential defence and dual-use applications for their existing products, technologies and industrial capabilities.
The planned programme aims to provide companies with an opportunity to present their solutions directly to representatives of the Finnish Defence Forces.
Fortress – Supporting Defence Tech Startups
LUTES, the student entrepreneurship community based at LUT University, runs Fortress Residency, a three-week programme in Lappeenranta for defence and dual-use startups.
Teams develop working prototypes with guidance from defence and security professionals.
ResilEast – Connecting Energy, Security and Regional Development
The ResilEast initiative explores how energy infrastructure, defence readiness and economic development can reinforce one another. It contributes to the wider effort to strengthen resilience and strategic infrastructure in the EU's eastern border regions.
Explore the Opportunities
Defence and dual-use markets offer opportunities both for existing defence businesses and for industrial and technology companies looking to apply their expertise in new markets.
Lappeenranta Business Services helps companies identify development opportunities, connect with relevant partners and access the region's networks and expertise.
Interested in Defence & Dual-Use Opportunities?
Looking for industrial partnerships, technology development opportunities or connections to South Karelia's growing defence and dual-use ecosystem?
