VTT will help European startups succeed in defence technology through the new European EUDIS BAMM programme launched by the European Commission. The programme focuses only on defence solutions. Already known as a partner location in the NATO DIANA accelerator, VTT shares its recognised expertise in the field for startups by offering advice and arranging matchmaking with investors.
The EU Commission has launched the EUDIS business accelerator and matchmaking (BAMM) programme to help startups enter the defence market. EUDIS (the EU Defence Innovation Scheme) is a flagship initiative of the European Defence Fund (EDF) to support new defence companies. Starting in the summer of 2025, the programme consists of an 8-month business accelerator for 20 selected startups and separate matchmaking events around Europe for a larger group of companies.
VTT is part of the consortium implementing the programme, which includes partners in France, Germany, Belgium, and Estonia. For VTT, the EUDIS BAMM programme complements its position as a partner location in the NATO DIANA accelerator programme.
“This programme fits perfectly with our other activities, and we are eager to get involved in the EU version and leverage the benefits of scale. However, in contrast with NATO DIANA, which has a dual-use approach, the solutions in the EUDIS BAMM program must focus on defence purposes,” says Rasmus Basilier, manager of VTT’s acceleration and incubation operations.
Helping startups with technical validation and finding investors
In EUDIS BAMM, VTT will have a dual role as a defence industry advisor and matchmaking event organiser, and help startups validate their solutions and understand technical requirements in the defence industry.
“At VTT, we believe that it is beneficial to be involved in the programme and support innovators keen on entering the defence sector. For instance, if someone is developing a drone detection device, we can advise them on meeting industry standards and where and how to test the device,” Basilier explains.
He expects that also some Finnish companies will be approved in the accelerator of EUDIS BAMM. Later, after the first batch of the program, VTT also aims at becoming one of its accelerator locations.
“This year, we will arrange one of the matchmaking events for startups. It will take place here in Finland likely around Slush 2025. There, companies can meet with investors, and we can help them identify the best opportunities to find funding sources,” Basilier says.
Plenty of support is available for companies, since this spring VTT is also arranging its own defence advisory, a free dual-use technology pre-accelerator programme for Finnish companies. A total of 115 companies applied to the programme, which will help them identify their potential in the defence industry market.
