Metropolia Joins a National Defence and Technology Network – Brings Expertise and Unique Testing Facilities to the Digital Defence Ecosystem
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences is expanding its networks in the fields of national defence and technology. This year, Metropolia has also engaged in collaboration within the defence sector, including with the Finnish Defence Forces and the National Defence University.
Metropolia has joined the Finnish defence and technology network known as the Digital Defence Ecosystem (DDE).
The DDE is a network comprising Finland’s leading defence and technology companies and research institutions. The ecosystem is coordinated by the expert company XD Solutions.
The network includes various companies and research institutions such as VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Aalto University, the Universities of Jyväskylä and Oulu, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The network's core focus lies in digitalisation and national defence through digital warfare.
Metropolia contributes to the ecosystem with its expertise in prototype testing and dedicated product development testing facilities. For instance, Metropolia has climate-controlled testing rooms for vehicles, where environmental conditions can be adjusted between -40 and +40 degrees Celsius to test vehicle performance under various temperatures. Metropolia is also currently investing in testing facilities for smart mobility.
“Strengthening societal security and resilience is essential. At Metropolia, we have both the infrastructure and the expertise to support this goal. Through student projects, we can also deliver innovative new solutions to companies. This way, organisations in the network can access new talent, while our students gain valuable employment opportunities,” says Oscar Nissin, Project Manager and Smart Mobility Theme Leader at Metropolia.
According to Nissin, the network includes companies from fields such as cybersecurity and space technology, enabling the mutual exchange of valuable knowledge around the same table.
Previously, Metropolia has collaborated with the National Defence University, for example. In December 2024, Metropolia’s experts and students programmed one of National Defence University’s tracked transport trucks to be remotely controlled. The cooperation agreement signed with National Defence University in autumn 2023 includes joint research, teaching, and project work. The aim is also to enhance the quality and impact of research at both institutions.
Additional information:
Oscar Nissin
Project Manager, Smart Mobility Theme Leader
Metropolia Ammattikorkeakoulu Oy
oscar.nissin [at] metropolia.fi (oscar[dot]nissin[at]metropolia[dot]fi)