Business Opportunities in the Defence and Security industry – Defence4SME Training

Defence Industry Business Opportunities, NATO Procurement and Dual-Use Technologies for SMEs

Demand for defence and security-related products and services has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to continue increasing. This creates growth opportunities for companies and professionals who can understand and serve the defence and security industry. However, availability of this expertise in the labour market is unfortunately limited, creating a bottleneck for the growth of many companies. Defence4SME training is designed to address this challenge by equipping SME professionals with the expertise and competencies needed to successfully engage and serve the defence and security sector.

The Training focuses on three key areas:

A) Defence and security industry ecosystem, dual-use product development and procurement processes

B) Disruptive technologies shaping the sector

C) Analysis of market and field data for better products and services

Who is this training for?

You work as an employee or business owner in a small or medium-sized enterprise (fewer than 250 employees), and you:

• want to gain a deeper understanding of how the defence and security industry ecosystem and procurement processes operate including NATO procurement opportunities
• want to assess how your company’s products or services could serve the needs of the defence and security sector for instance as a dual-use product
• want to develop technical knowledge and understand how the latest technologies are applied in defence and security-related products, as well as how products are developed and tested to meet current technical and quality requirements
• are curious about the opportunities offered by the industry
• are committed to attending all five on site training days, completing the self-study materials between the on site sessions, sharing your expertise and participating actively through group assignments and case-based work.

Admission to the Training does not require specific formal educational background. However, an interest in the named topics will support successful completion of the Training. Applicants may still be selected even if criteria above are not fully met.

Content of the Training

Defence4SME Training consists of four courses with a total of 10 ECTS credits.

• Supply Chain Management in Defence (3 ects)
  • Participant can contribute to the growth opportunities emerging within the defence and security industry by understanding the logistic and procurement principles, processes, ecosystem and legacy of the defence and security industry especially in NATO markets.
• Disruptive Technologies in Defence (3 ects)
  • The participant will be able to identify the most significant new defence and security technologies such as drone and autonomous technologies, understand the opportunities and risks associated with them, and assess how technological development may transform products, services and security environment
• Seeing Through Field Data (2 ects)
  • Participant can identify the most crucial operational measurements and data sources, knows how to iterate product based on the market data signals, can analyze data and execute dashboards and actions based on the situational data.
• Defence Project (2 ects)
  • Hands-on project for testing a range of disruptive technologies for company’s product development purposes and to further develop product based on market insights, data and expert feedback.

Training Structure and Timing

Duration of the Training is four months and it is designed to be flexibly completed alongside with professional commitments. It consists of four light study modules. The Training includes a total of five on site training days. Between the on site sessions, participants study through the online learning environment, work in small groups and complete independent assignments. The Training is delivered in collaboration with industry partners and features guest lectures from several leading experts in their respective fields. The language of instruction is English.

On site Training days

• Autumn 2026
  • Thu 24.9.2026 (10:00-16:00) Myllypuro Campus, Helsinki
  • Fri 25.9.2026 (10:00-16:00) Myllypuro Campus, Helsinki
  • Fri 23.10.2026 (10:00-16:00) Myyrmäki Campus, Vantaa
  • Fri 20.11.2026 (10:00-16:00) Myyrmäki Campus, Vantaa

  • Fri 11.12.2026 (10:00-16:00) Myllypuro Campus, Helsinki

• Spring 2027
  • Thu 28.1.2027 (10:00-16:00)
  • Fri 29.1.2027 (10:00-16:00)
  • Fri 12.3.2027 (10:00-16:00)
  • Fri 16.4.2027 (10:00-16:00)
  • Fri 14.5.2027 (10:00-16:00)

Applying to the Training

The training will be arranged twice:

• Autumn 2026: 24.9.2026 - 11.12.2026
• Spring 2027: 28.1.2027 - 14.5.2027

Pre-register for the training courses for autumn 2026 and spring 2027

Price

Training is Funded by The Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment (SECLE) and is free of charge for participant.

Could This Be Relevant to You and Your Company?

Opportunities in the defence and security sector are not limited to traditional defence industry companies. Growing demand is emerging across a wide range of sectors, including software, electronics, automation, robotics, construction, sensor technologies, manufacturing, cyber security, logistics and professional services. Many SMEs already have capabilities, products or services that could meet the growing needs of the defence sector, either directly or as part of wider supply chains. However, limited understanding of the defence and security market often prevents companies from identifying and pursuing these opportunities. Defence4SME training helps participants assess how their existing expertise could be applied in defence supply chains, NATO markets or dual-use applications.

Technology themes covered in the Training:

• Dual-use technologies
• Artificial intelligence and data analytics in defence environments
• Drone technologies and unmanned systems
• FPV drones, drone swarms and counter-UAS solutions
• Autonomous and multi-agent systems
• Sensors, sensor fusion and real-time situational awareness
• Satellite data and space-based services
• Quantum technologies and cyber security
• Simulation technologies, including VR and AR applications

Practical First Steps to NATO and Defence Markets

Understand what it takes for an SME to start building business in the defence and security markets. A technically strong product or service is not enough on its own. Market entry also requires an understanding of procurement logic, supplier requirements, industry networks, security and quality expectations.

Defence4SME training introduces the practical first steps for entering the market, including obtaining an NCAGE code, understanding NSPA and NCIA procurement channels, supplier and BOA registration, and the role of other NATO procurement pathways for companies seeking access to NATO and defence sector opportunities.

The aim is to help participants identify clear and concrete steps: how to monitor market opportunities, how to make their company visible in the right networks, and what capabilities are needed to move towards NATO and defence procurement either as a direct supplier or as part of a wider supply chain.

Funded by The Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment

The training has been funded by the Service Centre for Continuous Learning and Employment (SECLE). The Service Centre promotes the competence development of working-age people and the availability of skilled labour. The operations of the Service Centre are overseen by the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Rights to make changes are reserved.