Questions & Answers
You can find frequently asked questions here!
Can I apply for the programme if I don’t have a business ID yet?
The program is intended for companies under five years, registered in Finland or Estonia and have a business ID.
How do you define a company under 5 years old?
A company’s operating life begins with the first sales revenue of the business ID. In exceptional cases (a company older than 5 years). In individual cases exceptions may be possible but they will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The project manager makes final decisions. Contact juri.mattila@hamk.fi
Can I apply for the program if I already have a commercial application, e.g. in the security sector?
Yes, you can, if you are looking for a new market segment than the one in which the company already operates, e.g. is a commercial application in the private security sector and is interested in the defence security or resilience market.
Is the focus of the program on the ideation and development of new products or more on supporting market access, financing and customer validation?
The starting point is the current solutions of the applicants for the program, which see potential in the defence, security or resilience markets, and according to each need, to be able to help determine the commercial need of the idea from the desired target group. Both companies have been selected for the pilot, i.e. those that have a clear dual-use idea based on their current expertise and service portfolio, but also those that have the desire but not yet specified dual-use case. It is hoped that those applying for the programme will already have an idea that is as ready as possible, in which case the programme would help more in its market entry and in obtaining funding and customer validation. The application is expected to explain the company’s current situation – which type of case is more relevant right now.
Does the program include direct access to end-users, such as defence or security authorities, or other organizations in the field before the program’s closing demo day? Will defence industry operators, organisations, authorities or representatives of the Defence Forces participate in the basic training workshops?
Yes. The goal is that after the pitch, the program managers will meet you again and, on that basis, we will be able to search for target market representatives. The value we have is acquest workshop experts, industry mentors and ecosystem partners that are or have a direct link to defence industry.
Who is the first pitch or presentation for? Will the audience primarily be the project leaders, or will the pitching be attended by actors and end users from the defence and security sector?
The first pitch is intended to help select the companies to be selected for the program and, also, to seek motivation that the teams that have applied are also genuinely committed to the program. The intention is that in the first presentation will also include representatives from the end user and funding.
What should be emphasized in the pitch for applying for the program when you have little time?
When time is short, you should focus on talking about your team’s expertise, your company’s current products/customers, and thirdly, your vision for heading to the dual-use side. Also, your wishes, what you would especially like to get help with.
Is there any feedback on the pitching day?
The pitch is primarily used to gain an overall understanding of the company, its team, and available resources, as well as to identify the most suitable startups for the programme. Feedback is not highly detailed at this stage, but some high-level observations may be provided to support clarity and positioning.
Who is listening to the pitch talk?
The pitch sessions are attended by project representatives, along with potential ecosystem partners, Defence & Security experts, and funding stakeholders. This ensures that the selection process is informed by both ecosystem needs and future funding perspectives.