Learn more about dual-use products and technologies - welcome to the course in spring 2026

Is dual use of civilian products for defence good or bad? Who can become a supplier to the defence industry? Is there research funding available from the defence sector? Welcome to the studia generalia seminar series led by Research Director Tatu Koljonen, open to all students at Aalto University, but also to anyone interested in the topic. The course is organised face-to-face in a lecture hall, where you can listen different top experts and challenge their views and ideas. Weekly assignments will broaden students' understanding of the different topics.

‘Recent developments have put dual-use products at the heart of defence innovation. In the past, innovation has tended to flow more from defence applications to civil applications. To be able to act in a new way, we need to understand the opportunities, constraints and risks associated with dual-use technologies, as well as the public interventions and regulation that support the mechanisms. The course will cover topics such as defence needs, societal resilience, business models, the role of technology, start-up and user communities, NATO and the EU,' says Koljonen.

Registration is now open!

Registration for the course is now open. The course starts on 15 January 2026 and ends on 9 April 2026. Lectures are on Thursdays starting from 16.15.

Aalto University students: Sign up in Sisu ELE-EV004 Dual-use technologies (3 cr)

Other Finnish university students, upper secondary school students and adult learners: find out more about the course and enrol via Fitech, a network of Finnish universities of technology. The Fitech registration ends on 26 January.
 

Dual-use Technology Forum programme

Time: 16-17:30 (Start at 16:15, presentation 45 min, half an hour discussion)

Venue: Lecture Hall TU1, TUAS-building, Maarintie 8, Espoo

Thur. 15.1. Dual-use technologies – a new gear in the innovation system, Tatu Koljonen, Research Director, Aalto University

Thur. 22.1. Export control, Aleksi Pursiainen, CEO, Solid Plan Consulting

Thur. 29.1. Commercial sector challenging defence industry: Tero Kiuru, Research Leader, Saab Finland

Thur. 5.2. Anti-drone technologies, Mikko Hyppönen, CRO, Sensofusion

Thur. 12.2. Satellites, Seppo Aaltonen, VP, Nordics & NATO, Mission Systems, Iceye

Thur. 26.2. Innovative defence procurement – a new industrial pillar for Finland,Jouni Koivisto, Chief of Reseach, Defence Command Finland

Thur. 5.3. Next-Generation mixed reality defense training, Pyry Haulos, CTO, VARJO

Thur. 12.3. Lecture by Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries, Tuija Karanko, Secretary General

Thur. 19.3. Nokia Defense, Mikko Hautala, Nokia

Thur. 26.3. Use of defence innovation communities, Rasmus Basilier, Development Manager, Millog Oy

Thur. 9.4. Business models, Ilkka Lakaniemi, Research Director, CKIR, Aalto University

We warmly welcome you to join us for the second Dual-use Technology Forum!