Nokia expands 6G and defense network R&D in Finland with support from Business Finland

Business Finland has awarded Nokia 40 million euro in funding for two research and development projects that support Nokia's planned investment of more than 100 million euro in Finland. The investments focus on advancing AI-powered 6G technologies and network and sensing solutions for the defense sector.

The funding is provided through the Growth in Finland initiative and an expansion of Nokia's ongoing LEAD Veturi program. The investments will accelerate recruitment of new talent, expand R&D activities in Finland, and strengthen collaboration with the Finnish technology ecosystem.

According to Business Finland, Nokia has played a major role in Finland's research and innovation landscape, helping maintain world-class expertise in radio and network technologies while generating wider benefits across the country's technology ecosystem.

Mikko Hautala, Nokia's Head of Geopolitical and Government Relations and Country Senior Officer for Finland, emphasized that Business Finland's long-term commitment to 6G and defense technology development demonstrates a shared ambition to strengthen Finland's long-term technology leadership and competitiveness.

The Growth in Finland project focuses on developing AI-driven 6G solutions, while the expanded LEAD Veturi program supports Nokia Defense's development of network and sensor technologies for defense applications. Launched in 2024, the LEAD program aims to improve the availability, security, and energy efficiency of networks, particularly for industrial and other mission-critical environments.