Meet Mikko Mykkänen, the new Defence Tech Hub team member

Who are you?

"My name is Mikko Mykkänen, and I started at the City of Espoo in August as the newest addition to the Espoo Defence Tech Hub team. My background is in public administration research, and I have also served as a peacekeeper. I remain an active reservist."

What is your role in Defence Tech Hub?

"I look at defence and dual-use, deep tech ecosystems through one question: what is the role of the public sector? Companies, researchers, authorities and end users approach challenges from different perspectives, and the logic of the defence field is not as straightforward as in ordinary business. Customers, regulations, and security requirements all shape what is possible and how quickly things can move.

As the hub grows, we also want to learn more. In the near future, we will gather information about what you need and where you encounter obstacles. Part of my job is to use what we learn to improve how the hub works, step by step."

How does the City of Espoo help Defence Tech Hub companies?

"We aim to reduce friction for companies that are moving or trying to move forward in this field: finding the right counterpart, understanding the requirements, and building trust. Our Defence Tech Hub Lunches and other events are part of this, but the point is not only to meet. The aim is that information moves in both directions: what companies need reaches others in the field, and what is happening in the field reaches companies."