5G and 6G Solutions
Overview
The advanced nature of the Finnish telecommunications market has led to the introduction of many services and technologies much earlier than elsewhere in the world. Finland was the first country to launch a broad 6G research program in 2018 and established the world’s first 6G test network. As a result, many international companies use Finland as a test laboratory for experimental launches of new products and services before going global.
In Finland, the government sets regulatory incentives and funds basic research. In 2019, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, responsible for the operation of transport and communications markets and critical communications networks, launched a digital infrastructure strategy with the goal of turning Finland into the world leader in communications networks by 2025. The strategy contains measures for promoting the implementation of 5G and supporting optical fiber construction.
As of 2024, Finland has one of the highest proportions of ICT specialists in the EU with 7.8 percent of ICT specialists and one of the most digitalized SME sectors (82 percent have a basic level of digital intensity). Finland ranks highest overall in digital transformation of businesses and has one of the highest proportions (97.7 percent) of households with internet connections. Finland was the top performer in the integration of digital technologies, and more than 80 percent of enterprises in Finland use Artificial Intelligence, cloud, or data analytics. Finland scored more than 95 points (out of 100) in online availability and scored close to 100 in mobile friendliness. The great performance is credited to excellence in digital public services and the integration of digital technologies, both enabled by public and private sector cooperation and an active start-up-scene.
The former President of the Republic of Finland approved amendments to the Act on Electronic Communications Services in January 2021. The objectives of the change included the improvement of the consumer’s position, the promotion of investments into communications networks, and the availability of communications services. The amendments also aim to ensure the security of communication networks. The reform implemented the requirements of the EU Directive on Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS Directive), the European Electronic Communications Code (Telecoms Package Directive), and it put into place measures included in the common toolbox to secure the EU’s 5G networks to protect critical parts of the communications network.
Finnish telecommunications giant Nokia is a global industry leader on 5G and 6G networks. Most telephone operators in Finland announced they will no longer be providing 3G networks after 2024. New network technologies will further facilitate the development and exploitation of smart electricity networks and related solutions. Small businesses and startups will be chosen by DIANA (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) to begin their testing and research. In addition to coaching, companies in the DIANA accelerator program enjoy facilitated access to NATO’s commercial market through the Rapid Adoption Service (RAS) mechanism.
Telecommunications operators and their operations are regulated by Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency. Regulations concern targeted communications, such as telephone, text message, broadband and email services, and mass communications, such as cable television, IPTV, terrestrial television, and radio services. Detailed information can be found at Traficom. Traficom promotes competition and seeks to reduce entry barriers in all telecommunication markets and guides the use of the spectrum. A telecommunications operator must submit a written telecommunications notification of the intention to operate public telecommunications to Traficom prior to starting operations. Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications or the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency grant these. In 2021, the State of Washington and the Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on applications of connectivity and other technologies for sustainable growth.
Finland has a business accelerator and two test centers related to NATO’s DIANA program. One of the test centers is in Oulu in partnership with Oulu University focusing on 6G technologies. The 6G Flagship is the world’s first 6G and preferred research program and development partner. Finland’s goal is to create future know-how and solutions for the needs of society in 2030.
Leading Sub-sectors
Broadband spectrum
Fiber optics
Mobile broadband technology
Opportunities
Finland is a great launchpad to take 5G and 6G solutions global. Enabled by the strong network infrastructure and an innovative prospective partner pool, Finland has numerous 5G testbeds available for commercial use ranging from fully isolated 5G infrastructures to actual real-life test ranges. Finland is currently one of the few markets where all the 5G bands, low, mid, and high frequency, are available for use. This means Finland has the same millimeter wave (mmWave) capabilities as the United States, but 5G solutions also have access to the other spectrums currently unavailable in the United States, which allows full exploration of the possibilities of 5G-enabled products. Even 6G solutions can already be prototyped in Finland.
The 5G Test Network Finland (5GNTF) project, which comprises approximately 50 members from industry, academia, and the Finnish public sector, offers testing, trial, and piloting services, and ample opportunities for collaboration within the network. With varying focus areas at different sites, 5GTNF can cover a large variety of vertical industry use cases by providing support for high data rates, low latencies, reliable communications, and a massive number of devices. 5GTNF is a joint initiative between the Finnish public and private sector. The 5G Momentum project is another one open for companies to participate in different trials and projects. To support industry in finalization of 5G there is also a 6G network. The 6G Flagship Program, steered by the University of Oulu, was the world’s first 6G research program, where opportunities vary from multi-partner projects to tailored company-focused projects. In addition, the leading European 6G research project Hexa-X, and its successor Hexa-X-II, is coordinate€130 million budget program will run from 2023 to 2026.
Finland has three main annual or bi-annual trade shows with a focus on Critical Emerging Technologies (CET)Teknologia in Helsinki in November, Slush in Helsinki in November, and Shift in Turku in August. Visit the tradeshow websites for the latest information.
Resources
Government procurement opportunity listing site depends on the value of the contract. Procurements over a certain EU threshold are listed on the Tender Electronics Daily. Procurements over a certain threshold are also listed on the national listings site HILMA, the official service for notices on public procurement in Finland. Public buyers publish notices on upcoming and ongoing tendering procedures and the results of procedures. For national contracts, the threshold is between $63,180 and $526,500, depending on the contract type, and for EU contracts, the threshold is between $147,420 and $5,635,656.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
The Ministry of Transport and Communication
Information
Interested parties may contact Commercial Specialist Tiina Ketelä-Juvonen, tiina.ketela@trade.gov.
Cybersecurity
Overview
As a high-tech country, Finland has a need for cybersecurity solutions. Government awareness of, and support for, the cybersecurity sector is strong, with the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC-FI) coordinating industry-specific working groups to engage private sector companies. NCSC-FI at Traficom has developed a certification process for the Cybersecurity label that has been in use since 2019. Receiving the right to use the label requires that products meet the criteria set by the NCSC-FI that will be verified by testing the devices. NCSC-FI also publishes publicly available monthly cyber weather reports with updates on key information security incidents and phenomena. The Finnish government has allocated a budgetary supplement of $42-58 million from 2023 to 2026 to improve the performance of security officials and cybersecurity systems. Funding provides for procuring new devices and increasing personnel.
While the number of cyber security incidents remains relatively low by global standards, the percentages in Finland’s official police yearly statistics show high growth rates, especially in information systems interference, hacking, and data protection crimes. Problems have increased particularly in the construction, transportation, and logistics sectors.
Finland has a business accelerator and two test centers related to NATO’s DIANA (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program. The business accelerator and one of the test centers are in Espoo Otaniemi, in co-operation with VTT and Aalto University. This location will focus on cybersecurity, communication, quantum, space, among others. The accelerator opened applications for the 2026 program in June 2025. Small businesses and start-ups will be chosen by DIANA to begin their testing and research. In addition to coaching, companies in the DIANA accelerator program enjoy facilitated access to NATO’s commercial market through the Rapid Adoption Service (RAS) mechanism.
Leading Sub-sectors
Cloud-based access management
Threat prevention and protection
Quantum computing
Opportunities
As Finland’s official languages are Finnish and Swedish, cybersecurity solutions that work with both languages have a competitive edge. Due to the high-tech nature of Finnish society, all cybersecurity solutions and components to help build such solutions have a market. As quantum computing develops there will be greater need for quantum durable encryption solutions. Since cloud services are used more and more, those that can resist denial-of-service attacks (DoS) will likely enjoy increased demand.
Events
Cyber Security Nordic, November 4-5, 2025, in Helsinki
FinnSec, October 8-9, 2025, in Helsinki
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Overview
Finland was among the first EU member states to create a national AI strategy in 2017 with the goal of turning Finland into a leading country in the application of artificial intelligence. Based on the national AI strategy, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment in November 2020 launched an Artificial Intelligence 4.0 program that will identify objectives and measures to promote digitalization in the country. The program focuses on the development and introduction of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies in companies. According to the 2024 Nordic State of AI report, Finland ranks fourth globally in government AI readiness, the only Nordic country to place in the top 10. Finland’s AI accelerator (FAIA) fosters the AI network by helping established companies launch AI-driven products. It was established in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Artificial Intelligence project. The objective of the program was to make Finland a leader in the application of artificial intellig
Leading Sub-sectors
Machine learning
Robotics
Expert systems
Evolutionary computation
Neural Networks
Vision
Opportunities
Finland offers great opportunities in the use of AI and serves as an excellent platform for pilot projects due to its limited and single market, net neutrality, abundant technology resources, and legislative support. The fast-growing startup network is at the forefront of Finland’s renewal. Also, existing companies and public organizations have gone through a variety of structural reforms that open opportunities for the application of AI. Finland has unique data repositories, which makes it an attractive operating environment for companies and researchers.
Resources
Finnish Center of Artificial Intelligence
The Ministry of Finance
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment
Information
Interested parties may contact Commercial Specialist Tiina Ketelä-Juvonen, tiina.ketela@trade.gov.
Quantum
Overview
Quantum technology remains a crucial tool in cryptography, computing, sensing, and communication, and is expected to benefit a wide sector of industries including banking, logistics, and healthcare. It enables large datasets of information to be rapidly gathered, processed, and analyzed in an unprecedented manner.
Finland has decades of experience in quantum technology, both at the research and development stages. The country is home to Lumi, the fastest supercomputer in Europe and the fifth fastest in the world. Finnish quantum technology, particularly quantum computing, is headquartered in Keilaniemi, Espoo. Finnish know-how in quantum computing is deemed superior to most European counterparts — the majority of which lack the financial resources to develop such technology in the first place — and is believed to be in the top three best performing countries in Europe.
A recognizable part of the Finnish quantum environment is dominated by the combination of both the public and the private sector, as know-how is often scarce and financial resources limited. As an example, the construction of a quantum computer costs approximately €20 million(around $21.68 million). As such, both the private and public sector collaborate and innovate together. Finland’s main limitation in quantum technology is the lack of investment. Finland has made great one-off investments, however countries such as the United States, Germany, and France have been continuously investing in quantum.
The Finnish government launched its first-ever Quantum Technology Strategy in May 2025, which aims to position the country as a global leader in quantum technology by 2035 and use the critical technology to strengthen its economic security. The strategy outlines comprehensive measures to leverage Finland’s existing research base and technological capabilities, emphasizing international cooperation, including with “like-minded countries” such as the United States, and the quantum sector’s economic potential.