The centre is tasked with advancing the use of data and artificial intelligence to improve defence capabilities and decision-making. It forms part of a broader strategy to transition towards data-driven knowledge management and strengthen technological readiness.
“The Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence is a key part of the implementation of our new data and AI strategy. We are taking our organization towards data-driven knowledge management, and we want to efficiently develop our technology and AI capabilities in close cooperation with leading organizations in the field. This will ensure that we will continue to have the ability to react to rapidly changing situations and threats,” said Petteri Hemminki.
Digia is supporting the Defence Forces in developing operating models to accelerate the rollout of the data and AI strategy and to establish the centre’s operational activities. The company’s specialists are contributing to building capabilities based on data and artificial intelligence.
“We are bringing together the necessary data, expertise, development capability, and cooperation networks so that new technologies can be harnessed in the best possible way for the needs of the Defence Forces,” said Tero Palokangas.
The initiative is also intended to strengthen cooperation with leading organisations in the sector to ensure access to the necessary skills and resources. This coordinated approach is expected to improve flexibility and efficiency in defence operations.
“In many ways, we are a pioneer in the utilization of new technologies, but they also have a huge amount of potential. With the new AI Centre of Excellence we will be able to accelerate development even further,” Hemminki said.
Digia said the programme reflects a broader effort to integrate new technologies into organisational processes and services. “The Defence Forces are setting an example of how new technologies can be integrated into the organization’s operations, processes, and services. This also produces measurable results,” said Timo Levoranta.
The Finnish Defence Forces have worked with Digia since 2018 as part of a long-term digitalisation effort. The company said the new initiative deepens this cooperation and supports the integration of advanced technologies into daily operations.
“Cooperation with the AI Centre of Excellence further deepens and concretizes our partnership. We have extensive experience in high-security environments. Security, reliability, and operational continuity are at the core of our services. Our strength is service lifecycle management. We build, maintain, and develop intelligent solutions. We also help in change management so that new technologies can be genuinely integrated into everyday operations,” Palokangas added.
