Häme University of Applied Sciences and Millog Oy establish a partnership
HAMK and Millog Oy, responsible for the maintenance of the Finnish Defence Forces, engage in long-term, strategic cooperation to enhance overall societal security.
Millog Oy is a strategic partner of the Finnish Defence Forces, specializing in ensuring the security of supply for authorities and companies, as well as comprehensive lifecycle management. Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) conducts agile and applied research, development, and innovation activities that provide up-to-date understanding and expertise. Through the partnership between Millog and HAMK, this expertise can also be applied to crisis preparedness and the defense sector.
“HAMK brings fresh and innovative ideas, as well as expertise in applied research and diverse experience in corporate collaboration. Millog, on the other hand, has extensive experience in the field of security of supply and overall security, so we complement each other well in our cooperation,” describes Rami Harmaala, Senior Vice President at Millog Oy.
Secure Implementation of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence and related technologies are developing at a rapid pace. Currently, HAMK is developing tools for a safe AI laboratory, which allows companies and organizations to experiment with and create responsible AI solutions in an environment that ensures data security and privacy. Millog is involved in the project.
“It is important that we in Finland take care of our own AI expertise and resilience – this is a matter of preparedness and self-sufficiency,” says Timo Hynninen, Principal Research Lecturer at HAMK and Project Manager of the RDI-Intelligence project.
In the project, which started last year, AI tools have already been developed that enable companies to utilize AI on their own devices without a direct internet connection. This allows for a secure AI solution that can also be implemented in organizations like Millog, where data and equipment security are of utmost importance.
Opportunities for students
Millog is a company employing approximately 1,300 people, operating widely across Finland in addition to Kanta-Häme. The company also employs students for internships whenever possible. HAMK students have already completed internships related to mechanical engineering and information and communication technology.
“If you want to contribute to societal security, Millog is an excellent opportunity. You get to do meaningful work as a civilian to ensure overall security, and up to 96 percent of our employees enjoy their work,” says Rami Harmaala.
The expertise of HAMK students has also been utilized in theses done for Millog. In recent years, thesis topics have included data center monitoring tools, the use of fiber matrix in a testing environment, and reducing segregation between work tasks.
Deepening Cooperation in Networks
Both organizations are part of the DEFINE network (Defence Innovation Network Finland), which brings together defense and security companies, educational institutions, and research institutes at the initiative of the city of Riihimäki.
The network aims to accelerate the innovation and development activities of participants and increase the turnover of companies. A development environment for generative AI is being built at Riihimäki’s Veturitallit, aimed at enabling AI experiments for companies, especially startups, and thus supporting their growth.
The cooperation is also expanding internationally within the framework of the ODIN (Organisation for Defence Innovation in the Nordics) innovation network. Formed in February 2025, ODIN includes around twenty Lithuanian, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian companies, research institutes, and government-supported organizations, in addition to Define, Millog, HAMK, and SAKO.
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