The first Business Finland's Rise to Challenge projects have been selected
Business Finland has decided to fund five promising research projects in the Rise to Challenge pilot call, which focused on digital solutions that enhance security. A total of 60 applications were received, and 16 teams were invited to submit funding proposals. Five projects were selected for funding, with themes including AI, quantum technology, microchips, modeling, and preparedness for hybrid threats.
The funded projects are:
ANSE: AI Native Software Engineering, Tampere University, University of Jyväskylä
HUSKI: Protected Critical Infrastructure Against Hybrid Threats, Turku University of Applied Sciences, University of Turku, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences
OCEANAut: On Chip Edge AI Neuromorphic Applications for Security, University of Turku
REINFORCE: Automatic Detection and Correction of Industrial Design Flaws – Toward Fail-Safe Industries, Tampere University Foundation, University of Helsinki, University of Jyväskylä
TeleQuant: Telecom-Wavelength Quantum Communication with On-Demand Quantum Light Sources, Tampere University Foundation, VTT, Aalto University Foundation
The funded projects highlight multidisciplinary and in-depth expertise as well as bold, long-term research visions. Congratulations to all funded projects!
Read more about the projects in Business Finland’s news release.
Participate in the Autumn 2025 Rise to Challenge call!
After the pilot call, Business Finland will launch the main funding call at the end of August, closing in winter 2026. See the preliminary information about the call.
The aim of Rise to Challenge funding is to build the expertise and capabilities required in the growth sectors of the future. Funding is targeted at new, market-disrupting research projects with broad societal and economic impact. Rise to Challenge is by far Business Finland’s largest funding instrument for research organizations: project funding over five years can reach €5–10 million.
Funding is initially granted for the first phase of the research project, lasting up to three years. At this stage, company participation is not required, and businesses can be engaged during the project. A possible two-year extension period may be funded with an additional €2–4 million. Decisions on continued funding will be based on the results achieved.
Could your project be a fit for the Rise to Challenge call? Contact the Innovation Centre's expert:
Maria Juurikka, Company Specialist
maria.juurikka@oulu.fi
+358294487646