Tampere, 4.9.2024 – Finnish technology company Unikie strengthens its Defense & Security business unit, which focuses on the international defense and security market, by investing in industry experts. Unikie is particularly well-known in embedded systems, industrial automation and autonomous vehicles, so this strategic decision supports the company’s strong history in developing both civil and military products (dual-use products).
High technology growth potential in Europe and the United States
The need for technological renewal and the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence put Unikie in a strong position to offer innovative and competitive solutions internationally.
The commitment to defense and security markets is part of a broader strategy focused on developing high technology in the global security sector. The company aims to become a technology provider that increases overall security by offering innovative and secure solutions for civilian, defense and authoritative use.
Unikie’s special expertise is based on software development for embedded systems, where the software is closely interconnected with hardware and is also able to utilize cloud or high-performance computing resources, when necessary. Examples of such applications include the control and autonomy of vehicles, robots and drones, as well as the enhancement of network security using software development and encryption methods.
“With the war in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO, the European security environment is very different from what it was a few years ago. European technology self-sufficiency desperately needs new investments as the US and China drift further apart – we need to strengthen European expertise in new technologies. Unikie has solid experience and expertise in the development of suitable technology and information security, as well as several customers in the defense industry. Now we are determined to invest in growing this business,” explains Unikie’s founding member Esko Mertsalmi.
New reinforcements to the team
As part of the renewed strategy, Unikie has hired experienced management and industry experts with solid experience and extensive networks internationally.
Jari Mielonen is an experienced leader with over 20 years of experience in managing software companies and developing growth businesses in international high-tech sectors, especially in the defense and security sectors. Mielonen has served as Executive Vice President of Insta Group, acting CEO of Fujitsu Finland and Baltics and as CEO of Digia Plc and SSH Plc.
Valtteri Vuorisalo (PhD, International Politics) is an expert in defense administration and industry with over 20 years of international experience. Vuorisalo’s work focuses especially on the transition to data-centricity and the new implementation, cooperation and preparedness models it brings. He is also Professor of Practice in National Security and Security Policy at the University of Tampere.
Harri Hakulinen is an information security expert with extensive experience, especially in operating systems and networks. Hakulinen focuses especially on drone control systems (flight stack), autonomous control and productization of swarm control.
Juha Autio and Esko Mertsalmi have already started in the Unikie Defense & Security unit.
Juha Autio is an expert and leader with significant experience in the defense sector. Autio has extensive experience in creating growth in the management of software companies. He has previously worked for e.g. Gofore and system supplier Systematic.
Esko Mertsalmi is one of the founders of Unikie and he has worked as both the company’s CEO and Chairman of the Board. Mertsalmi has extensive experience in managing technology companies, especially in the areas of software development and digitalization.
More info on:
Esko Mertsalmi, Senior Vice President, Defense &; Security Business Launch, Unikie, +358 400 675 918, esko.mertsalmi@unikie.com
Juha Ala-Laurila, CEO, Unikie, +358 50 553 4773, juha.ala-laurila@unikie.com
In the picture from left to right: Harri Hakulinen, Valtteri Vuorisalo, Jari Mielonen and Juha Autio
