Griffin Tech Days (GTD) is Finnish Special Forces’ arena to test and evaluate technology and gear in a cold and arctic environment. For 2026 event, industry and academia can apply to test, and demonstrate their technology and capabilities to the Finnish Defense Forces and NATO allies.

Event will be held in Rovajärvi training area 9 – 13 February 2026.

This year’s events focus is on conducting and supporting special operations in the Arctic environment.  Light footprint is key for products, solutions and technology that are intended for field use.

A specific technology readiness level (TRL) will not be set for the event.  Griffin Tech Days is a platform to experiment different solutions and even push them to the breaking point. Finding the week spots (of technology) and failing in simulated scenarios is considered a virtue, not a weakness, in the FINSOF community.

Save the date:
9 – 13 February 2026

Deadline for industry to nominate experiments and
seek a mini-expo booth: 5th October 2025

Companies approved to the event will be decided by the Finnish Defense Forces, based on nominations.

Griffin Tech Days will be held at Rovajärvi firing and training area (north east of Rovaniemi).

The event will be planned around experiments/demonstrations and a mini-exhibition. Industry can seek a spot in either experiments, mini-expo or both.

Industry can also apply to participate in additional field testing during the following week 14. – 20.2.2026 based on Finnish Defence Forces interest.

Specific Areas of Interest:

• Signature management

• Prolonged power management

• Medical solutions
  – Human performance
  – Patient heat management solutions
  – Prolonged fieldcare solutions
  – CASEVAC solutions
  

• Lethality solutions for small teams

• Sensors
  – ESM sensors, man-portable/handheld
  – Autonomic sensor systems
  (optical, acoustic, vibration, RF, edge processing)

• Communications
  – Optical fibre solutions
  – Contested communication solutions
  – High north BLOS communication solutions

Initial timeline and key dates

(changes might apply):

2.9. – 5.10.2025
Experiment, mini-expo and
field-testing nominations by industry

17.10.2025
Decisions released to industry

Week 45
Initial Planning Conference /
Teams (approx. 2 h)

Week 46 – 50
Experiment planning meetings
1on1 (XDS and companies)

Week 3
Final Planning Conference /
Teams (approx. 2 h)

6. – 9.2.2026
Possibility to rig experiments,
conduct tests / test flights

The event is free of charge. Companies are responsible for arranging freight, mini-expo/demo expenses, travel and accommodation at their own expense.

The event will be facilitated and organized by XD Solutions. XD Solutions will contact all companies regarding their nominations.

For additional information please contact: events@xdsolutions.fi

Anssi Aikio
Program Manager
XD Solutions