XD Solutions has appointed Tomi Kankainen as Program Director. Kankainen brings extensive experience in building and leading multi-actor initiatives where outcomes depend on clear structures, aligned incentives, and disciplined execution.
Background
In recent years, Kankainen has played a central role in establishing several national ecosystems, including the VAMOS Ecosystem for Autonomous Mobility in Smart Spaces, the SW4E Software Engineering Ecosystem, and the MEFI Metaverse Finland Ecosystem, which supports Finland’s national metaverse strategy.
His background also includes leadership roles and hands-on work in industrial and mechanical design and dual-use products, gained through previous positions at companies such as Savox and Fastems.
Role at XD Solutions
As Program Director, Kankainen focuses on programme development, joint offerings, and co-innovation. His work centres on identifying where companies can combine capabilities, align development efforts, and build offerings that are relevant in defence and security markets.
Perspective
A consistent theme in Kankainen’s approach is that speed alone is not enough. The programmes that endure are those that connect innovation to industrial capacity and to the investment conditions required for scaling.
Kankainen’s work sits at the point where innovation meets industrialisation. In defence and security, accelerating development only matters if programmes are structured to scale, survive scrutiny, and convert experimentation into capability and exportable offerings.
