BeScaled – Baltic Scale-up ecosystem
For security, national defense, and crisis resilience businesses
The global defense and security (DS) sector is booming — but for startups, breaking in isn’t easy.
In the Baltics, small domestic markets and limited DS knowledge can hold companies back.
BeScaled is here to change that. Funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme, BeScaled is a six-month pre-accelerator that helps innovative startups pivot into the DS sector. We help you identify dual-use opportunities (civil + defense), validate your offering, and connect with the ecosystem that matters.
Helping startups in Finland & Estonia unlock their dual-use potential and scale globally in the defense, security, and resilience sectors.
ABOUT BESCALED?
In the Baltics, we have many potential industries that could serve the DS sector, e.g., gaming, logistics, digital services, XR, AI, and telecommunications products and services. DS sector cross-border start-up acceleration collaboration is crucial, as Finland has joined NATO and must learn from Estonia’s experience. Estonia needs technology know-how from Finland.
Growth through defense & security
Currently, it´s hard for start-ups to pivot to the DS sector. Non-DS sector start-ups do not have enough information and know-how on dual-use technologies or the optimal DS sector business models.
BeScaled Baltic Scale-up ecosystem for security, national defense, and crisis resilience businesses
We are increasing the number of defence and security (DS) sector growth companies in the Baltics. At the same time, we are strengthening collaboration to drive innovation for DS markets.
BeScaled Objectives
Our main objective is to help 40 Finnish and Estonian non-DS sector start-ups pivot to the defense and security sector. We are bringing together the technology know-how, business development experience, and industry networks of five universities, science park, & city project partners to help your company reach new markets. Xamk University will be especially active in offering expert consulting and product development programs using our areas of strength, i.e, game technologies, XR, VR, AR, cybersecurity, logistics, and drones.
Results
Find and select the potential SME companies that could be able to pivot to DS markets. We will make the value proposition to 120 potential participants and awareness-raising and start-up onboarding activities to 80 participants
Offer scale-up services to 40 potential non-DS sector companies. We will have 17 actions to reach this objective. We are going to identify baseline situations for all selected companies
Increase the number of DS sector growth companies in the Baltics by 25 start-ups
Introduction for applying to the BeScaled program
The global defense and security (DS) sector is booming — but for startups, breaking in isn’t easy.
In the Baltics, small domestic markets and limited DS knowledge can hold companies back.
BeScaled is here to change that. Funded by the Interreg Central Baltic Programme, BeScaled is a six-month pre-accelerator that helps innovative startups pivot into the DS sector. We help you identify dual-use opportunities (civil + defense), validate your offering, and connect with the ecosystem that matters.
Could your product or service strengthen defense, security, or crisis resilience?
Then BeScaled is for you — even if you’ve never worked in the DS sector before.
We’re looking for:
✅ Startups beyond ideation — with some traction (customers, revenue, or investment)
✅ Teams ready to scale with a clear 6–18 month growth thesis
✅ Companies registered in Finland or Estonia
✅ Under 5 years old
✅ Operating in sectors like: gaming, AI, XR, digital services, robotics, biotech, and more
No prior defense background required — just bold ambition and readiness to explore.
A full-stack support program designed to accelerate your pivot and scale:
- Strategic Management Support
Align your execution with key milestones and scale-readiness. - Business Development Sprints
Define your ideal customer, pricing strategy, and repeatable sales motion. - Product Development Track
Build validated roadmaps, run usability tests, and pilot in real environments. - Targeted Mentoring
Learn from industry operators, domain experts, and researchers.
(De minimis rules apply.) - Ecosystem Access
Tap into a powerful network: universities, municipalities, science parks, NATO DIANA, EDF, EUDIS, DDE, and more.
📌 Pilot in real-world operational settings
📌 Learn DS procurement & market dynamics
📌 Access to funding insights & application support
📌 Connect with policymakers, defense experts, and investors
📌 Fast-track your dual-use product to market
- Duration: 6 months per batch
- Format: Hybrid (online + select in-person sessions)
- Time Commitment: ~4–6 hrs/week (TBC)
- Batches: 4 total across the project timeline
- First Batch: May 2026 – October 2026
- Theme: Dual-use digital solutions (e.g., gaming, XR/VR/AR, mobile/web tech for defense & resilience)
✔ Validated DS use-cases and a refined value proposition
✔ Faster sales cycles and clear partner routes
✔ Product decisions driven by real-world feedback
✔ A compelling story for investors, partners, and procurement officers
Contact us for more information:
Coming Events
Gamelab DemoDay vol. 8
Graduation ceremony, autumn 2025
