Team Finland visit to California: Space, defense & dual-use technologies

The Team Finland network together with the Finnish Defense and Aerospace Industries (PIA) is organizing a business delegation visit to California (Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area) on November 9-12, 2026. The visit is led by the Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles, Ambassador Minna Laajava, and a possible additional high-level representative.

9.–12.11.2026

California, USA

Register by September 1

Preliminary programme

Why participate?

The visit offers a platform to explore the region’s aerospace and defense ecosystem, foster new connections, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Participants will gain valuable opportunities through tailored business meetings, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and company visits. The visit will also include a showcase event hosted at the residence of the Consul General of Finland in Los Angeles. The exclusive showcase event offers the participating companies and organizations an opportunity to present their capabilities to key industry representatives.

Southern California, including hubs like El Segundo, Palmdale, and Ventura County, is a major center for the aerospace, space, and defense industries. It brings together established prime contractors, military commands, startups, and research institutions. The region’s ecosystem has expanded rapidly, driven by major innovators like SpaceX operating alongside traditional prime contractors and a strong military infrastructure, and major research centers such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

The San Francisco Bay Area complements this industrial base with a strong focus on dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, and software development. The region is also home to defense-focused venture capital and government innovation entities like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).

Together, these regions form a comprehensive ecosystem that makes California a national leader in the sector, contributing an estimated $35 billion annually to the state’s economy. The visit provides a platform for the delegation to connect with industry players and better understand the dynamics of the market.

The delegation’s three-day program takes place in Southern California on November 9-10 and in the San Francisco Bay Area on November 12. Wednesday, November 11 (Veterans Day), is a federal holiday, providing time for independent networking (outside the Team Finland program) as well as time to travel from the Los Angeles Area to San Francisco. The last day of the official program is November 12 (in the San Francisco Bay Area). The final program will be tailored based on the participants of the delegation. Companies are solely responsible for ensuring their own export control compliance.

Team Finland recently procured a market study that describes dual-use and defense opportunities on the West Coast. The study provides information on the relevant industry players and highlights upcoming opportunities. More information is available here. You can request the full market study by emailing any of the contacts below.

Who should attend?

The visit is relevant for Finnish companies and organizations operating in space technology, defense applications, or dual-use sectors to join the delegation.

For example, actors specializing in areas such as situational awareness, advanced data capabilities, drone technology including C-UAS, and secure connectivity are well-suited to participate. 

Practicalities

To cover the expenses related to arranging the visit to California, a participation fee of EUR 2100 per person, plus EUR 20 management fee will be invoiced.

The participation fee will be invoiced after the visit, based on actual costs. The invoiced amount will not exceed the maximum fees stated above. The participation fee does not include flights, accommodation, or meals outside the official visit program.

Please see more information about the practicalities here.