Huld: Growth in the defence and space sector

Huld combines the physical and digital worlds in demanding technology solutions. The company's expertise extends from industrial systems to digital technologies, which are utilised also in safety-critical environments. The same expertise is reflected in Huld's long-term work in space technology.

"We want to be trendsetters in space, but also strong actors," says Huld's CEO Juha Virtanen. 

In recent years, the market has undergone many changes, and Huld has updated its strategy accordingly. Industrial investments have decreased significantly and their recovery is still something everyone is waiting for. At the same time, the space and security market has grown rapidly as a result of increased defense investments. Demand is global and is predicted to continue to grow.

Huld's return to growth is now also being built on space and security.

"The strategic importance of space is growing, for example in security and in society's everyday activities. Europe has also realized that until now we have been very dependent on the United States in space and satellite infrastructure," says Virtanen.

Time for European expertise

Virtanen believes that first European expertise will aim for self-sufficiency in space and security technology. The field is developing thanks to private sector business, the so-called New Space economy, in which private capital and corporate innovations complement traditional state actors. This has meant, for example, the emergence of numerous startups in the sector.

“Agile players and commercial projects are becoming more common in the sector,” says Virtanen.

“Traditionally, the space and defense sectors have been slow-moving. Today, agility and rapid response to changing security threats, among other things, are needed. At the European level, we are only just learning what this means for us and which direction we need to go,” he continues.

Virtanen started as CEO of Huld last August as part of a new growth-oriented strategy. He has three years on the Huld board and 18 years working at Gofore. In September, the sale of Huld to Gofore was confirmed. Huld’s expertise will double the number of employees in Gofore’s Intelligent Industry business and expand its expertise and customer portfolio. The Huld brand will merge with Gofore in early 2026.

Digitalisation ethically

Huld's space and security expertise is being used when a joint growth strategy is drawn with Gofore.

"We develop satellite software and electronics, as well as software and data solutions for ground stations and other ground systems. Key applications in the defense sector include, for example, SAR satellite imaging, which can be used to observe targets through clouds and darkness and maintain an up-to-date situational picture."

In space, as in defense, security and trust are critical elements for a company to be able to work with defense sector actors at all. Together, Huld and Gofore want to build ethical and certified space and defense technology and a smart society.

"Digital society, smart industry and space, and comprehensive security. Together, we are a relevant and interesting leading partner in all three industries as new capabilities are built in Europe."