Business growth programme is now available for 25 growth-oriented companies from Finland, Sweden and Estonia. Participants will be selected in two cohorts, with the first starting 1.st of January 2026. The call for applications begins 20.th October 2025. Participating companies will be supported throughout the year in different stages of growth from development to scaling on international markets. The call for IAS Growth Academy 2026 opens 20 October 2025 and closes 2 December 2025. The programme targets companies developing or using Innovative Aerial Services and Systems (IAS) solutions. These include, for example, drones for monitoring nature, environments or processes; part of inspection and measurement services; or technologies and services that support UAS companies’ operations. Over the year, the programme provides participants with concrete pathways to develop their business, find international partners and test solutions in real environments. “The core of the programme is hands-on work and networks. Companies will get to experiment, learn and build their growth together with field experts,” summarises Markku Niemi, Director at Business Tampere, coordinating the Finnish part of the programme. International excellence and collaboration According to Markku Niemi, the sector now offers an unusually strong opportunity to learn, network and grow businesses. “Drones are highly topical and evolving rapidly. The programme includes excellent partners — Sweden is a leading European drone region where research and business meet, with strong players such as Linköping University and Saab.”“Estonia, meanwhile, is one of Europe’s frontrunners in the use of unmanned systems, and its business environment is very dynamic,” Niemi explains. He notes that Tampere complements the picture as a strong centre of industrial and defence technology. “For those who want to advance their business and build networks quickly, this programme offers a superb platform. It includes everything a growth company needs, expert consulting, training, trade fairs and networks, including the Amsterdam Drone Week.” Why join? IAS Growth Academy offers companies: Cross-border demo projects with end users 1:1 business and expert support from international specialists Study and networking trips to Sweden and Estonia Participation in major drone industry events in Europe A support package valued up to €15,000 per company Who is the programme for? IAS Growth Academy is aimed at IAS companies operating in the Central Baltic area, which: Were preferably founded in 2018 or later (in exceptional cases from 2015) Focus on civil or dual-use solutions Offer market-ready products or services Are ready to commit to a 12-month programme and cover up to 20 % of direct costs Timeline Application period: 20 October 2025 – 2 December 2025 Candidate interviews: 8–12 December 2025 Announcement of selected companies: 15 December 2025 Programme starts: January 2026 IAS Growth Academy 2026 offers not only tangible support and expertise, but also access to international networks and the forefront of the drone industry. More information and application (open 20 October 2025 – 2 December 2025) here. Ask more: Jari Ikonen Senior Business Advisor, Smart Mobility +358 500 4566 36 jari.ikonen@businesstampere.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jariikonen/ https://twitter.com/jari_ikonen +358 500 4566 36 Markku Niemi Director, Smart City +358 50 5117 341 markku.niemi@businesstampere.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/markku-niemi-48b98b23/ https://twitter.com/markkuniemi_ +358 50 5117 341 drones export Internationalisation