Andres Peña Archila

Lead Security & Resilience Incubator tracks, University of Helsinki / Helsinki Incubators

I lead the Security & Resilience track at the University of Helsinki’s pre-incubator and incubator programmes, where the focus is on advancing defence and dual-use innovation from early-stage ideas to operationally relevant ventures. In this role, I work to build structured pathways that connect research, talent, and emerging technologies with real-world defence and security needs across Finland and the broader European ecosystem.

In parallel, I serve as a Business Mentor at NATO DIANA and as a Business Mentor at the VTT Dual-Use LaunchPad, a NATO DIANA accelerator site advancing 5G/6G, quantum, and space technologies. Through these roles, I support deep tech founders in validating, scaling, and positioning their solutions for dual-use applications within NATO-aligned innovation ecosystems.

At the University of Helsinki, I have led the Deep Tech & AI track within the incubator, supporting the development of high-potential ventures. As a Project Manager, I have contributed to the launch of more than 70 teams, which have collectively raised over €8.1 million. This work has centred on building strong expert networks and equipping founders with the capabilities, frameworks, and connections required to succeed.

My journey began as a musician in South America and led me into Finland’s deep tech ecosystem, where I combine creative background, entrepreneurial discipline, and strategic execution to bridge research, global business, and human-centred innovation.

As a keynote speaker and moderator, I contribute to international discussions on AI, dual-use technology, the future of work, and digital transformation in higher education, with experience across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. I also coach academics and entrepreneurs on translating complex ideas into compelling narratives, navigating uncertainty, and building globally oriented, collaborative ventures.

I am currently developing The Forge Platform—an AI-powered leadership intelligence system focused on entrepreneurs and dual-use technologies for both military and commercial applications. The platform provides structured insights into founder potential, decision-making, and venture readiness, supporting founders, VCs, and accelerators in accelerating performance and resilience in next-generation ventures.

I work with organisations and teams seeking to strengthen their innovation capacity, particularly at the intersection of deep tech, defence, and dual-use applications.



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