Mikko Punnala

Co-Founder & CSO at SHARPNAV | Leading GNSS Innovation | AI & LEO Integration for Precision Navigation | Defence & Space Economy Expert | Views my own

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

Mielekäs tapa suorittaa varusmiespalvelus https://t.co/HGuX1Jvf17 #ILMASK #Ilmavoimat #varusmies #turpo #ksml.fi

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

We’re proud to share that Space Air Technologies has been named one of the winners of the CASSINI Challenges 2026 by the @EU4Space - EU Agency for the Space Programme.

This recognition highlights our team’s work on a multi-band deployable antenna for space-air-ground connectivity, designed to deliver high performance with significantly reduced mass and volume.

Our patented thin-membrane antenna operates across L/S/X/Ku-Ka bands from a single aperture, helping replace up to five conventional antenna systems and enabling more flexible multi-mission satellite operations.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement, and congratulations to the other winners helping shape the future of Europe’s space ecosystem. We’re excited for what comes next.

https://t.co/j6APBH7xNa

https://t.co/nYVLi9hW32

#EUSPA #SATCOM #FINLAND #GERMANY #SPACE #ANTENNA

[Elon Musk @elonmusk]

Tesla Semi is so clean, cool & fun!

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

@Heyrohanislam Claude

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

@AIandTechh87 Cowork

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

For companies operating in this domain, value creation depends less on individual technologies and more on the ability to position them within a coherent strategic and geopolitical context.
https://t.co/c4iUPhcHVY

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

The space economy is best understood as an integrated system rather than a discrete sector. Infrastructure, data, applications, security considerations, and geopolitics jointly shape where sustainable business value emerges.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

This systems level perspective becomes particularly salient in the current geopolitical environment. Capabilities developed for civilian space applications increasingly underpin defence, resilience, and dual use deep technology solutions.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

Done and dusted!

Last week’s public defence of my doctoral dissertation at the University of Vaasa provided a clear and constructive forum to examine the new space economy and the internationalisation of SMEs in a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Gratitude to Professor @AhokangasP (@UniOulu) of Oulu) for a rigorous examination, and to Professor Arto Ojala (@univaasa ) and Professor @KuusniemiHeidi (Tampere University) for guidance and expertise that shaped the work.

The dissertation demonstrates that space-based services have become core infrastructure. PNT, earth observation and satellite-enabled data flows now form strategic capabilities that create concrete opportunities for agile firms. Northern Europe already holds strong competencies, and companies that combine technical skill with strategic vision can strengthen their position in the expanding space value chain.

The momentum is real, and the space economy offers a practical environment for growth.

Link to the dissertation https://t.co/mNilxBImtc excellent reading moments.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

The geopolitical and technological shifts we’re seeing are accelerating the transformation of the space economy. What was once potential is now a strategic necessity.

Across Europe, investor interest in the space and dual-use sectors is surging — driven by new business models, innovation, and the growing understanding that space-based infrastructure underpins everything from energy and logistics to security and communication.

This is a defining moment for European startups and SMEs. Capital is on the move, seeking technologies that blend commercial scalability with resilience and strategic value.

For those ready to act, the window of opportunity has never been wider.

🔗 Read more in the University of Vaasa’s post below.
https://t.co/8kaBuKicLd

#spaceeconomy #newspace #investment #europe #geopolitics #resilience #univaasa

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

Big step today

My dissertation “Internationalising in the Space Economy: Ecosystems, Institutions, and the Strategic Behaviour of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the New Space Economy” is now publicly available: https://t.co/Dr76DuOxFX

What started as a hobby-project has grown into something substantial.

A huge thanks to my supervisors Arto Ojala and @KuusniemiHeidi

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

@JuusoLiekkila Hyvä ja ajankohtainen aihealue, mitä on hyvä syventää tulevissa tutkinnoissa. Pitää tutusrua tarkemmin ajan kanssa.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

@JuusoLiekkila Onnittelut ja menestystä uusiin haasteisiin.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

@JuusoLiekkila Siitä on hyvä ponnistaa kohti väikkäriä.

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

Thanks to co-authors @SanteriPunnala, @KuusniemiHeidi. DM if you want to talk space economics, strategy, or how shifting geopolitics is opening new frontiers for resilient infrastructure and commercial space ventures
#spaceeconomy #LEOPNT #GNSS #Sharpnav #investing #geopolitics

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

The space economy isn’t a hype cycle. It’s a structural shift. But to invest wisely, you need more than headlines—you need to understand the underlying drivers. Here's what every investor should know 🧵

[Mikko Punnala @PUNNALAMikko]

If you're serious about space-linked investments, start with the fundamentals. Our research offers a framework to assess risk, identify opportunity, and separate signal from noise.