Finland and US sign deals covering AI, quantum technology and critical minerals
Finland and the United States have signed a Technology Prosperity Deal and a Critical Minerals Framework in Washington. The Finnish government says the minerals framework will improve conditions for US investment in mineral processing and refining in Finland.
Martti Asikainen | 30.10.2026 | Photo by Andrea Izzotti / Adobe Stock Photos
Finland and the United States signed a Technology Prosperity Deal and a Critical Minerals Framework document in Washington, DC, on 29 October, the Finnish government said. Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen signed both on behalf of the Finnish Government.
The Technology Prosperity Deal, known as the TPD, aims to strengthen the countries’ technological and industrial partnership and speed up the development and commercialisation of new technologies. It covers artificial intelligence, telecommunications, quantum technology and biotechnology. It also aims to deepen cooperation on defence, energy, space and Arctic technologies.
Key sectors for cooperation
In AI and next-generation telecoms, the two countries plan to strengthen research, development and commercialisation.
That includes 5G and 6G, international standardisation and exports of secure technology solutions. In quantum technology, the aim is to commercialise new solutions faster and build resilient supply chains.
Energy cooperation covers nuclear and fusion power and energy storage. In the Arctic, the focus is on shipping, ice navigation and other technologies designed for cold conditions.
Minister of Economic Affairs Sakari Puisto said Finland has “top-tier expertise in a number of strategically important technology sectors”. He said working with US companies and research institutes is important for commercialising new technologies and keeping Finland’s science strong.
Mineral processing and US investment
The Critical Minerals Framework is meant to support the economic security of both countries by improving mineral supply chains and making them more resilient.
According to the Finnish government, it will improve conditions for US investment in mineral processing and refining capacity in Finland, where it says international demand is significant.
The framework also promotes joint research and development between companies on the circular economy of minerals, resource efficiency and new materials.
Puisto said Finland has world-class mineral resources and leading expertise, and that closer cooperation with the US offers opportunities for Finnish mining and minerals companies.
Not the first such deal
The agreements follow a pattern. The US has signed similar technology deals with other allies. For example, with the United Kingdom in September 2025 and with Japan and South Korea the following month. In October 2025, it also signed critical minerals frameworks with Australia and Japan.
The US signed critical minerals frameworks with Australia and Japan in October 2025. The Federation of American Scientists has argued that technology deals of this kind carry no binding commitments.
The Finnish release does not say whether the new documents are legally binding. The Federation of American Scientists, a US policy group, has argued that earlier Technology Prosperity Deals carry no binding commitments. The release also gives no figures, timetable or details of specific projects.
