The NutFinForce project is developing a digital solution to enhance the performance of conscripts. The model responds to a topical challenge: the declining functional capacity of young adults affects both public health and Finland’s comprehensive security. The AI-powered solution offers tailored support for adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and it also has significant potential for international cooperation.

The solution, which will be piloted in a large-scale study, strengthens the role of nutrition as an element of military capability alongside physical exercise. NutFinForce will be delivered through the Metabite platform, which uses unique AI-based health technology. The coaching content, provided via a mobile application, is based on scientific evidence and supports personalised, lasting lifestyle changes. 

“The functional capacity of those liable for military service is a key element of Finland’s defence capability. NutFinForce provides a new tool designed to develop performance systematically and over the long term,” says Colonel (Med.) Ilkka Laaksi, Director of the Centre for Military Medicine. 

Large-scale pilot to start with conscripts 

The pilot study will be carried out at the Armoured Brigade in Hattula in January 2027. Coaching will begin before military service and continue throughout the period of service and even after discharge from service. The scalable and personalised model has the potential to deliver benefits ranging from the individual level to the population as a whole. 

“The aim is not only to improve performance in the short term but to achieve lasting lifestyle changes with a wide impact on public health and the resilience of society,” says Professor Kristiina Patja from the University of Helsinki. 

NutFinForce represents dual-use technology that can be applied in both military and civilian contexts. The long-term objective is to introduce the model on a broad scale and improve the performance of an entire age group as part of Finland’s comprehensive defence. 

Significant international potential 

The project is also building international cooperation through NATO Defence Performance networks and with research partners in Europe and the United States, among others. 

The NutFinForce solution has strong potential for international scalability. This digital, personalised and cost-effective model responds to the growing need to improve the population’s performance in both defence systems and civil society. 

The NutFinForce pilot is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. 

Inquiries

Kristiina Patja, Professor, D.Med.Sc., Docent, tel. +358 50 429 2172, kristiina.patja@helsinki.fi
Sanna Ritola, Doctoral Researcher, M.Sc. (Health Care), tel. +358 45 787 45797, sanna.ritola@helsinki.fi
Ilkka Laaksi, Colonel (Med.), D.Med.Sc., Director of the Centre for Military Medicine, tel. +358 299 575 100, ilkka.laaksi@mil.fi
Michael Quarshie, CEO, Metabite, tel. +358 50 327 8883, michael@metabite.com
Tomi Laitinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 561, tomi.laitinen@gov.fi
Minna Saario, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 146, minna.saario@gov.fi