Dutch Defense Ministry Partners with Regional Companies to Boost Innovation
The Hague, Monday, 16 February 2026.
The Netherlands is launching a comprehensive defense innovation initiative targeting dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes. State Secretary Gijs Tuinman signed agreements with regional development companies across multiple provinces, focusing on artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security solutions that could strengthen national defense while boosting economic growth.
Strategic Partnerships Across Key Regions
The Letter of Intent was signed on Monday, February 16, 2026, during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, a yearly knowledge and innovation event hosted by the Defense Ministry [1]. This agreement extends the Ministry’s collaboration framework to include the regions of East and Central Netherlands, North Holland, and Zeeland [1]. The signing represents a continuation of similar agreements previously established in South Holland, Limburg, and North Brabant [1].
North Holland’s Innovation Ecosystem Takes Center Stage
For North Holland, the agreement was formalized by several key representatives including Esther Rommel, deputy of North Holland province, Niels Blij representing Avy as chairman of the Defense Innovation Steering Group North Holland, Bart Sattler as Regional Ambassador North-West for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1]. ROM InWest, founded in 2021 and based in Haarlem, manages significant investment funds including a 60 million euro SME fund and a Transition Fund with a target capital of 100 million euros [2]. The regional development company has approximately twenty professionals focused on helping innovative entrepreneurs in North Holland with investments, innovation, and business development [2].
Dual-Use Technologies Drive Economic and Security Benefits
The collaboration emphasizes dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, with North Holland positioned to capitalize on its strong innovation ecosystem in artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security [1]. Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest, highlighted the strategic importance: “This cooperation opens new doors for North Holland entrepreneurs working on innovative technologies. Our region has a strong and innovative ecosystem, with companies active in themes like AI, drones and digital security. This way we increase their chances of success and accelerate the application of dual-use technology for a resilient society” [1]. The focus on dual-use technologies aligns with broader Dutch defense innovation strategy, which experts suggest should concentrate on areas where the Netherlands maintains strong technological positions, including maritime and nuclear technologies, semiconductor lithography, laser systems, and secured communications [3].
Regional Events Showcase Growing Defense-Industry Collaboration
The momentum for defense innovation acceleration was demonstrated through recent regional events. On February 5, 2026, the DURF (Dual Use Region Flevoland Utrecht) event took place at the Aviodrome in Lelystad, bringing together entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and government agencies [4]. The event, organized by VNO-NCW Midden in cooperation with FME, Horizon, Royal Metaalunie, Ministry of Defense, Province of Flevoland, Province of Utrecht, ODIN, and ROM Utrecht, focused on developing technology with both civilian and defensive impact [4]. Deputy Toon van Dijk emphasized the collaborative approach: “Flevoland and Utrecht seize the opportunities that Defense offers. We connect our entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions with concrete issues. From thinking to doing, that is DURF” [4]. The program addressed key themes including resilience, internationalization, financing opportunities, and the crucial role of reservists, while introducing regional teams designed to accelerate dual-use innovation by connecting companies with Defense and knowledge partners [4].