New SecFund Launches to Propel Dual-Use Technology Startups in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, Monday, 21 July 2025.
SecFund, with a budget of 25 million euros, aims to support Dutch startups developing civilian and defense technologies, enhancing innovation and national security capabilities.
Aims and Objectives of SecFund
The SecFund, launched on 15 July 2025, is designed to address the funding challenges that innovative companies developing dual-use technologies—those applicable to both civilian and defense sectors—often encounter. Dual-use technologies, such as advanced communication and radiotechnologies, are essential for bolstering national security and technological advancement in the Netherlands. The fund’s initial capital is set at 25 million euros, with plans to expand up to 100 million euros based on the demand and potential innovative breakthroughs [1][2][3].
Strategic Collaborations and Implementation
The implementation of SecFund involves strategic collaboration between the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and various regional development agencies, notably the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij (BOM). The fund is structured to not only provide financial resources but also foster partnerships among startups, government bodies, and defense sectors, ensuring that the developed technologies align with national strategic needs and security [1][4].
Early Interest and Investments
Since its announcement, SecFund has generated significant interest from more than seventy companies seeking to develop technologies that serve both public and defense interests. In particular, Tective Robotics, one of the initial beneficiaries of the fund, highlights the critical need for financial support to scale their innovations, particularly in drone technology. SecFund’s investment has allowed Tective to progress to the next stage of development, demonstrating the immediate impact and relevance of such funding [2][3][5].
Long-term Goals and Economic Impact
The long-term ambition of SecFund is to stimulate a robust dual-use technology sector within the Netherlands, contributing to both national security and economic growth. The initiative reflects a growing regional trend towards developing independent defense capabilities, signaling a strategic shift towards European self-reliance in critical technologies. The involvement of international investors highlights the fund’s potential to attract global capital and interest in the Dutch innovation landscape [1][3][6].