Netherlands Signs National Defense Innovation Deal with Regional Development Companies
The Hague, Monday, 2 February 2026.
Defense State Secretary Gijs Tuinman partners with regional development firms to accelerate military technology through dual-use innovations that serve both civilian and defense purposes, expanding nationwide collaboration.
Expanding National Defense Innovation Network
The Letter of Intent signed today represents a significant expansion of the Netherlands’ defense innovation strategy, extending collaboration to the regions of Oost- en Midden-Nederland, Noord-Holland, and Zeeland [1]. This follows earlier agreements established in Zuid-Holland, Limburg, and Noord-Brabant, indicating a comprehensive national approach to military technology development [1]. The signing ceremony took place during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, an annual knowledge and innovation event hosted by the Defense Ministry that focuses on sharing the latest technological developments for a flexible and future-ready armed forces [1].
Regional Expertise Drives Dual-Use Technology Focus
The partnership specifically targets dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, aligning with the Defense Ministry’s ambitious investment plans in innovation [1]. For Noord-Holland, the agreement was signed by several key figures including Esther Rommel, deputy of the Province of Noord-Holland, Niels Blij representing Avy as chairman of the Defense Innovation Steering Group Noord-Holland, Bart Sattler serving as Regional Ambassador North-West from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1]. According to Nieboer, the collaboration opens new opportunities for Noord-Holland entrepreneurs working on innovative technologies, particularly given the region’s strong ecosystem in artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security [1].
Strategic Technology Positioning and Investment Requirements
The timing of this defense innovation partnership coincides with broader strategic technology initiatives across the Netherlands. Today, February 2, 2026, the regional development companies also presented their Regional Strengthening Plan for the National Technology Strategy to the Ministry of Economic Affairs [2]. This comprehensive analysis identified fourteen concrete value chains from key technologies, with Noord-Holland particularly well-positioned in six areas including regenerative medicine, AI in healthcare, protein transition, green chemistry, AI and robots in agriculture, precision fermentation, and cellular agriculture [2]. The regional development companies have identified a critical funding gap, requiring €2.2 billion in additional public risk capital over the next five years to support startups with scaling potential [4].
International Defense Innovation Ecosystem
The Dutch defense innovation efforts are also connected to broader international initiatives, as evidenced by the NATO DIANA Accelerator program operating in the Brainport region [3]. As of late January 2026, twelve startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs from various NATO countries are working on groundbreaking dual-use technologies in Brainport over a six-month period [3]. This accelerator, delivered by the Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij, Brainport Development, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, and The Gate, demonstrates the integration of international collaboration with local innovation ecosystems [3]. The program includes companies working on technologies ranging from quantum communications to space systems, highlighting the advanced nature of dual-use innovations being developed [3].