Netherlands Signs Defense Innovation Pact with Regional Partners to Boost Military Technology

2026-01-18 community

The Hague, Sunday, 18 January 2026.
Dutch Defense State Secretary Gijs Tuinman has signed agreements with regional development organizations across six provinces to accelerate military innovation through public-private partnerships. The nationwide collaboration focuses on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes, potentially transforming how the Netherlands develops defense capabilities. This strategic shift leverages regional expertise and business networks to strengthen technological resilience, marking a significant evolution in Dutch defense procurement and innovation strategy.

Regional Scope and Implementation Framework

The Letter of Intent encompasses a comprehensive geographical coverage across the Netherlands, with initial agreements signed covering regions in Oost- en Midden-Nederland, Noord-Holland, and Zeeland [1]. The coordination involves multiple stakeholders, including provincial representatives, regional development companies (ROMs), and private sector leaders working in concert to establish innovation pathways. For Noord-Holland specifically, the signatory delegation included Esther Rommel, deputy of the province of Noord-Holland, Niels Blij representing Avy as chairman of the Defensie Innovatie Stuurgroep Noord-Holland, Bart Sattler serving as Regional Ambassador North-West for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1]. These agreements build upon previously established partnerships in Zuid-Holland, Limburg, and Noord-Brabant, creating a nationwide network of defense innovation collaboration [1].

Dual-Use Technology Focus and Economic Impact

The collaboration centers on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, aligning with the Ministry of Defense’s ambition to substantially increase innovation investments [1]. These technologies not only contribute to national security and resilience but also strengthen the future earning potential of participating regions [1]. Noord-Holland stands to benefit significantly from this initiative, given its robust and innovative ecosystem featuring companies active in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and digital security [1]. According to Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest, “Deze samenwerking opent nieuwe deuren voor Noord-Hollandse ondernemers die werken aan vernieuwende technologieën. Onze regio kent een sterk en innovatief ecosysteem, met bedrijven die actief zijn op thema’s als AI, drones en digitale veiligheid” [1]. The partnership aims to enhance success opportunities for regional companies while accelerating the application of dual-use technology for a resilient society [1].

Investment Examples and Market Validation

The defense innovation ecosystem is already demonstrating tangible results through specific investment cases. Touchwaves, a deeptech startup and TNO spin-off, exemplifies the dual-use approach by securing €1.5 million in a pre-seed investment round to develop wearable haptic technologies for military aviation applications [2]. The company collaborates directly with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, including the Koninklijke Lucht- en Ruimtevaartmacht and the Centrum voor Mens en Luchtvaart, to develop systems that improve pilot performance in high-stress situations [2]. The investment round was led by SecFund, with participation from TNO Ventures, Brabant Startup Fonds, imec.istart, Joanna Invests, and NWO Take-off 2 [2]. The technology addresses a critical operational challenge, as studies indicate that approximately 80% of non-combat aviation incidents result from human error [2], potentially preventing the loss of two to three F-35 aircraft annually [2].

Strategic Timing and Policy Context

The formal signing ceremony took place during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, an annual knowledge and innovation event hosted by Defense that focuses on sharing cutting-edge technological developments for a adaptable and future-proof armed forces [1]. This timing reflects broader policy momentum, as evidenced by the Advisory Council for Science, Technology and Innovation’s recent recommendations on defense innovation, which generated two parliamentary motions, one directly referencing the AWTI’s advice [5]. The partnership builds on established institutional frameworks, leveraging organizations like TNO, which has launched more than 50 spin-offs since 2017 and aims to create a portfolio by 2030 including 75 spin-offs, 25 scale-ups, and 2 unicorns valued at over €1 billion [7]. Regional development agencies like BOM, founded in 1983 as an executive body of Noord-Brabant province and the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate, play crucial connecting roles in co-investment networks, facilitating joint investments in innovation areas relevant to the Netherlands [8].

Bronnen

defense innovation public-private partnership