Netherlands Signs Defense Innovation Partnership to Accelerate Military Technology Development
The Hague, Sunday, 4 January 2026.
The Dutch Defense Ministry has formalized nationwide collaboration agreements with regional development agencies to fast-track innovation in defense capabilities. This strategic partnership focuses on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes, creating significant opportunities for Dutch companies in artificial intelligence, drones, and cybersecurity sectors to contribute to national security while strengthening regional economic growth and technological resilience.
Regional Collaboration Framework Takes Shape
The Letter of Intent was officially signed during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, an annual knowledge and innovation conference focused on sharing the latest technological developments for a resilient and future-ready defense force [1]. State Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman joined representatives from regional development companies (ROMs), provinces, and private sector leaders to formalize this strategic partnership [1]. The collaboration encompasses multiple Dutch regions, including East and Central Netherlands, North Holland, and Zeeland, with similar agreements previously established in South Holland, Limburg, and North Brabant [1].
North Holland’s Strategic Position in Defense Innovation
For North Holland specifically, the agreement was signed by Deputy Esther Rommel from the Province of North Holland, Niels Blij representing Avy and serving as chairman of the Defense Innovation Steering Group North Holland, Bart Sattler as Regional Ambassador Northwest from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1][2]. The partnership establishes a Regional Defense Team in North Holland to accelerate the exchange of innovation questions and solutions between the Ministry of Defense and North Holland entrepreneurs [2]. This collaboration will be further developed in the coming months through targeted programming and strong anchoring in the regional ecosystem [2].
Dual-Use Technology Focus Creates Economic Opportunities
The partnership aligns with the Ministry of Defense’s ambition to invest substantially in innovation, with particular emphasis on dual-use technologies that can be deployed for both civilian and military purposes [1]. These dual-use technologies not only contribute to the safety and resilience of the Netherlands but also strengthen the future earning capacity of the regions [1]. North Holland’s strong and innovative ecosystem includes companies active in artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security, positioning the region to capitalize on these opportunities and accelerate the application of dual-use technology for a resilient society [1].
Broader Innovation Landscape and Funding Support
The defense innovation partnership occurs within a broader context of significant technology investment across Dutch regions. Recent developments include Brabant’s investment of over €14 million in cybersecurity in December 2025 [3] and SandGrain’s successful €13.5 million Series A funding round to scale hardware-based IoT security globally [3]. Supporting this innovation ecosystem, early-stage financing opportunities remain available through the Vroegefasefinanciering (VFF) program, which provides credit for startups and innovative entrepreneurs to research the commercial possibilities of their ideas or concepts, with applications accepted from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 [4]. The current interest rate for VFF loans stands at 7.21% as of July 1, 2025 [4].