Netherlands Strengthens Defense Innovation Through Regional Partnership Initiative
The Hague, Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Defense State Secretary Gijs Tuinman signed agreements with regional development companies across multiple Dutch provinces to accelerate military technology innovation. The partnership focuses on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military purposes, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs while strengthening national security capabilities.
Nationwide Collaboration Encompasses Multiple Regions
The Letter of Intent signing ceremony took place during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, marking a significant expansion of defense innovation partnerships across the Netherlands [1]. The collaboration encompasses regions including Oost- en Midden-Nederland, Noord-Holland, and Zeeland, building upon similar agreements previously established in Zuid-Holland, Limburg, and Noord-Brabant [1]. For Noord-Holland specifically, the signing included 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 as Regional Ambassador North-West from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1].
Dual-Use Technology Focus Creates Economic Opportunities
The partnership strategically emphasizes dual-use technologies that can serve both civilian and military applications, aligning with the Ministry of Defense’s ambitious investment plans for innovation [1]. These technologies not only contribute to the Netherlands’ security and resilience but also strengthen the future earning capacity of participating regions [1]. Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest, highlighted the significant potential for Noord-Holland entrepreneurs, stating that the collaboration “opens new doors for Noord-Hollandse ondernemers who work on innovative technologies” [1]. The region’s strong innovation ecosystem includes companies active in artificial intelligence, drones, and digital security, positioning them to capitalize on dual-use technology applications for a resilient society [1].
Defense Technology Investment Gains Momentum
The defense innovation initiative reflects broader trends in Dutch military technology investment, exemplified by recent funding activities in the sector. Touchwaves, a Dutch deeptech startup and TNO spin-off, recently raised €1.5 million in pre-seed funding, with the round led by SecFund in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economic Affairs alongside ROM-Nederland [2]. The startup is developing wearable haptics technology for high-stress environments and is already collaborating with the Dutch Ministry of Defense, including the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Forces and the Center for Man in Aviation, on systems designed to enhance fighter jet pilot performance [2]. Charlotte Kjellander, Co-founder of Touchwaves, emphasized their mission: “By supporting pilots with intuitive, non-invasive haptic feedback, we help them operate more effectively in the most demanding environments” [2].
Regional Development Companies Drive Innovation Ecosystem
Regional development companies like ROM InWest play crucial roles in fostering innovation beyond defense applications. ROM InWest is actively developing initiatives to support entrepreneurs in establishing Smart Energy Hubs throughout Noord-Holland, with 21 such hubs currently being guided by provincial directors [3]. The organization is preparing to launch a subsidiescan for 2026 to provide energy cooperatives with a financial foundation, demonstrating the interconnected nature of regional innovation support [3]. Paul Hauptmeijer, project coordinator for Smart Energy Hubs at ROM InWest, noted that “companies, municipalities, and grid operators are working together extensively” in these initiatives [3]. This collaborative approach mirrors the defense partnership model, where regional expertise and networks accelerate technology development and implementation across multiple sectors while strengthening the overall innovation capacity of Dutch regions [1][3].