Netherlands Launches SecFund to Boost Dual-Use Innovation
Amsterdam, Thursday, 3 July 2025.
The Netherlands has launched SecFund with a €25 million budget, potentially expanding to €100 million, supporting technologies for both civilian and defense use to enhance the Dutch innovation landscape.
A Strategic Move for Dutch Innovation
The launch of the SecFund marks a significant strategic move by the Netherlands to enhance its capacity for technological innovation in dual-use domains. With an initial budget of €25 million, expandable to €100 million, this fund aims to bridge the financing gap that often challenges innovative startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on technologies applicable to both civilian and defense sectors [1]. By supporting dual-use innovation, the fund not only strengthens national security but also fosters economic growth and technological advancement [1].
Collaborations Under SecFund
SecFund is a collaborative project involving the Dutch Ministries of Defense and Economic Affairs, and is operationalized by regional development agencies, with the Brabantse Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (BOM) managing its execution [1]. The fund allows companies in sectors like cybersecurity and communications technology to receive investments of up to €5 million each, with potential follow-on investments contingent on their progress and strategic alignment with defense needs [1].
LiveDrop: A Success Story
LiveDrop, an innovative firm from Eindhoven specializing in secure offline data transfer, exemplifies the type of company that SecFund supports. In June 2025, LiveDrop secured a $2.5 million investment in a round led by SecFund, alongside other local and international investors [2][3]. This funding supports LiveDrop’s ambitions to scale their technology, crucial for defense and national security applications, across multiple sectors [2][3]. The involvement of strategic investors, including Value Creation Capital and Kadmos Capital, further indicates confidence in the potential for dual-use technologies [3].
Driving Dual-Use Technology Forward
The creation of SecFund aligns with broader trends observed in other OECD countries where government interventions have increasingly targeted dual-use technologies to address both technological and defense needs [4]. The fund’s structure is designed to provide both financial support and strategic guidance, enhancing the competitiveness of Dutch innovation on an international scale. Furthermore, the role of regional development agencies in managing these funds ensures that investments are strategically aligned with local economic goals [4].
A Look to the Future
As of today, July 3, 2025, the SecFund is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the innovation landscape in the Netherlands. It is set to make further investments by the end of this month, signifying a proactive approach to embracing cutting-edge technologies that promise to benefit both civilian and military sectors [5]. The fund’s success could pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions, aiming to replicate its model of fostering strategic technological development [5].