Netherlands Launches €25 Million SecFund for Dual-Use Innovations
Amsterdam, Monday, 28 July 2025.
The Netherlands has introduced a €25 million SecFund to support startups developing technologies with civilian and defense applications, aiming to boost national security and technological growth.
Financing Innovation in Dual-Use Technology
The SecFund initiative, announced in October 2024, opens opportunities for companies developing technologies with dual civilian and military applications. The fund targets startups, scale-ups, and SMEs that create innovations critical to both national security and technological advancement. With an initial capital of €25 million, the fund is managed by the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), under the joint supervision of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, alongside Regional Development Agencies [1].
Innovative Companies and Technologies
Among the companies benefitting from SecFund is LiveDrop, a startup established in 2021, specializing in secure data exchange technology that offers a patented offline data sharing solution. LiveDrop’s technology is highly relevant to both military and civilian sectors, providing a secure alternative to Bluetooth and applicable in areas without connectivity. The startup, based in Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, has secured a total of $2.5 million in funding, with investments from SecFund, suggesting a robust interest in their offerings from both national and international defense communities [2].
Significance of Dual-Use Innovations
The strategic focus on dual-use technologies enables the Netherlands to strengthen its defense capabilities while supporting economic development through technological innovation. The dual-use sector, including cutting-edge communication technologies like LiFi and new generation radio technologies, is critical for addressing modern security challenges and fostering economic resilience. Companies developing dual-use technologies not only gain financial support but also partnerships that facilitate their integration into defense operations [1][3].
Application Process and Future Prospects
Companies interested in applying for funding through SecFund can initiate the process via the official website, which offers a preliminary assessment tool to determine eligibility. With already over seventy companies expressing interest since the announcement, the fund has started making its first investment, underscoring the need for such initiatives in harnessing dual-use innovations for national and international security purposes [1].