Netherlands Launches National Defense Innovation Partnership with Regional Development Companies
The Hague, Monday, 23 February 2026.
Dutch Defense State Secretary Gijs Tuinman signed agreements with regional development companies across six provinces to accelerate military innovation through civilian technology partnerships. The initiative focuses on dual-use technologies that serve both military and civilian purposes, creating opportunities for Dutch startups in AI, drones, and digital security to contribute to national defense. This represents a strategic shift toward decentralized innovation procurement, potentially transforming how the Netherlands develops defense capabilities while strengthening regional economies and technological resilience.
Strategic Partnership Expands Across Multiple Provinces
The Letter of Intent signed today represents the culmination of a broader national strategy, with partnerships now established across six Dutch provinces [1]. The collaboration encompasses regions including Oost- and Midden-Nederland, Noord-Holland, and Zeeland, building upon earlier agreements made in Zuid-Holland, Limburg, and Noord-Brabant [1]. For Noord-Holland specifically, the agreement was signed by 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 Noord-West from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Janet Nieboer, CEO of ROM InWest [1].
Dual-Use Technologies Drive Innovation Strategy
The partnership centers on dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military applications, aligning with the Ministry of Defense’s ambitious investment plans in innovation [1]. These technologies not only contribute to the safety and resilience of the Netherlands but also strengthen the future earning capacity of participating regions [1]. Noord-Holland stands to benefit significantly from this approach, given its strong innovation ecosystem featuring companies active in artificial intelligence, drone technology, and digital security sectors [1]. Janet Nieboer emphasized that this collaboration opens new opportunities for Noord-Holland entrepreneurs working on innovative technologies, stating that the region’s strong and innovative ecosystem positions companies to capitalize on these defense-related opportunities while accelerating the application of dual-use technology for a resilient society [1].
Regional Networks Facilitate Defense-Startup Connections
The initiative builds upon existing regional networks that connect defense agencies with innovative entrepreneurs and startups. In the Midden-Nederland region, collaborative efforts between Defense, provinces, ROMs, and innovative small and medium enterprises focus on increasing the innovation capacity and resilience of the Netherlands [2]. Marc Kalf from ROM Utrecht Region has been instrumental in building networks where Defense, startups, scale-ups, and SMEs can effectively connect, helping entrepreneurs link their solutions for safety, human-technology interaction, and sustainable digital society initiatives to Defense innovation demands [2]. The regional approach demonstrates a decentralized strategy that leverages local innovation ecosystems to address national security challenges.
Purple Nectar Event Marks Official Launch
The formal signing ceremony took place during the Purple Nectar Event 2025 in Nijkerk, an annual knowledge and innovation event hosted by the Ministry of Defense [1]. This event focuses on sharing the latest technological developments and applications that contribute to an agile and future-proof armed forces [1]. The timing and venue of the signing underscore the strategic importance of this partnership within the broader context of Dutch defense modernization efforts. The initiative represents a fundamental shift in how the Netherlands approaches defense innovation procurement, moving away from centralized processes toward regional collaboration that can more effectively tap into local technological expertise and entrepreneurial talent [GPT].