SecFund Launched to Propel Dual-Use Innovation in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, Monday, 4 August 2025.
The newly launched SecFund, with an initial capital of €25 million, aims to support Dutch startups and SMEs with dual-use technologies blending civilian and defense applications.
Backing Innovative Enterprises
The SecFund was officially launched on 3 August 2025, marking a pivotal moment for innovation in the Netherlands. With an initial investment pool of €25 million, the fund aims to support startups, scale-ups, and innovative SMEs engaged in developing technologies that have both civilian and defense applications, known as dual-use technologies [4][5].
Strategic Collaboration and Industry Impact
This funding initiative is a collaborative effort between the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and nine Regional Development Agencies (ROMs), managed by the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) [2][5]. The initiative addresses a crucial financing gap that companies in the defense sector often face, focusing on enhancing the strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and the competitiveness of its industries [1][2].
Focus on Technological Advancement
SecFund targets a wide array of innovative technologies including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and drones, fostering an environment conducive to revolutionary advancements [5]. Enterprises eligible for funding are those contributing to both national security and public sector needs, offering a potential funding of between €150,000 and €5 million per company [3][4].
Contributions to National and Global Markets
By bridging the financial gap in dual-use technology sectors, SecFund not only supports national growth but also positions the Netherlands as a competitive player in global markets. As of 4 August 2025, the initiative has already attracted over seventy companies keen to leverage this opportunity to scale their innovations [1][4].