New SecFund Initiative Boosts Dual-Use Technology in the Netherlands
Amsterdam, Thursday, 10 July 2025.
SecFund has launched a €25 million fund to support Dutch startups innovating dual-use technologies, with potential expansion to €100 million, fostering civilian and defense sector growth.
SecFund: Bridging Financing Gaps for Dual-Use Innovations
SecFund has been introduced to facilitate financial support for Dutch startups, scale-ups, and SMEs that are pioneering dual-use technologies—those with applications in both civilian and defense sectors. The fund, initially sized at €25 million with the potential to expand to €100 million, aims to eliminate financial barriers that innovators face, particularly companies with defense-related applications that often encounter hesitations from traditional investors due to the associated risks and large capital needs [1].
Strategic Partnerships and Execution
SecFund’s establishment is a collaborative effort involving the Dutch Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and various Regional Development Agencies (ROMs). The Brabant Development Agency (BOM) is tasked with the fund’s execution, showcasing a strong public-private partnership model intended to bolster national security, innovation, and economic growth in the Netherlands [1].
Target Beneficiaries and Technologies
The fund is explicitly designed for innovative Dutch companies developing dual-use technologies. These include advanced communication technologies such as LiFi, which presents a more rapid and secure form of data transmission, along with new generations of radio technology. Companies can receive up to €5 million per business with the option for follow-on investments, depending on progress and recognition of potential by the defense sector [1].
Initial Interest and Investment Impact
Following the announcement of SecFund in October 2024, over seventy companies have already expressed interest. The first investment has been awarded to a company actively engaged in the defense sector, underscoring the pressing need for such financial support mechanisms and highlighting the growth potential of dual-use innovations [1].