Defence & Dual-use innovation

Strengthening national security is an urgent societal challenge that also offers economic opportunities. At the intersection of security, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Brabant plays a unique role. We support the Ministry of Defence in boosting its innovation capacity. Our focus is on dual-use technologies: solutions that apply to both civilian and military markets.

170

companies

40,700

jobs

€ 2,7 billion

production value

31%

of total NLproduction value

Innovation engine for security and autonomy

More than 10,000 jobs in Brabant are directly linked to Defence, making it the province’s second-largest employer. From the F35 maintenance center in Woensdrecht to technology hotspot Brainport and locations like Gilze-Rijen and Oirschot, Brabant forms a strategic defence cluster.

The Brabant Development Agency strengthens the collaboration between Defence and the Brabant business community. Through SecFund (€100 million), BITS, and the NATO DIANA programme, we support entrepreneurs with funding, test facilities, and international networks to develop and apply dual-use technologies for a safer society.

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Our ecosystem – leading companies & ecosystem locations

Gilze Rijen

Gate2

Gate2 Gilze-Rijen is a Smart Industry hub that facilitates the development and realization of innovative Smart Factory projects

Eindhoven

Air Base Eindhoven

Eindhoven is the home base of the Air Mobility Command of the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Brainport Industries Campus

Is the very first location where high-tech suppliers innovate and manufacture together, where the most successful companies share high-quality facilities.
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Is a research university specializing in engineering science & technology.
The High Tech Campus

In Eindhoven is a world-renowned innovation hub for technology and high-tech companies. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and access to research institutions.

Eindhoven companies

Etteplan

Etteplan delivers comprehensive Automation and Robotics solutions for machines. plants and production lines and maximizes production performance.
KMWE

Has decades of experience developing solutions for the following industries: Aerostructures, Aero Engine, Semicon, Healthtech and Industrial.

Gilze Rijen

Hoogerheide

Hive Aerospace Collective

Hive Aerospace Collective is a civil-military Aerospace Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem located at Woensdrecht Air Base and the adjacent Business Park Aviolanda. Here, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, civilian companies, educational institutions, and local government work together to maintain the future of aerospace. This contributes to a strong economy, greater strategic autonomy, and the Air Force’s mission to protect what we hold dear.