Kick-off FHI Defence Cluster: technology companies position themselves for structural cooperation with Defence
With the kick-off of the FHI Defence Cluster, FHI has taken a clear step towards structural cooperation between technology companies and Defence. During the meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Leusden, members from the Industrial Electronics, Industrial Automation, Building Automation, and Laboratory Technology sectors came together to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and explore where FHI members can jointly contribute to technological solutions for Defence.
The context is clear. Technology plays an increasingly important role within Defence, with themes such as digitalization, sensor technology, cybersecurity, and advanced production systems. At the same time, the need for collaboration with the Dutch business community is growing to organize innovation faster and more effectively. This offers opportunities for technology companies, but collaborating with Defence also requires insight into the landscape of processes, expectations, and preconditions. Based on this need, FHI is launching the Defence Cluster and bringing members and relevant parties together.
Defense ecosystem
During the kick-off, representatives from Defence gave an introduction to innovation and the reservist programme. Topics covered included ODIN (Orchestrating Defence Innovation), and it was explained how Defence organises collaboration with knowledge and expertise from the business sector.
A significant part of the afternoon was dedicated to practical application. The industry shared what collaboration with Defence looks like in concrete terms and what lessons have been learned. Additionally, the contribution from the Netherlands Defence and Security Industry Foundation (NIDV) provided participants with an overview of key considerations and preconditions for collaborating and doing business with Defence, supplemented by a concise guide to relevant investment programmes.
The interactive nature of the meeting was reflected in the central Q&A session and the brainstorming session. In these parts, the FHI members present explored where common ground lies and which follow-up steps or themes are suitable for further development within the Defence Cluster. In this context, FHI positions itself as a facilitator: a party that establishes connections, supports collaboration, and helps to advance joint initiatives.
The kick-off thus marks not an endpoint, but a beginning. With the Defence Cluster, FHI has a platform where technology companies can collaborate in a targeted manner around a strategic societal theme. The coming period will focus on deepening, concretizing partnerships, and determining joint next steps. The foundation has been laid: technology and Defence have found each other within FHI.
