How the Ministry of Defense and LIOF find each other

Defense is explicitly targeting Limburg as a region for innovation, knowledge development and scaling up the production of defense equipment, including weapons, radar and detection systems. In this regard, the Limburg Development and Investment Company (LIOF) sees clear opportunities for SMEs, especially in the field of so-called dual-use technologies.

Who follows the news sees it clearly: the Department of Defense is firmly committed to a technological catch-up in the coming years. In doing so, the department is explicitly seeking cooperation with innovative companies. In practice, this includes drone technology, sustainable mobility, battery and energy systems and autonomous systems - machines, software or vehicles that perform tasks independently without constant human control.

On the ministry's website, there are regular posts that show how modern warfare is evolving and the direction Defense is taking. For example, within the domain of cybersecurity, work is underway on the Cyber Node Operation System (CyNOpS). This system should enable the Dutch Navy to send, receive and intercept digital signals.

Secret Operations

In addition, the Defense Department is investigating the possibilities of allowing drones to fly significantly longer than the current generation of unmanned remotely piloted aircraft. These new models must function without a satellite link and be suitable for covert operations. At the same time, solutions are being sought through so-called "challenges" to limit threats from drones originating from foreign powers. In all these developments, industry is playing a crucial role.

While at VDL in Born the first production lines for large-scale production of military equipment are being prepared and former employees are returning, LIOF is also charting the opportunities for Limburg. "For us, this mainly means supporting dual-use solutions," said general manager Robbert Koldenhof. "These are technologies or products that can be used for both civilian and military applications. With dual-use, we invest in a secure Europe with a focus on innovation and clear opportunities in the market. Similar to the technology being developed for the Einstein Telescope. This is also applicable within other sectors."

RegioTeam Limburg

LIOF, from its core mission, is clearly committed to dual-use opportunities for business. For example, earlier this year a representation of the development company took part in a trade mission to the Drone Summit in Riga together with Limburg companies. In addition, LIOF supports innovation projects with subsidies that must lead to concrete dual-use applications and is involved in various investment programs.

This year from Limburg, the cooperation with the Ministry of Defense was further anchored within the RegioTeam Limburg, Koldenhof said. "In this team, together with our partners the Ministries of Defense and Economic Affairs, the Brightlands Chemelot Campus and the Province of Limburg, we bridge the needs of Defense and the Limburg business community. Together we connect entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions to concrete innovation questions of Defense. This is how we accelerate the development of dual-use technologies that contribute to national security and regional earning power."

Within the RegioTeam Limburg, LIOF links innovative startups, scale-ups and SMEs to the needs of Defense. "We scout out promising technologies, identify cooperation opportunities and help companies strengthen their proposition. We also guide entrepreneurs toward suitable partners and financing opportunities."

MINDBase

On the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen is the physical counter of MINDBase. Entrepreneurs can come here with ideas or technologies relevant to Defense. The counter focuses on innovative companies and knowledge institutes that want to contribute to technological solutions within five crucial domains for the future military and economic clout of the Netherlands: smart materials, sensors, quantum technology, space technology and intelligent systems.

Smart materials, sensors, quantum technology, space technology and intelligent systems are the focus of the physical counter.

"A great example of dual-use deployment is the investment in LUGN Security," said LIOF Director Koldenhof. "This is a young and innovative company from Heerlen that helps security companies robotize their services. Instead of exclusively deploying security guards with cars, LUGN controls security drones remotely. In October 2025, LUGN entered into a strategic partnership with the control room of Intergarde, a large security company based in Maastricht, to make all of Limburg safer with these security drones."

Source: Business in Limburg