Innovation requires COURAGE, and this was clearly felt this week in Flevoland. On Thursday, February 5, entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and governments came together for DURF (Dual Use Region Flevoland Utrecht) at the Aviodrome in Lelystad. With a shared mission: developing technology with both civil and defensive impact.
From Urgency to Meeting
The attendees shared one ambition: solutions with dual-use impact. From smart manufacturing and sensor technology to drones and cyber resilience. Technology that simultaneously strengthens our economy and security.
Important Themes
During the program, various themes were addressed, including resilience, internationalization, financing opportunities, and the crucial role of reservists. The introduction of the regional team was an important moment: this collaboration aims to accelerate dual-use innovation in our region by connecting companies with Defense and knowledge partners. Besides the plenary sessions, there was ample space for matchmaking and networking conversations.
Flevoland and Utrecht seize the opportunities that Defense offers. We connect our entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions with concrete issues. From thinking to doing, that is DURF, says Deputy Toon van Dijk.
The Importance
The defense market is in full motion, and investments in security and technological advantage will increase further in the coming years. Now more than ever, it is essential that entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and governments find each other and collaborate on innovations with both civil and defensive impact. DURF demonstrated that Flevoland actively facilitates this cooperation.
DURF was made possible thanks to the efforts and collaboration of the province of Utrecht, province of Flevoland, Ministry of Defense, VNO-NCW Midden, FME, ROM Utrecht, and Horizon Flevoland. Together we accelerate the development of dual-use innovation in the region.