Bridging Innovation and Defence for a Stronger Europe
Read the concept paper
The ongoing global polycrisis has created a unique opportunity to build a foundation for new economic growth in Europe, and to create a new, high-tech foundation for the capacity of European militaries. For European high-tech SMEs to leverage defence budgets for unprecedented growth. For European investors to enter new, high-growth markets.
But for that to happen, Europeans need to take a fundamentally different approach, driven by startup mentality and ecosystems thinking. And, we believe that focus on Dual Use economy (as opposed to a purely defence-driven one) is the necessary part of this new approach.
But for that to happen, Europeans need to take a fundamentally different approach, driven by startup mentality and ecosystems thinking. And, we believe that focus on Dual Use economy (as opposed to a purely defence-driven one) is the necessary part of this new approach.
Fostering a Collaborative Defence Innovation Ecosystem
Dual Nexus is a strategic initiative designed to break down existing barriers and build essential connections within the European dual-use landscape. We function as a central hub facilitating dialogue, partnerships, and project development, creating a closely knit ecosystem that enables the free flow of knowledge and capital between four key communities: defence, businesses, investors, and academia. We actively connect:
Defence Entities
Ministries of Defence, armed forces branches, procurement agencies, and defence innovation hubs across Europe seeking innovative solutions and defining requirements.
Businesses
Startups, SMEs, and established companies specialising in dual-use technologies (TRL 7-9), including technology providers and system integrators.
Investors
Access unique venues, entertainment, and services that elevate your event and make it truly unforgettable.
Academia
Access unique venues, entertainment, and services that elevate your event and make it truly unforgettable.
Connecting cutting-edge dual-use technology providers with European national defence organisations to accelerate capability development and enhance security.
Our Strategic Approach: Building the European Dual-Use Nexus
To deliver the necessary understanding, build a robust ecosystem, and catalyse new growth, Dual Nexus employs a focused four-step process:
Identify High-Impact Technologies:
Through one-to-one consultations with defence experts across Europe, we create a short list of TRL 7-9 dual-use technologies highly pertinent to European militaries within the next 2 to 5 years (e.g., AI, robotics, secure connectivity, autonomous systems).
Build Consensus on Promising Applications:
Working with defence and civilian stakeholders from across Europe, we build consensus on the most promising dual-use applications for these technologies, prioritizing investment opportunities across key industries (from search-and-rescue and media to mining and utilities).
Foster Ecosystem Awareness & Information Parity:
We disseminate the collected knowledge through curated channels, building awareness of dual-use opportunities among investors (both private and governmental), industry federations, key companies, research institutions, and other critical actors, creating essential information parity.
Catalyse New Ventures & Investment:
We host vibrant, large-scale events where military and civilian participants build solutions, explore technologies, and connect, catalyzing new business creation and strengthening the ecosystem through intense interaction.
About Dual Nexus
Dual Nexus is a strategic initiative powered by Hack Belgium Labs. We leverage our extensive experience in building large-scale innovation projects and fostering dynamic ecosystems, including successful initiatives like the Battlefield of Things Hackathon for Belgian Defence, three editions of Hack Belgium, and international collaborations such as Hack4Oceans. Our mission is to translate this experience into building Belgium as a key European hub for Dual Use innovation. We've already seen strong enthusiasm from potential partners, including major primes and technology companies, demonstrating the relevance and potential of this initiative.
Dual Nexus is a strategic initiative powered by Hack Belgium Labs, leveraging their experience in building large-scale innovation projects and fostering ecosystems.
Dual-use innovation refers to technologies, products, and services that have applications and benefits in both civilian and defence sectors.
We are focusing on identifying and catalyzing opportunities for dual-use technologies (TRL 7-9) that are pertinent to defence needs within the next 2 to 5 years.
You can contribute by expressing your interest, participating in our events and consultations, sharing your expertise, or exploring collaboration opportunities as a technology provider, defence representative, investor, researcher, or industry partner.
We are actively building connections between defence entities, businesses (startups, SMEs, large industry), investors (private and governmental), and academia.