Connecting innovation. Strengthening Europe’s security.
SAFE (Supplier Awareness for Future Engagement in Defence Contracts) helps innovative SMEs in the German-Dutch border region identify opportunities in the security, defence and dual-use markets.
Whether you are already active in these sectors or would like to explore the potential applications of your technology, SAFE connects you with expertise, partners and a strong German-Dutch network. In this way, we support you in taking the next step towards entering the security and defence market.
Providing insight
Showcasing the technologies, expertise and industrial capabilities available in the German-Dutch border region.
Strengthening cooperation
Connecting companies, research and knowledge institutions, clusters and public authorities in Germany and the Netherlands and fostering cross-border cooperation.
Facilitating market access
Supporting innovative SMEs with expertise, practical tools and a strong network as they enter the security, defence and dual-use markets.
Why is SAFE relevant to your company?
The security and defence sector is developing rapidly. Growing investment is creating new opportunities for innovative SMEs. Technologies originally developed for civilian applications may also be relevant to the security and defence market.
SAFE provides guidance, visibility and concrete opportunities for engagement.
Raise the profile of your technology
Showcase the technologies, products or services your company develops and become part of a cross-border competence matrix and technology landscape.
Connect with new partners
Meet companies, research and knowledge institutions and public authorities from Germany and the Netherlands through workshops, matchmaking activities and networking events.
Gain insight into the market
Explore the opportunities offered by the security and defence market and gain a better understanding of market developments, regulation, certification and funding opportunities.
Help shape the roadmap
Share your experience and requirements. In doing so, you will contribute to the development of practical tools and a roadmap that bring the challenges facing SMEs to the attention of policymakers and regulators.
Learn from real-world examples
As part of SAFE, practical examples will be gathered from companies entering the security and defence market. This will allow us to share experiences, insights and best practice.
How can you get involved?
SAFE supports innovative SMEs that want to explore the opportunities offered by the security, defence and dual-use markets. Whether you are already active in these sectors or are only just getting started, there are various ways to get involved and benefit from SAFE’s network, expertise and support.
Showcase the technologies, products or services your company develops and become part of a cross-border competence matrix and technology landscape.
Contribute to thematic activities, meet potential partners on both sides of the border and identify concrete opportunities for cooperation.
Are you encountering challenges relating to regulation, certification, market access, funding or cooperation? Let us know. Your experience will help us tailor the support provided through SAFE more closely to the needs of innovative SMEs.
Selected companies will be featured as practical examples within SAFE. This will demonstrate how innovative technologies can contribute to the security and defence sector and highlight the associated opportunities and challenges.
SAFE is developing practical tools and a roadmap to strengthen cooperation between German and Dutch companies. By sharing your knowledge and experience, you will help ensure that these tools are closely aligned with real-world business needs.
What will the project deliver?
From competence analysis to concrete cooperation:
SAFE identifies relevant stakeholders, highlights industrial capabilities, connects companies and partners across borders and translates the resulting insights into practical tools, case studies and strategic recommendations.
Funding:
Partners:
SAFE is supported by experienced innovation and economic development partners from Germany and the Netherlands. The consortium combines close regional links with companies, cross-border networking expertise, technological insight and connections to European initiatives.
This creates a trusted environment in which companies can showcase their capabilities, explore opportunities for cooperation and gain access to security- and defence-related value chains.
Connecting innovation. Strengthening Europe’s security.
Interested in getting involved?
Use this form to register your interest. Whether you are a technology provider, manufacturing company, research institution, network or economic development organisation, we welcome organisations that want to play an active role in shaping the German-Dutch security, defence and dual-use ecosystem.
Important: Please do not submit any confidential, classified or security-sensitive information through this form. We will contact you separately for more detailed discussions.
