The centre is set to develop into a central innovation hub where the Ministry of Defence, research institutions, businesses and users collaborate in person within a secure environment. The aim is to enable an idea to develop more quickly into a prototype that is tested and validated, rather than merely discussed. This should significantly reduce the time between the initial idea and its operational impact. The focus is on dual-use technology: drones, sensors, space technology, IT and smart digital systems.
South Holland leads the way
The province of South Holland is investing 1 million euros in the city centre, partly funded by the European Union. The region is regarded as one of the frontrunners in the field of innovative start-ups and dual-use industry. At the opening, Boswijk referred to Delft’s ‘factory soldiers’ from 1940, who took the initiative themselves at the time because the government and the business community were unable to find common ground quickly enough. With the MIND Tech Centre, the Ministry of Defence and industry should now be able to find common ground more quickly.
