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Innovation for defenceInnovation for defence
Innovation for defenceInnovation for defence
  • Our challenge
  • Who are we?
  • How do we tackle it
  • Our cases
  • Join community
  • Share your idea

INNOVATION FOR DEFENCE Defence Innovation, our duty!   Who are we?   What's our challenge? Research, development and innovation play a crucial role in Belgian Defence's development, fostering progress not only in security and defence but also driving economic growth, reinforcing our technological base and providing promising prospects for individuals. This strengthens the Defence-Nation link and positions Belgian Defence competitively amidst geopolitical uncertainties and potential worldwide security threats.   How do we tackle it?

INNOVATION FOR DEFENCE Defence Innovation, our duty! Who are we? What's our challenge? Research, development and innovation play a crucial role in Belgian Defence's development, fostering progress not only in security and defence but also driving economic growth, reinforcing our technological base and providing promising prospects for individuals. This strengthens the Defence-Nation link and positions Belgian Defence competitively amidst geopolitical uncertainties and potential worldwide security threats. How do we tackle it?

Our upcoming event

Battlefield of Things Hackathon 2 Collaborative Innovation event Read more 30 May - 1 June 2025 DronePort - Sint-Truiden

What’s our challenge?

Maintain technological and operational edge

By navigating the complexities arising from the convergence of civilian and military technologies, Inno4Def tries to help Belgian Defence to maintain a technological and operational edge, contributing to the development of its capabilities and ensuring successful mission outcomes.

Inno4Def is a comprehensive and unified initiative aimed at fostering short cycle innovation within the Belgian Defence.

Inno4Def enhances Belgian Defence’s understanding of the (short cycle) innovation process, facilitate the integration and testing of cutting-edge technologies, provide personnel with essential training in innovation methodologies and establish effective collaboration with external partners.

To achieve this, the Belgian Defence has founded the Innovation Board. To support innovative ideas, this Innovation Board has – among other options – the possibility to use the in 2023 established Innovation as a Service (IaaS) – contract.

Who are we?

The Innovation Board of Belgian Defence is where the short cycle innovation effort is coordinated. The board is headed by the Chief Innovation Officer (CINO). In this Innovation Board, all components are represented by an Innovation Officer (Land, Navy, Air, Medical & Cyber).

Furthermore, in order to quickly and directly involve all the different staff departments of Belgian Defence, these staff departments have the possibility to join this board. Finally, to remain coherent with the Defence, Industry and Research Strategy (DIRS) and Defence’s Research and Development effort, the RHID has a permanent seat at the table.

How do we tackle it?

In order to foster bottom-up innovation, Innovation for Defence has multiple ways to support Defence personnel in the start-up of a project:

  • Coaching & advice by Innovation Officers
  • Different budgetary vectors for smaller scale initiatives
  • Innovation as a Service (IaaS) – contract

 

Every individual can by himself introduce an idea (via Share your idea). After you have entered your idea in the form, the idea will be treated.

Firstly, the Innovation Board members will do a first rough assessment of the idea. After first approval, the Board will perform a SNIF-assessment (Strategic Fit, (Unmet) Need, Impact & Feasibility). If more information is needed, a designated Innovation Officer will contact you.

All promising ideas are proposed to the Innovation Board. During the monthly Innovation Board, projects will get selected and subsequently the appropriate approach will be decided on and budgetary planning starts. The respective Innovation Officers will give you feedback on your idea and will help you realize it. If your idea does not get passed selection, you will receive feedback!

Digital Sandbox

The program encourages secure digital testing, enhances workforce skills, and fosters innovation.

Physical Sandbox

Test and de-risk physical projects through optimized resource usage.

Training

Customized for various audiences with interactive & gamified learning elements.

Horizon Scan

Boost innovation by staying informed on cutting-edge technologies

Events & Hackathons

Dive into innovation at our events & hackathons, fostering creativity and collaboration.

What are our cases about?

The Story of EUnify: from idea to product - Autonomous tracking node with a long range

EUnify

EUnify

The Story of EUnify: from idea to product – Autonomous tracking node with a long range

A physical sandbox to evaluate the potential of pulse laser cleaning for the maintenance of naval vessels.

Key User Requirements in UI Development

Key User Requirements in UI Development

A physical sandbox to evaluate the potential of pulse laser cleaning for the maintenance of naval vessels.

A physical sandbox to evaluate the potential of pulse laser cleaning for the maintenance of naval vessels.

Pulse Laser Cleaning

Pulse Laser Cleaning

A physical sandbox to evaluate the potential of pulse laser cleaning for the maintenance of naval vessels.

A study to explore the possibilities of holographic technology within the Belgian Defence.

Evaluation of Holographic technology

Evaluation of Holographic technology

A study to explore the possibilities of holographic technology within the Belgian Defence.

BoTH 2: Drones

BoTH 2: Drones

BoTH 2: Drones
Battlefield of Things 2 Hackathon Apply 30 May - 1 June 2025 DronePort - Sint-Truiden What is the Battlefield of Things 2: Drones Hackathon? The Battlefield of Things 2: Drones is a two-and-a-half-day [...]
During this hand-on innovation session the para commando's of Belgian Defence delved deeper into the world of innovation.

Innovation training Para’s

Innovation training Para’s

During this hand-on innovation session the para commando’s of Belgian Defence delved deeper into the world of innovation.

RTRMA envisions the Navy's remote maintenance of mine countermeasure vessels. This project explores existing systems and future possibilities to define precise acquisition requirements for military-specific needs.

Real-Time Remote Maintenance Assistance

Real-Time Remote Maintenance Assistance

RTRMA envisions the Navy’s remote maintenance of mine countermeasure vessels. This project explores existing systems and future possibilities to define precise acquisition requirements for military-specific needs.

Through the 'Enhancing Maritime Wellbeing'-case, we are exploring the potential of Starlink technology to seamlessly connect those stationed on navy ships with their loved ones back on the homefront.

Enhancing maritime wellbeing

Enhancing maritime wellbeing

Through the ‘Enhancing Maritime Wellbeing’-case, we are exploring the potential of Starlink technology to seamlessly connect those stationed on navy ships with their loved ones back on the homefront.

XRlabs spearheads a groundbreaking military-grade multi-user VR tracking system, backed by a comprehensive feasibility study, promising innovation in defense and broader applications.

XRlabs – Virtual reality training facilities

XRlabs – Virtual reality training facilities

XRlabs spearheads a groundbreaking military-grade multi-user VR tracking system, backed by a comprehensive feasibility study, promising innovation in defense and broader applications.

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Inno4Def is implemented by Belgian Defence
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with the support of the IaaS-contract. This contract is executed by a consortium consisting of:
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