Home - Innovation for defence

INNOVATION FOR DEFENCE

Defence Innovation, our duty!

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?

How do we tackle it?

Our most recent event

POLLUX-31052023_©JORN-URBAIN-01-landscape

Belgian Navy Hackathon 2024

Collaborative Innovation for the Maritime Ecosystem

24–25 September 2024

Zeebrugge

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.

Tech 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?

Innovation training Para’s

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

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.

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 – 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.

Join our community!

Are you ready to become a part of our vibrant community, receive our newsletter
and make your mark on innovation within the Belgian Defence?
Take the first step by completing the form below!

Our most recent event

What’s our challenge?

Maintain technological and operational edge

Who are we?

How do we tackle it?

What are our cases about?

Innovation training Para’s

Real-Time Remote Maintenance Assistance

Enhancing maritime wellbeing

XRlabs – Virtual reality training facilities

Join our community!

Stay up to date!