VITO at the first Flemish Defence Innovation Day
On 27 October 2026, more than 400 representatives from companies, research organisations, Defence and policymakers gathered in Mechelen for the first Defence Innovation in Flanders Day (DIF-Day). The aim? To help Flemish companies seize opportunities in the rapidly growing defence market. As a partner in the Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (VISD), VITO is leveraging its technological expertise to develop innovative solutions that contribute to security and resilience.
Defence outlines its technological needs
A key element of DIF-Day was the direct dialogue between military end-users and companies. Representatives from Defence's procurement departments and special forces, among others, outlined their operational needs and future technological challenges. This gave Flemish companies direct insight into Defence's technological needs.
Ukrainian experts also shared their experiences of innovation in an operational context and illustrated how new technologies are being deployed on the battlefield today.
From operational needs to concrete innovation projects
During interactive thematic sessions, companies, research organisations and technology experts discussed potential innovative solutions. The focus was on how existing Flemish expertise and new technologies could be translated into concrete research and development projects.
These exchanges mark an important step towards new partnerships, technology demonstrators and future innovation projects.
VITO connects technological expertise with defence applications
As part of VISD, VITO contributes to the development of new innovation projects at the intersection of technology, industry and defence. Drawing on its expertise in areas such as geospatial intelligence, energy, environmental monitoring, data analysis and predictive modelling, VITO is working with Flemish companies and research organisations to explore how innovative technologies can contribute to operational security, the protection of critical infrastructure and resilient systems.
The focus is on dual-use innovations: technologies with both civilian and military applications. By connecting technological expertise with specific operational needs, VITO helps translate research into applications that deliver industrial and societal impact.
Flanders invests in innovation for security and defence
Through VISD, the Flemish Government aims to strengthen Flanders' technological and industrial position and help Flemish companies and research organisations participate more effectively in Belgian, European and NATO programmes. To support this ambition, Flanders is providing an additional €135 million for innovative security and defence projects during the current parliamentary term.
The first DIF-Day highlights the importance of collaboration between companies, research organisations and Defence in accelerating technological innovation and developing new applications.
VISD is the Flemish Innovation and Industry Strategy for Security and Defence, led by the Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation and Social Economy (WEWIS), in collaboration with several partners, including VITO.
