Defence Innovation in Flanders Day 2026

On 27 October 2026, the first Defence Innovation in Flanders Day will bring together companies, knowledge institutions, governments and end users around innovation for security and defence. Maritime security will also take centre stage during this Flemish innovation day.

Type

Own activity, External activity, Activity for members and non-members, Public activity

Date

Tuesday, Oct 27 2026 · 9:15am - 6pm

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Address

Nekkerhal Mechelen, Plattebeekstraat 1, 2800 Mechelen

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Security and defence are increasingly high on the European agenda. Flanders is also investing in innovation that can contribute to a stronger, more resilient and strategically autonomous Europe. For this reason, the Department of Work, Economy, Science, Innovation and Social Economy (WEWIS) is organising the first edition of the Defence Innovation in Flanders Day (DIF-Day) on 27 October 2026.

The event is part of the Flemish Innovation and Industrial Strategy for Security and Defence (FISD) and brings together stakeholders from industry, research, government and end-user communities to exchange knowledge, explore new collaborations and help shape the future of defence innovation.

Programme

The Defence Innovation in Flanders Day offers a varied programme of keynotes, thematic sessions and networking opportunities focused on the latest developments in security and defence. The emphasis is on innovation, collaboration and strengthening the Flemish and European defence innovation ecosystem.

As programme manager for the FISD domain Maritime Security and Defence, Blue Cluster is organising the interactive breakout session “Protection of Maritime Infrastructure” in the morning. The session focuses on challenges and innovation opportunities related to protecting and improving the resilience of maritime infrastructure in light of growing European security and defence needs.

👉 Check out the detailed programme

9:15	Welcome and coffee
10:00	Expert talks and discussion in interactive breakout sessions. Choice of four topics: Protection of Maritime Infrastructure This session discusses challenges and explores innovation opportunities related to the protection and resilience of maritime infrastructure in connection with European security and defence needs. Early Warning through Space Expertise This session explores challenges and innovation needs for predicting and understanding different types of threats in complex environments using insights from space technologies. Resilient Autonomous Collaborative Systems and C-UxS This session focuses on the importance of developing autonomous systems for complex defence and security missions. Human Survivability and Resilience This session examines the challenges and opportunities of developing integrated solutions for the protection, support and medical care of personnel operating in high-risk environments such as conflict zones and disaster areas.
12:00	Networking lunch
13:00	Keynote: defence innovation, industry and resilience in and through Flanders. Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders
13:25	Keynote: Ukraine (English) Hear first-hand how a Ukrainian company innovates under the most challenging circumstances.
13:55	FISD: achievements and next steps Discover how Flanders is building a strong defence innovation ecosystem. Gain insight into strategic priorities, concrete initiatives and opportunities for companies and knowledge institutions.
14:05	Coffee break
14.45	Thematic breakout session, part 1 Choice of four topics: From need to procurement dossier: future opportunities for Flemish companies within resilience programmes From frontline to innovation: how Ukraine accelerates, tests and deploys technology From Flemish innovation to the European value chain: how do you build a successful collaboration? Building tomorrow’s defence innovation ecosystem
15.45	Thematic breakout session, part 2 Choice of four topics: From need to procurement dossier: future opportunities for Flemish companies within resilience programmes From frontline to innovation: how Ukraine accelerates, tests and deploys technology From Flemish innovation to the European value chain: how do you build a successful collaboration? Building tomorrow’s defence innovation ecosystem
16:30	Networking reception

Practical information

The Defence Innovation in Flanders Day is aimed at companies, knowledge institutions, governments and other organisations active in security, defence and dual-use innovation. The working language is Dutch, although certain parts of the programme will be conducted in English.

Would you like to attend? You can register until 16 October 2026. You may register for the full day or for individual programme components.

More info about the event and the full programme can be found on the official Defence Innovation in Flanders Day website. Do you have any questions about the maritime session? Please contact us.