The dual-use applications of ESA BIC alumnus Spherical Systems and ESA Phi-Lab’s Dunedain Space have been selected for the SME Defence Call. The space solutions will see these startups’ consortia contributing to both technological innovation and the resilience and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe. With a total budget of 5 million euros, the call marks an important step in the collaboration between defence and the Dutch high-tech sector, with a stronger innovative ecosystem emerging for the future.
The following is an extract of news from the Holland High Tech website
The call, which opened in Jan 2026, invited high-tech entrepreneurs to work together with research organisations on innovative projects for dual-use applications within the Netherlands focus areas of space, quantum and smart materials, as defined in the Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation 2025–2029. The SME Defence Call was developed by Holland High Tech in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Economic Affairs. It supports industrial research that not only strengthens the knowledge base and R&D capacity of SMEs, but also contributes to the technological autonomy and security of the Netherlands and Europe.
Gerard van der Zon, operational director Holland High Tech, comments: “The selected projects from the very first SME Defence Call demonstrate the innovative power present within the Dutch high-tech SME sector. With solutions in areas including space, quantum and smart materials, these consortia contribute to both technological innovation and the resilience and strategic autonomy of the Netherlands and Europe.”
He continues, “It is precisely the collaboration between SMEs, knowledge institutions, Holland High Tech and the Ministries of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and Defence that makes it possible to develop and apply promising dual-use technologies more quickly.”
SME Defence Call: Since the call opened earlier this year, 40 project proposals were received. Following a thorough evaluation, 24 of these projects progressed to phase 2. Those projects were required to submit a detailed project plan, which was also expertly evaluated and assessed. As a result, a total of 11 projects will now receive financial support from the SME Defence Call 2025. Discover more
Technological innovation and strategic autonomy
The chosen projects show the strength and diversity of the Dutch innovation landscape. Topics range from quantum technology and space to smart materials, photonics radar-absorbing coatings and additive manufacturing. Holland High Tech is impressed by the high level, the technological quality and the social relevance of the submitted proposals.
One of the space startups to be selected is Spherical Systems – an alumnus of ESA BIC Noordwijk, as well as the Ignition Programme – working together with NLR on the project RASSS (radiation assured semiconductors for strategic autonomy). A second of the space startups to be selected in the call is Dunedain Space working with Radboud University on project Shadow.
The selected projects from the very first SME Defence Call demonstrate the innovative power present within the Dutch high-tech SME sector
Gerard van der Zon, Holland High Tech
HIGHLIGHTED SPACE PROJECTS
- Project Shadow: Dunedain Space in collaboration with Radboud University
Project SHADOW develops high-speed optical sensing technology to improve Space Situational Awareness (SSA). Rather than detecting objects by reflected light, SHADOW uses the occultation of stars caused by passing objects. This novel method enhances detection and tracking of satellites and space debris. Better (actionable) information can be gained in both Defense and Civil applications to prevent collisions and obtain better intel on location and specifics of (yet) unknown satellites.
- Project RASSS: Spherical Systems in collaboration with NLR
The RASSS project develops and validates a radiation-aware semiconductor design workflow for defense and aerospace applications. Automation and radiation modeling are integrated into early design phases. Radiation test structures are fabricated on European foundry processes and tested, after which results are fed back to improve modeling and design architecture.
View full list of selected projects via the Holland High Tech website
