ENDR Conference “From Lab to Field: Deep Tech Dual-Use Innovation for Defence”, Eindhoven (Netherlands), 25 - 26 november 2026

In the framework of the European Network of Defence-related Regions - ENDR, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space - DG DEFIS, together with ENDR member Province of North Brabant will host the ENDR conference “From Lab to Field: Deep Tech Dual-Use Innovation for Defence”.

Province of North Brabant co-organises the event in collaboration with the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), Brainport Development and the Dutch Ministry of Defence (the Defence Innovation Team North Brabant) -

The event will take place in Eindhoven (Netherlands), 25 - 26 november 2026 

This conference aims to bring together representatives from European regions actively seeking to strengthen cross-regional and EU-level cooperation on dual-use deep tech innovation. The event will serve as a platform to discuss, demonstrate, and scale cooperation models between high-tech and deep-tech ecosystems with defence and security applications. The thematic focus is on enabling technologies such as integrated photonics, wireless optical communication, autonomous systems (including C-UAS), sensing, quantum systems, and European and national dual-use funding programs – reflecting both technologies and funding instruments with strong dual-use potential and direct relevance to Europe's strategic autonomy.

The conference focuses on the role of deep tech innovations in strengthening both civilian and defence capabilities. We address the key question: how do we translate high-tech and deep-tech enabling technologies into concrete defence capabilities for Europe's future security? What does it take to move innovations from lab to field?

What to expect

Day 1 (November 25) – Plenary day: keynote speakers, interactive workshops, exhibition & networking dinner and matchmaking opportunities.

Day 2 (November 26) – Deep dive: site visits and field trips showcasing North Brabant's innovation ecosystem (situated around Eindhoven).

Who should join?

The conference is open to start-ups and scale-ups, large companies in the high-tech and defence sectors, researchers, senior policymakers, and ENDR members. We welcome participants from across Europe. Building strong European partnerships is at the heart of this conference.

Getting to Eindhoven

Eindhoven is easily accessible: the city is well connected by train and by Eindhoven Airport, as well as Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Brussels Airport, and Düsseldorf Airport within a 1.5-hour drive.

Save the date and join us in Eindhoven!

Further details on the agenda, confirmed speakers and registration will follow soon.