Where is The Gate Brainport based and what is its focus?
The Gate Brainport is located at the campus of the Eindhoven University of Technology, specialising in engineering science and technology. It is in the Brainport region, worldwide famous for its leading high tech innovation hubs and campuses. As one of the 17 accelerator sites part of NATO DIANA's Accelerator Network, it accelerates dual-use deep-tech, solutions that serve both civilian and defence needs.
What is your role within the NATO DIANA programme, and what support do you offer innovators?
We support, guide and facilitate the NATO DIANA innovators that have been assigned to us, so that they can accelerate their innovations. We also ensure that innovators feel part of our special community and actively encourage them to engage and help each other. Furthermore, we establish valuable connections so that our innovators really can make a difference, both in the defence- and in the civilian sector.
What makes The Gate Brainport unique?
What sets the Brainport region and Brabant as a province apart is its deeply rooted triple helix model:
➢ Academia (Eindhoven University of Technology, TNO, and other knowledge institutes)
➢ Industry (global players like ASML, Philips, NXP, and a dense network of innovative SMEs)
➢ Government (local, regional, and national authorities actively shaping and supporting the innovation climate)
Can you share an example of a company that you supported?
One company that we supported earlier this year as an accelerator site, is the German deep-tech startup Secublox. During our kick-off event at the Military Airbase in Eindhoven, we facilitated networking possibilities between the DIANA innovators and the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Due to this event, Secublox encountered a Dutch colonel who helped the company further in achieving their goals, such as joining the NATO exercise CWIX (Coalition Warrior Interoperability Exercise) before the summer.
What is your biggest success so far within the DIANA programme?
In April we facilitated a matchmaking event. Our DIANA Innovators had the opportunity to meet people from multiple innovation departments of the Ministry of Defence, and important knowledge partners within the ecosystem. According to the innovators, this was one of the successes and highlights within the programme we facilitated.
How does your site help connect people to your broader networks?
As an accelerator site, we’ve seen how the programme not only opens doors within the Defence sector, but also across the broader regional industry. Companies are eager to invest their time in DIANA innovators, recognising that knowledge flows both ways and creates value for all parties involved.