European Network of Defense - Related Regions (ENDR) conference 2026 in Eindhoven

From Lab to Field: Deep Tech Dual-Use Innovation for Defence

How can Europe accelerate the journey from breakthrough deep tech innovation to defence applications and capabilities. The conference explores how regions, governments, knowledge institutions, Ministry of Defence and the industry can work together to bridge the gap between the lab and the field.

The conference will feature a varied program of plenary sessions, break-out sessions, matchmaking opportunities, networking moments, exhibitions and field visits. Divided over a 2 days program, the conference focuses on four key themes:

• Integrated Photonics and it’s dual-use potential

• Unmanned Systems and critical components

• Wireless Optical Communication

• Public Funding opportunities for dual-use innovation

The first day of the conference takes place at De Kazerne in Eindhoven and brings together policymakers from regional, national and European governments, Defence innovation teams, knowledge institutions and dual-use industries to discuss how Europe can accelerate the development and adoption of deep tech dual-use innovations for defence.

Following the plenary program and keynote sessions, participants have the opportunity to take part in four thematic breakout sessions. Each session is offered twice, allowing participants to attend two different sessions during the day. Places are limited and registration for the breakout sessions is required. The breakout sessions are focused on:

1. Integrated Photonics and it’s dual-use potential

   • Explore the potential of integrated photonics to transform defence capabilities. By leveraging Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for communication, sensing and processing, photonic technology can enable smaller, lighter and more energy efficient systems. This enabling technology enhances capabilities such as GPS-free navigation, secure communications, advanced detection and resilience against electronic warfare.

2. Unmanned Systems and critical components

   • What is needed to scale production of critical components and technologies for unmanned systems, and how can Europe strengthen strategic autonomy and reduce dependencies on countries of concern? Explore critical UAV supply chains, from battery cells and rare-earth magnets to microcontrollers, camera ICs and gimbals, and discuss how ecosystems such as Brabant can contribute to scaling resilient European production.

3. Wireless Optical Communication

   • Drawing on the experiences of Signify and Aircision within the Wireless Optical Communication Alliance, this breakout session explores how technology providers and the Ministry of Defence can jointly develop and implement secure, high-capacity wireless optical communication solutions for defence applications.

4. Public Funding opportunities for dual-use innovation

   • Discover how public funding can accelerate your innovation. Learn from the real-world experiences of Philips, explore opportunities with RVO, and start developing your own project idea.

Throughout the day, participants are able to visit the exhibition stands from companies and organizations active in the dual-use ecosystem, providing opportunities to technology prototypes, ecosystem representation and potential partners. Targeted matchmaking opportunities will furthermore facilitate connections between participants.

The day will conclude with a networking dinner at the same location, providing an informal setting to connect with participants from across Europe.

The second day of the conference will take place at PSV Stadium in Eindhoven and focuses on offering a close-up visit on the conference key themes. The field visits will showcase relevant technologies, dual-use applications and innovation ecosystems and campuses. Places are limited and registration is required.

Transportation to the different field visit locations is arranged for by dedicated buses departing from the PSV Stadium. Participants may also travel to the field visit locations by their own means of transport. The field visits include the following locations and themes:

1. Integrated Photonics

   Experience the latest developments in future electronics and integrated photonics at TNO and Holst Centre. The field visit includes the Techperience and a unique view of the Photonic Chip Pilot Line, showcasing how 6-inch wafer-scale InP manufacturing can strengthen Europe’s capabilities in next-generation photonic technologies.

   Visit location: TNO Holst Centre, High Tech Campus Eindhoven

2. Unmanned Systems

   Discover Zephro, an Eindhoven-based developer of advanced autonomous drone systems for defence and security. The field visit offers a look into how AI, modular payloads and robust navigation are brought together to develop unmanned systems for challenging operational environments.

   Visit location: Zephro, Strijp-T Eindhoven

3. Wireless Optical Communication

   Explore the potential of wireless optical communication through a live LiFi demonstration and a moving vehicle-to-vehicle connection. Hosted by Signify, the field visit showcases how light-based communication can enable high-speed, secure and resilient connectivity for future mobility and defence applications.

   Visit location: Signify, High Tech Campus Eindhoven

4. Public Funding

   Discover how cutting-edge technologies are developed and applied in practice. Visit a state-of-the-art cleanroom and other facilities, explore defence innovation through EDF project demonstrations, and gain first-hand insights into the technologies shaping the future.

   Visit location: Eindhoven University of Technology Campus

The program includes a networking lunch at the PSV Stadium. We also offer the opportunity for an optional guided stadium tour of the PSV Stadium at the end of the program.

Stadium Tour

Beyond its reputation as the technological heart of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is also home to PSV and the iconic Philips Stadium, home to what many Brabanders would proudly call the best football club in the Netherlands. To conclude the two-day ENDR-conference, the province of North Brabant offers participants the opportunity to take a tour of the PSV stadium. The tour will last approximately 45 minutes. If you are interested, please indicate your interest on the registration form.