Innovation projects

Collaborating to take drone technology to the next level

Innovation Accelerator Safety and Security

Within the Innovation Accelerator Safety & Security project (KVW3-00543), Unmanned Valley is working on an innovative environment where new drone and security technology can be developed, tested, and further scaled into practical applications.


In 2026, the project received a positive funding decision from Kansen voor West III. Businesses, knowledge institutions, and innovation partners are collaborating on technology that contributes to a safer and more resilient Europe.

Innovation Accelerator Safety & Security

Project purpose

The Innovation Accelerator Safety & Security strengthens the innovation infrastructure for drones, autonomous systems, and safety and defence technology. The project delivers testing, simulation, and development capabilities for drones and their underlying communication, detection, and simulation technologies.

Project activities

Within the Innovation Accelerator Safety & Security, work is being carried out on:


  • optical communication with laser technology, with the aim of making drone control less vulnerable to spoofing and jamming;

  • experiments with drone stations in concrete, real-world situations;

  • new testing opportunities for drone detection and counter-drone technology;

  • the further development of Unmanned Valley's simulation centre;

  • hackathons in which businesses, knowledge institutions, and other innovation partners jointly develop and test new solutions.


  • Professional workspaces and meeting spaces for daily use

  • Reception desk for a warm and professional welcome for clients and partners

  • Everything within reach for efficient working and collaboration

  • An inspiring work environment alongside businesses and innovation partners


Strategic significance

The project strengthens the South Holland ecosystem surrounding drones, deep-tech, dual-use technology, safety, and defence. It connects test facilities, knowledge, and organisations, thereby increasing the opportunities for collaborative innovation.


Furthermore, the Innovation Accelerator Safety & Security has been awarded a defence seal. This underlines the strategic significance of the project for safety and defence applications.



  • Access to the prototyping lab for development and experimentation

  • Technical support ranging from component selection to airworthy prototype

  • Connections to relevant technical partners, suppliers, and expertise

  • Collaboration with other technology companies and experts on new use cases

Collaborative partners

The project is being carried out by a consortium consisting of:


• UMV Services and Unmanned Valley;

• State-of-Motion;

• Stichting Dotspace;

• InnovationQuarter;

• NL Space Campus;

• TNO.


This consortium brings together technological expertise, research knowledge, testing facilities, and experience in ecosystem development.



  • Part of a community of entrepreneurs, experts, and knowledge institutions

  • Share knowledge and experiences with companies from the unmanned sector

  • Connection to technical, legal, financial, and business expertise

  • Meet potential partners and discover new applications and markets

Funding

The total project scope amounts to nearly € 1.6 million. Of this, a maximum of € 799,851 is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Kansen voor West III.


  • Direct access to Unmanned Valley's testing facilities

  • Subscriptions for using the outdoor test fields

  • Testing, demonstrating, and validating in a controlled environment

  • Swift transitions between development, testing, and further refinement

Progress and results

The project is currently in the implementation phase. The objectives and planned activities are outlined on this page. Information regarding progress, completed facilities, conducted experiments, and other project results will be added to this page throughout the duration of the project.

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