Unlocking Opportunities in the U.S. Cybersecurity Market

Discovering the Cyber Frontier: a recap of the DMV Economic Mission

Published / January 2024

Contact / Martine Koole

From October 15th to 20th, 2023, a select group of pioneering cybersecurity companies, including aXite Security Tools, DTACT, EclecticIQ, ON2IT, Radically Open Security and Ubiqu, ventured on a economic mission across the United States. Their destination? The thriving cybersecurity landscapes of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). This mission is part of a multi-annual public-private program (PIB Cybersecurity US) focusing on trade promotion, innovation, knowledge sharing, and acquisition, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity.

Exploring the economic powerhouse

Ranked as the fifth largest regional economy in the United States, the DMV area is not only a hub of political power but also home to one of the world’s top three regional cybersecurity ecosystems, offering a dynamic arena for market exploration. It encompasses government agencies, a robust military and defense presence, key institutions like NSA, Cyber Command, and CISA, along with a flourishing high-tech startup culture that promotes knowledge exchange, funding and strong cybersecurity sector collaborations.

MOU between Maryland Department of Commerce and InnovationQuarter

In April 2023, the Maryland Department of Commerce reaffirmed its commitment to economic development collaboration with the Netherlands by renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with InnovationQuarter. The regional economic development agency represents the Zuid-Holland region, internationally recognized as the Greater Rotterdam-The Hague area. The updated MOU places particular emphasis on vital sectors such as cybersecurity, quantum computing, and life sciences.

The subsequent economic mission in October 2023 seamlessly expanded on the objectives outlined in this MOU, providing a rich and immersive experience. Participants actively participated in strategic meetings, engaging dialogues, and company visits, all geared towards knowledge-sharing, network-building, and strategic alignment. The mission exemplified a joint dedication to cultivating a secure digital society.

Mission Highlights

The PIB Cybersecurity US mission program featured a flurry of activities:

  • The DMV trade mission prioritized cybersecurity across industries, interweaving content sessions and visits in healthcare, finance, telecom, and critical infrastructure. Meetings with World Bank, AT&T, US Telecom, Mandiant, MITRE, and TSA provided comprehensive insights. Topics included the US legislative framework on cybersecurity, fostering public-private collaboration to address and combat industry challenges, and identifying partnering opportunities for Dutch cybersecurity vendors.
  • In Maryland, hosted by The Maryland Department of Commerce, visits to cybersecurity hubs like Technology Advancement Center (TAC), Maryland Innovation Center, and bwtech@UMBC unveiled strategic opportunities.
  • A stop in Virginia featured a meet-and-greet at the prestigious MACH37 accelerator.
  • The Dutch Embassy in DC facilitated roundtables with ONC, CIGNA, Transamerica, complemented by a networking cocktail.
  • Balancing business with pleasure, the itinerary included the International Spy Museum and National Mall sightseeing.

Watch the aftermovie highlights of this mission.

Expanding your security company into the US market: a roadmap for success

Are you a security company looking to expand into the lucrative US market?

Cybersecurity missions from the Netherlands to the US are organised as part of the Cybersecurity U.S. roadmap, a multi-annual program aimed at improving collaboration with the US and facilitating entry into the US market. The focus lies on trade promotion, innovation, knowledge sharing and acquisition, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity.

The economic mission to the RSA Conference and this particular mission to the US are part of this program, designed to help companies enter the market with ease.

Mission organizers

This mission is a key initiative under the PIB Cybersecurity US program, a three-year collaboration orchestrated by InnovationQuarter, Security Delta (HSD), the Dutch embassy and consulates (Netherlands Economic Network in the United States), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). To learn more about this program and explore potential opportunities to join, please reach out to Martine Koole.

Ready to enter the USA cybersecurity market and need help and guidance?

Next up:

  • HIMSS24, Orlando (11-15 March 2024)
  • RSA Conference, San Francisco (6-9 May 2024)

Are you ready to be part of the next RSA Conference & Exhibition from May 6-9, 2024? Read the recap article from 2023 here and sign up here (registration for the economic mission opens in January).

Martine Koole

For more information and any questions you may have.


Martine Koole

Projectmanager International Trade, Cybersecurity

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