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Contact /Stef Prinsen Datum /

Carles Gómara Director of Innovation at the Catalan Agency for Business Competitiveness ACCIO, gave his perspective on ongoing digitalization, which is changing our society rapidly. He used the analogy of the rabbit and the turtoise, to emphasize that however fast technology is evolving, adaptation is always lagging behind. This is true for many technology trends, which we now call big data, artificial intelligence and internet of things, but have in fact been around for a very long time.

 

Using the examples of several “smart home” applications, such as a smart washing machine, Carles questioned the necessity of all this technology in our daily lives. A question that is not always asked at a side-event of a technology conference such as MWC. Without drawing conclusions Carles shared many real-life examples for the audience to consider, adding that like with many things in life “we need time”.

Security issues of IoT

Ernst Bovelander, CEO of Delft-based Brightsight discussed high assurance security evaluations, which is Brightsight’s core business. Many chips, which are used in for instance creditcards, cellphones and passports, have to comply with the highest security regulations, which Brighsight validates. Ernst stressed the importance of securing all household internet of things solutions. Even in the most basic examples such as connected doorbells, a lot of easily hackable technology is involved. Ernst gave a couple of additional examples, and the implications for the 50 billion connected devides that are expected to be operational around 2030. In general Ernst stressed that the security aspect of IoT should not be underestimated. Even as consumers, we should be aware of the risks of poorly secured devices that will be around us more and more.

Dialogue with consumers will be the user interface of the future – Jorge Marquez Moreno, Head of user experience design at Everis

Brightsight is the number one security evaluation lab in the world. It is fair to call Brightsight a global company, as 99% of their customers are based outside the Netherlands and their 170 employees come from 30 different countries. In addition to their head office in Delft, they recently set up an R&D office in Barcelona, where they are quickly expanding.

Jorge Marquez Moreno, Head of user experience design at Everis shared his “AI fears & cheers research” – which was conducted at Everis’ R&D lab in Barcelona. Jorge and his team interviewed end-users about how they experience technology. “We can learn best how to optimize AI-based consumer products by interviewing actual people. Dialogue with consumers will be the user interface of the future”, Jorge argued.

Everis found that consumers’ opinions on AI are heavily influenced by the media. Negative examples such as those of self-driving cars being involved in fatal accidents, or Cambridge Analytica abusing Facebook data to manipulate the democratic process, will stick more than the great services that e.g. Netflix and Spotify provides using AI. On the other hand, Everis found that consumers will cheer for AI when it makes life easier, and even more when it really improves the quality of, or even saves their life, but that the attitude changes when people fear that AI/machines will take over. This fear is especially emerging when AI is perceived to replace human interaction, emotional intelligence and judgement. For example, many people feel ‘tricked’ when they find out they have been talking to an AI- based chatbot in stead of a human. This demonstrates the importance of creating awareness about AI and making consumers understand how they can benefit from this technology.

On behalf of ACCIO and InnovationQuarter, we would like to thank all the amazing speakers and all our Dutch, Catalan and international visitors and partners. It was geat to see the networking taking place, further strengthening the ties between Catalunya and the Netherlands.

MWC Barcelona

At MWC, InnovationQuarter was part of the Holland Pavillion, which was hosted by Enterprise Summit. The Dutch have a great presence at MWC, which made this a great timing for the Dutch-Catalan meetup. We will be at MWC untill Thursday, so if you are looking for opportunities in (West) Holland, find us in in Hall 7.

Brightsight

Brightsight is a Delft- and Barcelona- based company, that offers security evaluations and certificates on behalf of major payment schemes and industry organisations worldwide to ensure the right level of security. These services are provided to IC manufacturers, (embedded) secure device manufacturers, card suppliers and service providers.

Brightsight is a knowledge-based company. Our international team of experts stay up to date with the latest technologies and requirements to ensure the most reliable and efficient evaluation process possible for our customers.

Everis

Everis is a large family with 21,000 professionals across Europe, USA and Latin America. The company has recently set up a Dutch office.

In 2014 everis joined NTT DATA Group, the sixth-largest IT services company in the world with 100,000 professionals and with offices in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and North America.

Above all, everis believes in its people, their ongoing development and their talent. We are firmly committed to talent and our main goal is to nurture high performing professionals by creating an environment of responsible freedom.

Meet Catalonia Trade & Investment

Catalonia Trade & Investment is the Catalan Government agency for foreign investment and business competitiveness. It promotes innovation, internationalisation, trade and funding of Catalan companies and startups. It also organizes trade missions in countries chosen strategically for their business and technology cooperation opportunities.

In addition, it offers specialised one-stop-shop services to international investors and corporations, attracting foreign direct investment to Barcelona and Catalonia. Headquartered in Barcelona, Catalonia Trade & Investment operates from 40 offices around the world, covering over 100 markets.

Meet InnovationQuarter

InnovationQuarter is the economic development agency for West Holland.

InnovationQuarter finances innovative and fast-growing companies, assists international companies in establishing their businesses in West Holland, and facilitates (international) collaboration between innovative entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes and government.

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

X-systems opens office at The Hague Security Delta Campus

Many companies are unaware of existing vulnerabilities and cyberthreats in their ICT infrastructure. X-Systems offers companies tools and methods to improve their cybersecurity, ranging from highly customized applications to simple measures that increase resilience. Maximum performance at minimum risks in accordance with the wishes.

Devices are being connected to ICT-networks in growing numbers. Because many of these devices are insufficiently secured at their core, they cause vulnerabilities to cyber attacks, criminals and spies in entire ICT networks. Cyber criminals can enter most organizations within a few days, by simply spoofing (duplicating) the WIFI network and gain access to all company and personal data without the company noticing the attack.

Launch of XECURE.ME platform

At the Mobile World Congress, X-Systems celebrated the launch of its platform XECURE.ME, where organizations are introduced to IoT security architects. John Meyers, CTO at X-SYSTEMS: “XECURE.ME users have a secure ICT architecture, preventing cyberattacks. This is essential, since the cost of undoing a cyber attack ranges from several hundred thousands to millions of euro’s, not to mention system failures, fines and reputation damage”.

Chris van Voorden, head of Foreign Investments at InnovationQuarter:

”We are very pleased to welcome X-Systems at The Hague Security Delta. With ongoing digitalization, and everything becoming mobile and interconnected, infrastructures are becoming more and more dependent on Internet of Things. Security is a very important aspect, which X-Systems helps companies to tackle. Because of this, we believe X-Systems will contribute to our ecosystem and a safer future.”

The Hague is renowned for its international position as the City of Peace, Justice & Security. It provides X-Systems with a prosperous business environment near its main customers. Furthermore, X-Systems’ membership with The Hague Security Delta (HSD) positions it at the centre of Europe’s leading security cluster. HSD is a community of companies, government organisations and knowledge institutes, who serve as a new market for foreign companies and as a platform to create new (innovative) initiatives. Home to this cluster is the HSD Campus: the innovation centre for the security industry, with living labs, training facilities, flexible office space and meeting rooms.

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Contact /Tanja Baars Datum /

Minister Wiebes of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy: “These results once again confirm that foreign companies are important to our globally operating country. Around one million people work for foreign companies in the Netherlands and an additional half-million work indirectly for these companies as suppliers, particularly in SMEs. Due to the growing international uncertainty surrounding Brexit and changing global trade policies, the importance of a good Dutch business climate for all of us is continually increasing.”

The work of the NFIA falls partly under the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sigrid Kaag: “The impending Brexit and tensions around international trade provide opportunities for Dutch companies. Our companies are innovative, flexible and adapt to this changing market. Furthermore, the Netherlands’ position as a stable economic hub is also attractive to foreign companies. This position will only be further strengthened. It is positive that this is reflected in the approximately 10,000 newly-created jobs in 2018.”

These results once again confirm that foreign companies are important to our globally operating country – Minister Wiebes of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy

From headquarters to R&D

The NFIA is responsible for 8,475 out of the 9,847 jobs created by the Invest in Holland network. In 2018, the NFIA managed to attract 248 foreign investment projects to the Netherlands, which collectively account for 2.76 billion euros in investments. The annual results also show that the majority of new jobs are created within headquarters (2,259), followed by marketing & sales offices (1,834), distribution centers (1,053), service centers (977), production sites (884) and R&D locations (755). As illustration, sports media company DAZN established a development center in Amsterdam, Giant and Timberland expanded their European distribution locations (in Lelystad and Almelo respectively) and Mitsui Chemicals committed to producing plastics at the Chemelot Campus in Limburg.

The majority of ‘foreign jobs’ are, as in 2017, created by US companies. In 2018, this accounted for 3,185 jobs, with a total accompanying investment of 1.19 billion euros. Following the US is the United Kingdom (1,596 jobs), then China (614 jobs), Japan (580 jobs) and Germany (300 jobs).

More Brexit companies

In 2018, the Invest in Holland network brought 42 companies to the Netherlands as a result of Brexit, accounting for 1,923 jobs and some 291 million euros in investments. Companies signaling expansion of their offices in the Netherlands partly due to Brexit , include the Japanese investment bank Norinchukin and media company TVT Media. Financial services providers MarketAxess and Azimo, and maritime insurer UK P&I all announced office openings in our country last year,  due to  Brexit as well. The relocation of the European Medicines Agency(EMA) to Amsterdam, also supported by Invest in Holland, is included herein. In 2019, several companies, including Discovery and Bloomberg, have already announced their intention to invest in the Netherlands because of Brexit.

The number of companies relocating activities to our country due to Brexit has grown compared to 2017, during which 18 companies made a Brexit-related move to the Netherlands. Additionally, the NFIA is talking with more than 250 foreign companies considering setting up operations in the Netherlands following Brexit. These are predominantly British companies, but also American and Asian organizations that are reconsidering their current European structure due to uncertainties caused by Brexit. These include companies in the financial sector, media and advertising, life sciences & health and logistics. In addition to the Netherlands, these companies are also investigating options in other countries, including Germany, France and Ireland.

Since the establishment of the Invest in Holland network in 2015, the NFIA and its regional partners have attracted 1,402 companies to the Netherlands. This has resulted in a total direct inward investment of 8.1 billion euros and the creation of more than 43,000 jobs in the Netherlands. In addition to the NFIA, the Invest in Holland network comprises the regional development agencies: NOM, Oost NL, North-Holland North, amsterdam inbusiness, InnovationQuarter, The Hague Business Agency, Rotterdam Partners, Invest Utrecht, BOM, Invest in Zeeland, LIOF and HIDC.

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Contact /Johan Stins Datum /

Picture of Cybersprint’s CEO Pieter Jansen together with the investors. From left to right: Pieter Jansen (CEO Cybersprint), Maarten Timmerman (COO Cybersprint), Matti van der Gronde (Associate Vortex Capital), Johan Stins (Senior Investment Manager InnovationQuarter), Olivier Magnin (Investment Associate KPN Ventures), Herman Kienhuis (Managing Director KPN Ventures) , Evert-Jan de Groot (Partner at Vortex Capital).

Cybersprint is growing rapidly and has gained a leading position in Digital Risk Protection in the Benelux market over the past two years.

Pieter Jansen, CEO and founder of Cybersprint:

With this investment, we can fuel our rapid growth and further expand our team and business into the European market. Companies and governmental organisations are increasingly aware of the digital risks and challenges they face. Our unique Digital Risk Protection platform helps organisations map all digital risks. By giving our clients control over their entire online footprint, they can better protect their business, brand and reputation. I am excited about the next steps we can take with the support of our current and new investors.

Evert Jan de Groot, partner at Vortex Capital Partners, adds: “The CEO-fraud we have recently seen at Pathé Cinemas is just the tip of the cybercrime iceberg. Cybersprint has deep domain expertise in detecting digital vulnerabilities and is managed by an experienced team. Their platform can, for instance, immediately detect fraudulent domains the moment they are registered, allowing organisations that could be at risk to intervene before the damage is done.”

About Cybersprint

Cybersprint protects organisations from cyber threats by providing continuous, real-time insights into the entire digital attack surface and current online risks. The unique Digital Risk Protection platform works as an automated ethical hacker, continuously in search of online vulnerabilities on web, social media, mobile apps, netblocks, IoT devices and the dark web. Simply by entering the brand or organisation name, the platform automatically reveals all online entry points related to the organisation.

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

Dutch companies and knowledge institutions form collation to expand into India

The consortium consists of eight companies –Fox-IT, Group 2000, Crosspring, Global Business Academy, Enterprise Summit, E2-Labs, Newgen Payments and The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies—as well as InnovationQuarter and HSD Foundation. Three education institutions –Delft University of Technology, Leiden University of Applied Sciences and The Hague University of Applied Science—are directly involved as collaboration partners. From the Dutch government, the Dutch Embassy and RvO will be playing an important role in making the consortium a success.

This PIB focuses on specific segments within the overall cyber security market in India: Cyber Security, Training and Education as well as Knowledge Exchange for Internet of Things (IoT) and Protection of Critical Infrastructures (CI) both in Government as the private sector. The focus on IoT and (mostly) government-controlled CI like energy, drinking water, telecommunications, as well as financial services (banking) is important because there are significant opportunities for new business deals in these fields. The PIB will focus initially on the states Telangana (Hyderabad) and Karnataka (Bangalore) extending when feasible to the rest of States in India.

The PIB will be guided by a liaison in India, in close collaboration with the Dutch Embassy. The daily coordination of the programme will be in the hands of HSD Office. HSD Office will be the linking pin towards RVO, the Dutch Embassy in India and the participants of the Cyber Security cluster. Together they will arrange that the consortium will be part of trade missions, matchmaking events, knowledge exchange opportunities and collaborative presentations at conferences.

Municipality of The Hague

Since 2015, contacts with India have been developed via the municipality of The Hague and its many partners, amongst others HSD. The objective of this PIB is to further develop and strengthen the business relations that were build earlier and were made official during the Dutch trade mission to Indiaa from 22 -25 May 2018 and which included collaborations with the Hyderabad Security Cluster and the Center of Excellence Karnataka. This PIB is a direct outcome of this.

Partners for International Business (PIB)

Partners for International Business is a programme of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RvO) commissioned by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Contact /Philip Meijer Datum /

Digital investigative software supplier Magnet Forensics has opened an office at The Hague Security Delta Campus

Next step in investigating digital evidence

Magnet Forensics creates solutions that helps with evidence collection, processing, review and case management. Their complete digital investigation platform recovers digital evidence from the most sources, including smartphones, cloud services, computers, IoT devices and third-party images.

Founder Jad Saliba first worked as a Digital Forensics Examiner where he faced many challenges with finding important evidence on a suspect’s computer. Facing this new challenge head on, Saliba set out to find a solution that would help him, and others, recover relevant data faster. In 2011, together with Adam Belsher, they launched Magnet Forensics. Since then, the company has rapidly grown to include a team of global employees who work on a variety of software solutions that empower law enforcement agencies and companies around the world to fight crime, protect assets and guard national security. Magnet Forensics tools are used by over 4,000 agencies in 93 countries.

Acquisition of Tracks Inspector

Earlier this year, Magnet Forensics announced the acquisition of The Hague based Tracks Inspector. With this acquisition Magnet Forensics added a robust review platform for non-technical stakeholders of an investigation to its product portfolio. Tracks Inspector offers an intuitive, web-based platform that puts digital investigations into the hands of detectives who have knowledge of the case but aren’t necessarily digital forensics specialists. It enables investigators to conduct an early case assessment and identify the data and devices relevant to the case. This approach enables the forensic unit to focus on targeted forensic analysis.

Digital investigative software supplier Magnet Forensics has opened an office at The Hague Security Delta Campus

The office of Magnet Forensics Europe will be located at the HSD Campus in The Hague, the current home base of HSD partner Tracks Inspector BV. This office will become Magnet Forensics’ new European headquarters, including a technical department providing new jobs in the near future.

With customers, sales teams and reseller partners all over Europe, we’re excited to be part of the HSD and make it our new corporate headquarters in Europe,” says Adam Belsher, CEO, Magnet Forensics. “We couldn’t be more pleased to be in The Hague, and benefit from the proximity it provides to our customers and partners.

“Cyber security is vital to community and organization safety and we are incredibly honoured to be recognized for our role in this pursuit,” said Jad Saliba, Founder & CTO, Magnet Forensics. “Being welcomed by The Hague, InnovationQuarter and The Hague Security Delta is an honour for Magnet Forensics, as we work tirelessly to provide organizations and law enforcement the tools they need to work through cases faster and with even more accuracy.”

Soft Landing program

Prior to settling in The Hague, and acquiring Tracks Inspector, Magnet Forensics has participated in a Soft Landing program. This is a company exchange program between greater Ottawa region and the greater Rotterdam-The Hague area. The program is specifically designed for mature cyber security companies with the aim of internationalization and setting up a company. Participants of the program receive support in terms of mentoring, introductions, temporary office space and media promotion. Magnet Forensics has proven to be a great participant and was supported by the Canadian Embassy, Invest Ottawa, The Chamber of commerce, The Hague Security Delta and InnovationQuarter.

Digital investigative software supplier Magnet Forensics has opened an office at The Hague Security Delta Campus

Chris van Voorden, InnovationQuarter’s head of Foreign Investments: “Although the Soft Landing program was not designed to facilitate mergers and acquisitions, in this case Magnet Forensics and Tracks Inspector benefit from Magnet’s acquisition. Magnet Forensics will expand business in The Hague by increasing sales and hiring new employees. At the same time I am proud that Dutch forensics software will now have a global reach through Magnet’s global networks.”

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Contact /Philip Meijer Datum /

Cyber Security Week in Den Haag van 2-5 oktober

For various reasons, cyber security has been featuring in the headlines increasingly frequently. Our digital security expressly requires innovative solutions based on international cooperation between countries and their cyber professionals. An important issue here is the current lack of cyber security professionals with which governments, businesses and knowledge organisations are having to contend. Both developing and motivating this cyber security talent as well as working together on innovative security solutions are key themes during this 3ʳᵈ edition of Cyber Security Week.

As an international data hub and digital entry point to Europe, the Netherlands plays an important role when it comes to tackling these threats and optimally guaranteeing the cyber security of our critical infrastructure.

Saskia Bruines, Deputy Mayor for Education, Knowledge Economy and International Affairs in the Municipality of The Hague:

“Technological developments are continuing apace and the current shortage of talent will increase if we fail to take action as a society. For that reason, public authorities, educational institutions and businesses need to join forces to train, attract and retain more talent. That is why it is important to teach children digital skills from an early age. From primary school to university, educating cybertalent has to be high on the agenda. We want everyone to participate so we can all work together to create a safe society.”

Want to apply for the Cyber Security Week 2018? Click here!

Programme

The parties participating in Cyber Security Week include CIPRE, Incident Response and representatives from numerous security clusters from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Israel, US, Canada, India and Japan. Many big and small companies specialising in cyber security will also be present. Together they will offer a wide range of interactive cyber games, challenges, presentations, workshops and showcases.

The first week of October will also see the start of the Alert Online Campaign and One Conference (2-3 October), all in the context of European Cyber Security Month.

During CIPRE (2-4 October), international cyber experts will meet to share knowledge about protecting our critical infrastructure.

On 4-5 October, there will be training sessions, practical workshops and network meetings of the American Incident Response Community.

On 4-5 October, the Fokker Terminal in The Hague will be the venue for the CSW Congress & Expo. The Congress comprises a matchmaking-programme, an Access to Capital event, an Access to Talent event, an SME Cyber Awareness Event and dozens of other workshops, sessions and keynotes relating to cyber security.

During the CSW Expo, national and international organisations will present their innovative cyber security solutions.

Visitors 

Cyber Security Week is expected to attract around 4000 visitors. These include:

  • Cyber security professionals from 70 countries
  • Dutch SMEs which recognise cyber security as a risk for their business and are looking for solutions.
  • Start-ups/scale-ups and investors meeting each other during the Access to Capital event.
  • Students and young professionals who will be offered a targeted programme during the Access to Talent event.

Cyber Security Week is an initiative of The Hague Security Delta (HSD), a network of companies, public authorities and knowledge organisations working together on knowledge development and innovations in the field of security. The Cyber Security Week is being funded by the city of The Hague.

More information about the programme is available at: www.cybersecurityweek.nl

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

Dutch delegation to India seals agreement on soft landing support in Karnataka for Dutch startups-980x450

In response to increased interest by Indian Safety & Security entrepreneurs in expanding or relocating to the Netherlands, InnovationQuarter joined the High tech / Cybersecurity delegation of the largest Dutch economic mission to India ever. During the trip, InnovationQuarter had the opportunity to invite current investors and prospects to several Trade Dinners and to a lunch organized by The Hague Business Agency with the Mayor of The Hague.

After two days in New Delhi, the Hightech/ Cyber delegation went to Bangalore where InnovationQuarter was offered Soft Landing Support for Netherland Startups by Karnataka’s Technology Incubators. The letter of support for the Soft Landing Programme is the result of previous meetings between government officials of the State Karnataka, the City of The Hague and InnovationQuarter.

Dutch delegation to India seals agreement on soft landing support in Karnataka for Dutch startups-002-980x450

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Contact /Gerty Holla Datum /

InnovationQUarter-Access-to-Capital-2018-980x450

Investing in innovation

Having access to capital is one of the conditions for companies to be able to innovate. The Access to Capital event was initiated by a number of parties to support starting and fast-growing entrepreneurs from the Digital Health and Security sectors in their search for funding. The event has proven succesful for pitching companies in previous editions of Access to Capital, which is why the organising parties, The Hague Security Delta, InnovationQuarter, Rabobank Regio Den Haag, Value Creation Capital, KPN Ventures, TIIN Capital, and Health Innovation Fund repeated the formula this year.

Pitching organisations and winners

The 12 innovative entrepreneurs pitching their businessplans within the areas of Digital Health and Cybersecurity were hand-picked out of a large pool of registered companies. The winners were selected by a professional jury.

The winner in the category Cybersecurity was HSD Partner Bitsensor

InnovationQUarter-Access-to-Capital-2018-Bitsensor

Chris van ‘t Hof (chairman), Ruben Vreeland (Bitsensor), Johan Stins (InnovationQuarter)

The winner in the category Digital Health was Happitech

InnovationQUarter-Access-to-Capital-2018-Happitech

Willem van den Berg (Value Creation Capital), Yosef Safi Harb (Happitech)

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

Results Holland Hightech Pavilion during Japan IT Week

During this mission InnovationQuarter, NFIA, Dutch embassy/Innovation Office and HSD Office represented and positioned the Netherlands as the secure digital gateway to Europe. In addition HSD partners SecurityMatters, Compumatica, Redsocks Security, TU Delft and ReaQta presented their cyber propositions to Japan, with the aim to have exposure and create new relationships with Japanese businesses, knowledge institutions and the Japanese government. The purpose of this mission was to contribute to a Cyber Secure Japan and its critical infrastructures in relation to the Olympic Games 2020.

Jan-Hein Chrisstoffels (Netherlands Embassy, Tokyo): “We have been running this Japan-project for 4 years straight, promoting Dutch cyberexcellence as a niche proposition in the Japanese market. We launched it during the State Visit to Japan, October 2014, signed PIB in Summer 2016, and are seeing real results rolling in today. That is very satisfying.”

Results Holland Hightech Pavilion during Japan IT Week

Results

Redsocks Security together with its Japanese partner Networld, had their first dealflow. Compumatica prepared a testcase together with a new partner/customer. TU Delft strengthened their relation and cooperation with the University of Okohama International University and Kyushu University. ReaQta had many relevant conversations in relation to finding the right Japanes partner. And all of them gained new contacts and leads.

Also, a business deal of multiple Dutch parties with an end-user and strategic partner in Japan is in progress.

In addition, Security Matters together with their Japanese partner Macnica Networks showcased their case study about the deployment of ‘SilentDefense’ in TEPCO Power Grid (TEPCO PG), the largest electric power company in Japan. This case study was officially announced on 18 May 2018 by a press release. With the number of cyber attacks constantly on the rise and the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, TEPCO PG selected Security Matters’ SilentDefense to enhance the cyber resilience of its industrial infrastructure and the security of Japanese social infrastructure.

Damiano Bolzoni, co-founder SecurityMatters: The Japanese market is one of the most demanding in terms of technical quality and flexibility requirements, and it’s very difficult to reach the high level of trust required to work with their critical national infrastructure. The establishment of this fruitful relationship would have not been possible without the Dutch Embassy, the PIB programme and the partners facilitating our events in Japan and offering their invaluable assistance with building the trust to establish a relationship. Because the Japanese market is dominated by giants, the forming of a successful relationship with a European company is vital. This will both increase the opportunities for Dutch R&D and demonstrate a best practice for other high tech Dutch companies.

Acquisition

InnovationQuarter, the Dutch embassy, NFIA and HSD Office had many fruitfull meetings during the Japan IT Week. The concrete results will be announced later this year.

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Contact /Niels Krol Datum /
Drecht Cities International

CEO Rientz Willem Bol (left) explains Bolidt’s transition plan to international companies from the Drecht Cities region

An impulse for international interaction

In addition to a number of local executives, the group consisted mostly of directors of foreign-owned companies from the Drecht Cities region and Dutch companies with a large international footprint. The aim was to promote interaction among these companies and to improve contacts with local and regional government.

After short introductions from Drecht Cities, InnovationQuarter and Deal, the CEO of Bolidt, mr.  Rientz Willem Bol, gave an insight into the ambitious plans he is carrying out to prepare his company for the future. A four-year transition plan is currently underway and causes an notable cultural change within the company. According to Bol, the company must abandon its’ traditional ways of operating, to stay ahead of global competition. Therefore Bolidt is now focusing on a future in which co-creation, innovation and customer experience are key, with the highlight being the completion of an Experience & Innovation Center in the spring of 2019.

The enthusiasm of mr. Bol inspired and motivated some of the participants to implement his fresh ideas within their own organizations. In addition, relevant business contacts were made during the networking part afterwards.

The international ecosystem in Drecht Cities

The Drecht Cities region is home to around 150 companies that are owned by foreign multinationals. In addition, hundreds of Dutch companies from this region are active in international markets and many SMEs and startups have international ambitions. Drecht Cities, InnovationQuarter and Deal assist regional businesses with their internationalization goals, for example by organizing international trade missions. In addition, InnovationQuarter and Deal actively attract new (foreign) companies to this region in order to draw new investments and create more jobs.

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

Research CBS: Shift in Employment in the Security Domain

Shift from traditional to non-traditional security

The share of employed persons, those that are traditionally reckoned as security-workers such as firemen, policemen and military personnel, showed a slight decrease of 0.2% between 2013-2016 (133.000 people in 2016). Traditional and non-traditional personnel combined (including lawyers, judges, cyber security specialists, fraud examiners and social workers that i.e. deal with domestic violence, mentally disordered people and radicalisation) show a small increase of 0.2% between 2013-2016 (1.078.000 people in 2016). Please have a look at the full report.

Sectors

Almost half of security-related professionals are active in two big sectors: Health & Social Work Activities (22%) and Public Administration & Services (also 22%). Relatively, the number of employed persons in a security related occupation is largest in the Information & Communication sector (which has a big impact on all sectors and includes cyber security) and Public Administration & Services (which includes police forces and military personnel).

Education

In 2016, 60% of all employed persons in a security related occupation had a security related education. This is an increase of 6% compared to 2013. Nearly 40% of all security occupations are in engineering. In the 2016/’17 school year, 118,000 students were enrolled in a security related programme (9,8% of vocational and tertiary education). Higher education and engineering security studies showed a growth in student numbers. Of the graduates in security-related education programmes in 2013/’14, 81% found a paid job within 3 months after graduation.

Access to Talent

The CBS-study was commissioned by HSD Office as part of the Human Capital Programme and the Action Agenda for Cyber Security. Mark Ruijsendaal, Innovation Liaison at HSD Office: “Access to talent is a crucial prerequisite for improving security and growth of the security sector. This study is the first time that the broad field of security from both an educational and labour market perspective in The Netherlands is analysed. The insights are deemed important for the educational institutes developing courses, the employers in the security domain and future talent orientating themselves on educational programmes and labour market opportunities. We will use the insights for future direction on access to talent for the security sector, including a renewed Action Agenda for the coming years, which will be developed together with HSD partners in 2018.

Making your Career in Security

To stimulate a career in security and to provide insights in the available jobs, studies and courses, HSD Office launched www.securitytalent.nl almost two years ago. Mark Ruijsendaal: “What we notice daily is that some positions are hard to fill within the security domain, specifically in cyber security, senior developers and leadership roles. Based on an analysis of securitytalent.nl, in the last 1.5 years 70% of all vacancies were for people with a technical background, 27% with a security background and small numbers for social work, legal and organisation & government.

Relevante links

  • Read the official press release by CBS (in Dutch)
  • English report and statistics can be dowloaded from CSB website (Dutch or English)
  • Read the article on Nu.nl

 

Source / HSD

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Contact /Martijn van Hoogenhuijze Datum /

Sebastiaan Kors (BW Security Ventures) ondertekent de HSD-overeenkomst.

From idea to profitable concept

Many startups, as well as corporates and investors, are struggling how a good security idea or (cyber) security concept can be converted into a commercially viable business model. BW Security Ventures scouts (inter)national startups that are active within the (cyber) security sector. Through the data-driven accelerator program PreXLR, a business development program of 100 days, BW Security Ventures guides the (early phase) startups at their first steps to success and validates the commercial feasibility of their idea or concept. The resulting business model prevents time and money thrown away of a product that is not yet ready for market introduction.

“We expect to accompany around 5 to 10 startups annually and offer them a kick-start to commercial success. In April the first two cyber security startups will start with the program, Digital-Sentinel and the American startup LegacyArmour. Both promising in the field of data protection,” says Sebastiaan Kors, Director at BW Security Ventures. “Although our higher goal is to strengthen the cyber security sector and thereby increase the digital resilience of the Netherlands.”

Digital future and security

The digital transformation is in full swing. New issues arise, and entrepreneurs see opportunities for innovations. Safety and security plays an important role in this digital world and are becoming increasingly important. “If there is insufficient attention for security and it is not integrated into new digital developments, then it lacks confidence for large-scale applications with significant risks as a possible consequence,” explains Sebastiaan Kors. “This also inhibits innovation and growth.”

“With the arrival of the internet, we did not think about security adequately and the consequences are becoming more and more visible. Thanks to robotisation, innovations like self-driving cars and new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), private / public clouds and big data, the impact on cybercrime will be greater than we are already experiencing. That is why the digital transformation must go hand in hand with security innovations and ideas to strengthen the digital resilience of the Netherlands, as well as the training and training of qualified (cyber) security personnel.”

Security spin-off van BW Ventures opent kantoor in hét veiligheidscluster van Europa
V.l.n.r.: Joris den Bruijne (HSD), Herman Hartgers (Enterprise Europe Netwerk (EEN) / KvK), Sebastiaan Kors (BW Security Ventures), Philip Meijer en Martijn van Hoogenhuijze (InnovationQuarter) © Daniel Verkijk

BW Security Ventures chooses The Hague

“The security cluster The Hague Security Delta with its HSD Campus is the place-to-be for (cyber) security startups and companies, because of the highly developed ecosystem,” explains Sebastiaan Kors. “BW Ventures already has a branch in Eindhoven, which focuses on e-commerce startups. As we want to be in the midst of where it all happens, the HSD Campus is a logical choice for us to open an office. And through events like the Cyber ​​Security Week organized by HSD, including the Municipality of The Hague and InnovationQuarter, we encounter interesting partners. That is already bearing fruit!”

Strengthen the security cluster together

The arrival of this business accelerator to The Hague was partly due to the close contact with the Enterprise Europe Network, the Chamber of Commerce, HSD and InnovationQuarter. Kors: “Thanks to the good cooperation with these organizations, we can jointly ensure that national and international (cyber) security startups have the best possible kick-start to success. Our acceleration program helps with this, as well as other networks, platforms, accelerators and investment funds focused on cybersecurity. This ecosystem connects the dots.”

Chris van Voorden, Director Foreign Investments at InnovationQuarter: “BW Security Ventures is a new, welcome link in the security cluster and an asset to the West Holland region. During the startup program, attention is paid to the technical feasibility of products, and especially the commercial feasibility is also considered. After 100 days it is clear whether the market needs what the startups have to offer.”

 

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Contact /Rinke Zonneveld Datum /

InnovationQuarter Jaarverslag 2017, de TerugblIQ

More collaboration and more implementation strength

Collaboration has been key to the success of InnovationQuarter since its inception in 2014. As the regional development agency for West Holland, InnovationQuarter works to strengthen the innovation eco system by working with companies, knowledge institutions, cluster and delta organisations and incubators, as well as financiers and investors, top sectors and government agencies. The aim is a West Holland ecosystem that helps parties to find each other easily, stimulates cross-pollination between the strong regional clusters, facilitates the growth of innovative firms and attracts foreign companies.

InnovationQuarter was evaluated in mid-2017. The evaluation report concluded: “With the arrival of InnovationQuarter, our implementation strength in terms of structurally strengthening the economy and stimulating innovation has increased considerably, and collaboration in West Holland has grown rapidly.”

More results

InnovationQuarter exceeded its ambitious objectives for 2017 in all areas.

  • InnovationQuarter Business Development achieved 56 business cases and innovation projects with an investment volume of €23 million. InnovationQuarter worked with several hundred companies on these partnerships. These were often trend-setting, cross-sectoral projects focusing on the transition to the ‘next economy’.
  • InnovationQuarter Foreign Investments helped 50 foreign companies to establish themselves, move to or expand in the region. Within three years, these enterprises expect to create 1,204 extra jobs in West Holland and invest an additional €78.4 million. Since InnovationQuarter started out in 2014, the number of foreign companies landing in West Holland has increased by no less than 76% (*), partly due to the joint efforts of our acquisition partners.
  • InnovationQuarter Capital invested in 23 companies during 2017. While IQCapital was responsible for 14 investments, UNIIQ funded the other nine. As a result of these investments, the amount of additional capital attracted to the region was €44.6 million. The companies in the agency’s portfolio expect to create 348 extra jobs over the next three years. What is remarkable is that IQCapital and UNIIQ were the most active investment funds in the Netherlands in 2017. Moreover, ENERGIIQ, the West Holland energy innovation fund, was launched in September 2017.

In addition, InnovationQuarter not only supports entrepreneurs based in the region to achieve their internationalisation ambitions but also serves as the link between the ‘top sector policy’ of the national government and the regional business community. Moreover, InnovationQuarter presents West Holland as a unique delta region, a 24/7 real-life testing ground for promising innovations.

“In everything we do as a regional development agency, we try to maximise our added value. We do this by drawing on the combined strength of various networks, knowledge sources and expertise”, says Rinke Zonneveld, director of InnovationQuarter. “This means we are more than a connector and a catalyst, more than an acquisition agency and more than an investor!”

 

Jaarverslag InnovationQuarter 2017: Meer samenwerking, meer uitvoeringskracht, meer resultaat in Zuid-Holland

Shareholders InnovationQuarter receive the first copy of TerugblIQ, the InnovationQuarter 2017 Annual Report.

Roadmap to the Next Economy

InnovationQuarter’s annual report gives a voice to entrepreneurs who make use of high-impact, leading-edge technologies: business people at the forefront of innovation and for whom collaboration is key for the future.

Rinke Zonneveld: “In light of our ambition to tackle important social issues in fields such as healthcare, security and energy, these are the entrepreneurs we like to help. This enables us to bring the ‘next economy’ closer within our region. This year, InnovationQuarter and our many partners will provide a strong boost in this area by assuming responsibility for launching the Roadmap for the Next Economy.”

* This concerns the projects completed by the regional acquisition agencies Rotterdam Partners, The Hague Busines Agency and InnovationQuarter in collaboration with the NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency).

TerugblIQ – InnovationQuarter 2017 Annual Report

Curious about our results? View the InnovationQuarter 2017 Annual Report below (in Dutch). Would you like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Report? Send an email with your contact details to: communicatie@innovationquarter.nl.

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Contact /Chris van Voorden Datum /

Sterke groei buitenlandse bedrijven in Zuid-Holland / RDM Rotterdam
RDM Rotterdam

Most investments are from China and the United States

Most foreign companies that made a new or expansion investment in West Holland in 2017 came from China (27) and the USA (21). In recent years, the majority of firms investing in the region have come from these two countries.

Chinese companies that have set up business in West Holland include Nuctech (a security company with its European head office in Rotterdam), Astronergy (marketing and sales office for solar panels in Zoetermeer) and ZoneCom (active in the gaming sector, with its European head office in The Hague).

Major names from the US include Cisco (establishment of a local branch in The Hague), Rambus (expansion of its office and activities in Rotterdam) and DXC Technology (new Dutch head office in Rijswijk).

Sterke groei buitenlandse bedrijven in Zuid-Holland / Skyline Den Haag
Skyline Den Haag (© Arjan de Jager)

New countries of origin, new sectors

What is striking about the figures for 2017 is the strong growth in the number of companies from India and South Africa. Eight companies from India and five from South Africa chose West Holland as their base in the Netherlands.

Also noteworthy in recent years has been the growing presence of firms active in the Next Economy. This includes a significant number of young tech companies that have made West Holland their base due to the region’s strong innovation ecosystem. No fewer than 27 of the 115 newly-established foreign firms in 2017 operate in the high-tech and IT sectors, followed by 14 in the maritime/offshore sector, 11 in life sciences & health and 10 in safety & (cyber)security.

Investor Relations programme: 289 companies visited

In addition to attracting new companies, The Hague Business Agency, Rotterdam Partners and InnovationQuarter also actively support foreign firms that have already set up business in the region. This is part of the national Investor Relations programme, which is partly financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Rotterdam The Hague Metropolitan Region (MRDH) and the Province of Zuid-Holland. In 2017, the three acquisition partners visited a total of 289 companies through the programme.

Sterke groei buitenlandse bedrijven in Zuid-Holland / Leiden Bio Science Park
Leiden Bio Science Park (© Hielco Kuipers)

Successful cooperation on acquisition in West Holland

Attracting and retaining foreign investment is of great importance to West Holland and the Netherlands, not least in terms of economic growth and job creation. The 115 international companies supported in 2017, for example, are expecting to create 1,986 new jobs within three years and to secure 366 existing jobs. These companies are jointly investing 543.79 million euros in the region.

The 115 investment projects are the result of a joint effort by the regional agencies Rotterdam Partners, The Hague Business Agency and InnovationQuarter in association with the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), an operational unit of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and strong clusters such as Medical Delta, Maritime Delta and The Hague Security Delta. The acquisition partners have been collaborating closely since 2014, both strategically and in practice, and have achieved great success. Over the last three years, the number of projects implemented in cooperation with the NFIA has risen by no less than 76% (*). Moreover, 31% of all foreign companies that established themselves in the Netherlands during 2017 opted for West Holland, well above the region’s share in the national economy. In 2014, it was 20%.

 

* This concerns the projects completed by Rotterdam Partners, The Hague Business Agency and InnovationQuarter in collaboration with the NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency).