Programme

Select a day in the filter to navigate the DroneHorizon and Innovation Dock programmes.

Munish Khurana, DroneHorizon 2025's moderator, will unpack what this event is about and why Europe’s push in autonomous and uncrewed systems matters now more than ever. With his signature energy and insight, he will set the tone for a day where ideas turn into action and collaboration drives the future.

Boudewijn Siemons shares the vision of Rotterdam as a living lab where autonomous and uncrewed systems move from trial to transformation. He will paint a vivid picture of a port where digital systems, logistics, safety, and security seamlessly work together to deliver real impact.

Spotlighting Zuid-Holland’s vibrant innovation economy, from drones to space tech, powers economic transformation and dual-use opportunities in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence. Meindert Stolk will invite all participants to join his journey, to work together with a global collaborative mindset – turning shared ambitions into real-world impact.

In today’s geopolitical climate, ports must work across borders to drive innovation and keep Europe secure and competitive. Leaders from Antwerp-Bruges, Hamburg, and Rotterdam share how they advance AUS innovation, build strong ecosystems, and link local efforts to European ambitions. Together, they show that the future of Europe’s ports depends on aligned strategies, shared knowledge, and joint solutions for a safer, more resilient continent.

Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, shares how the Netherlands is strengthening its role in European security by accelerating drone innovation, from defence applications to dual-use solutions. He emphasises that speed, adaptability, and close cooperation between government, industry, and knowledge institutions are essential to move technology from concept to capability. Highlighting the Port of Rotterdam’s strategic position, he shows how its ecosystem is vital hub in Europe’s secure and resilient innovation chain.

Europe’s subsea cables, pipelines, and port facilities are the backbone of its connectivity, economy, and security – yet they face growing risks from sabotage, espionage, and rising maritime activity. From a European maritime innovation perspective, autonomous and uncrewed systems open new possibilities to monitor, inspect, and protect these critical assets at scale.

Space and satellite technologies are vital to enabling safe, connected, and data-driven operations for autonomous and uncrewed systems across land, sea, and air. From positioning, navigation, and timing to real-time situational awareness, they form the backbone of resilient, cross-domain autonomy.

Dual-use innovation can strengthen both civilian and military capabilities, from protecting ports and critical underwater infrastructure to enabling cross-domain operations. Governance, innovation policy, and scenario-based testing play a key role in turning new technologies into operational readiness.

All over Europe, autonomous and uncrewed systems are transforming operations in domains ranging from smart cities to maritime security. Success depends on interoperability, scalable deployment, and bridging local innovation with international ecosystems, and how to speed up adoption of these technologies across borders.

This workshop highlights: Utilising AI and hybrid data systems to improve navigation safety in complex and high-risk maritime environments. Integrating real-time data, advanced analytics, and adaptive decision-making to prevent incidents and enable faster responses. Presenting practical applications alongside the technical and organisational steps needed for effective adoption.

This workshop delves into: Harnessing next-generation connectivity, 6G, private 5G networks, and satellite links, to enable safe, reliable operations of autonomous and uncrewed systems. Delivering seamless, high-speed, and secure communication for real-time data exchange, remote control, and cross-domain coordination. Sharing deployment strategies, integration solutions, and opportunities to scale autonomy.

What this workshop is about: Building secure, interoperable Drone Data Spaces to unlock the full potential of drone operations across Europe. Defining the frameworks, standards, and governance needed for safe cross-border collaboration. Balancing operational value with security and privacy to create scalable, trusted data ecosystems.

Addressed in this workshop: The urgent need for effective detection and counter-drone capabilities in civil and hybrid settings. Applying technologies, strategies, and legal tools to identify, track, and neutralise threats. Offering real-world insights for deploying scalable systems that protect sensitive and high-risk environments.

The discussion at hand: Aligning ports and cities to create a secure, connected, and efficient “autonomous frontier” for Europe. Deploying autonomous and uncrewed systems to strengthen mobility, logistics, and security across domains and borders. Demonstrating collaborative models that deliver both local impact and European-wide resilience. Discover how drones are transforming the operations of modern ports.
In this session, we will demonstrate:

• flying drones that deliver (petrochemical) samples quickly and safely within the port area,
• aquatic drones that perform detailed inspections above and below the waterline.

Learn how these technologies contribute to greater efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the port operations of tomorrow.

What is explored in this workshop: Equipping the workforce with skills and certifications to meet the demands of autonomous and uncrewed systems. Introducing innovative training pathways, microcredential frameworks, and cross-sector partnerships. Accelerating capability development to ensure a future-ready talent pipeline that supports growth and adoption.

This workshop delves into: Investment and growth opportunities for innovations in autonomous and uncrewed systems. Connecting public–private funding models with national innovation programmes to move from pilot to market. Outlining strategies to attract capital, manage risk, and scale impact across sectors.

Join the discussion: Exploring how autonomous vessel technology, regulation, and operational models are changing maritime transport. Enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability while reshaping global supply chains. Showcasing active pilots, tackling scaling challenges, and building the partnerships needed for mainstream adoption.

Prof. Dr. Paul Timmers delivers a keynote on why Europe must build its own secure digital backbone, from chips and compute to connectivity, to achieve true strategic autonomy. He connects digital sovereignty and responsible AI to the safe, scalable deployment of autonomous and uncrewed systems across Europe. His address shows how a resilient European “strategic stack” protects critical infrastructure while enabling innovation that defines Europe’s future.

Arne Weverling and Vivienne de Leeuw jointly close DroneHorizon 2025, reflecting on the day’s most impactful insights. Together, they connect the discussions to the broader ambitions for sustainable growth, resilience, and competitiveness in Zuid-Holland, the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Europe. 

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