PwC Belgium helps 13 start/scale-ups in defence and resilience tech to grow
17 April 2025
Brussels – 17th of April 2025 – PwC Belgium kicks off its Scale Programme for Defence and Resilience Tech, supporting 13 starting companies from 6 European countries in their growth. For the 6th year in a row, PwC Belgium’s Scale programme will accelerate growth for the participating startups and scale-ups through an intensive scaling crash course of 8 weeks. In the light of geopolitical evolutions and rising interest in the defence industry, focus is on resilience and dual-use solutions in this year's edition. The companies, working in various areas such as (data) security, maritime exploration, drone technology, etc. will be guided and supported thoroughly to enhance their business plans and pitch their company to a selected group of industry leaders and experts.
Defence and resilience
In its 2025 Scale programme, PwC Belgium supports start-ups and scale-ups in the defence and resilience sector in achieving their growth objectives. As the defence sector evolves rapidly, it is not easy for young companies to keep an overview. With its knowledge and experience in the sector, PwC Belgium guides the participating companies through this highly regulated and constantly changing environment. The programme provides participants with essential tools to address scaling challenges and facilitates connections with key stakeholders and corporates within the defence and resilience ecosystem.
Promising participants
After an in-depth preselection and screening among 700 companies, 13 start-ups and scale-ups were chosen. Only companies aiming to market products with dual-use applications —meaning for both defence and non-defence use — were eligible. Companies from all over Europe were invited to apply. This year, six Belgian scale-ups have been selected to participate in the programme, namely:
- Hozint: AI powered situational awareness monitoring platform, assisting organisations in staying informed about significant events and disruptions (Brussels)
- MAHI: Maritime autonomy solutions for manned and unmanned vessels to increase operational efficiency and safety at sea. (Sint-Katelijne-Waver)
- ZyGo: Smart Robotics and Data Insights, boosting organisational productivity by automating tasks that are dangerous, difficult, monotonous, or data-deficient (Zonnebeke)
- NineID: Workforce & contractor compliance solution, allowing organisations to centralise all necessary data of visitors, employees and contractors in a privacy compliant application (Ghent)
- Azumuta: AI driven platform for the manufacturing industry, empowering frontline workers to improve operational efficiency and quality on the shop floor (Ghent)
- Syba: AI cybersecurity solution for strengthened digital resilience, focusing on proactive threat detection, real-time monitoring, and intuitive risk management tools (Bruges)
Additionally, PwC Belgium is demonstrating its ongoing support for Ukrainian entrepreneurs by supporting:
- Dropla: A de-mining solution powered by robotics and AI, enhances the detection of landmines leading to safer and efficient humanitarian, logistics and defence operations
- HIMERA: Universal communication system for use in civil protection and emergency situations, ensuring dependable connectivity in challenging environments
Furthermore, other participants, located in various European countries, include:
- Point Zenith: Software-as-a-service providing an end-to-end platform for both drone manufacturers and drone operators to manage safety, compliance and operations (United Kingdom)
- Airial UAS: Uncrewed aircraft systems designed for complex industrial applications, built to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring maximum mission readiness in any environment (Germany)
- Avy Drones: Self-flying aircraft including the Drone-in-a-Box system, renowned for its speed and used in humanitarian, life-saving and professional applications (the Netherlands)
- Foviatech: AI-based digital twin to boost efficiency, accuracy and customer experience, helping companies integrate AI product suites (Germany)
- Resquant: Protects data against future threats with post-quantum hardware encryption, ensuring advanced, quantum-safe protection (Poland)
The selected participants have developed innovative dual-use technologies, meaning that the application areas cover both civilian and military applications as well as other industries such as manufacturing, logistics and the maritime sector to name a few. In addition to providing opportunities for sales optimisation and access to PwC's expertise via masterclasses and sparring sessions, the programme offers options for further investment and expanding participants' networks.
Steven De Bruyn, Aerospace & Defence Partner at PwC Belgium, states: “The aerospace & defence industry has significant growth potential and there is a strong need for innovation. But it's not always easy for young companies to navigate today’s highly regulated environment. With our Scale programme, we help start-ups find their way and support the integration of cutting-edge technologies into the aerospace & defence industry. By bridging the gap between companies eager to grow and the defence sector, we create a safer world for everyone and support the protection of our common values.”
Patrick Boone, Chairman PwC Belgium adds: "Standing on the sidelines is no longer an option. With our rich legacy and thriving ecosystem in research and development, Belgium is uniquely positioned to take the lead. Embracing this responsibility, we will be able to amplify our role as a beacon of scientific advancement and collaboration, ensuring that our contributions not only strengthen Europe's standing but also forge new pathways.”
During the kick-off event, participants will meet each other and the programme team, learn about industry-shaping trends, and embark on their journey together. Two months later, during the Innovation Day in June, participants will have the opportunity to present their solutions to a select group of leading defence and resilience players in the industry.
About PwC Belgium’s Scale programme
PwC Belgium has been running its own accelerator programme, called Scale, for the past six years. Each edition is tailored to address a particular industry or technology, featuring notable success stories in sectors such as life sciences, agrifood and sustainable manufacturing. The programme exclusively selects European startups with a proven track record which are looking to scale their operations up to international level.
This industry-focused approach allows PwC Belgium to customise the content of the masterclasses to effectively address the typical challenges faced by fast-growing companies. Relevant corporates and industry players are invited to meet the startups during the Innovation Day, facilitating potential collaborations. Since its first edition, Scale has evolved into a community of over 100 alumni in Belgium and has facilitated connections with more than 500 corporates. This initiative has successfully fostered collaborations between startups, clients and PwC Belgium.