Evolve DualTech is an innovation and commercialisation programme focused on dual-use technologies, those with applications in both civilian and defence/security sectors. It is delivered by Verhaert Strategic Innovation, a leading European organisation supporting Deep Tech innovation from research to market.
Through an intensive hybrid format, the programme helps researchers validate their dual-use concepts, understand market entry strategies, and prepare for early-stage investment and strategic partnerships. Leveraging Verhaert’s proven methodology, participants gain a structured pathway to explore IP valorisation, navigate dual-use compliance, and define viable commercial pathways for frontier technologies.
Is This for You?
This programme is designed for researchers who are:
- Affiliated with a University or Research Organisation in the European Union, or in a Horizon Europe associated country;
- Working on Deep Tech or frontier technologies with potential civil and security applications. Relevant research fields include, but are not limited to, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, AI & Machine Learning, Quantum Technologies, Aerospace, Cybersecurity, Advanced Materials, Data Science & Geoinformatics, Secure Communications, Navigation Technologies.
- Looking to uncover the market or societal potential of their research
Applications are open to researchers and academic staff at any career stage, though the programme is particularly suited to early-career researchers (i.e. PhD, Post-Doc). MSc students may also apply, provided they are actively involved in a research project with clear market relevance.
You do not need a full business plan or team to apply – just a research project, or early-stage innovation with potential. We will help you take the next steps.
How the Programme Works
The Evolve DualTech Programme combines a 7-week interactive online experience, followed by a hands-on in-person bootcamp in Brussels.
Online Learning (7 weeks) – Participants join weekly expert-led sessions and access Verhaert’s online training platform
- Week 1 – Dual-Use Fundamentals & Strategic Imperatives: Introduction to the dual-use technology landscape, exploring its unique opportunities and inherent challenges. Understanding the global and strategic imperatives driving dual-use innovation, including economic, security, and societal impacts.
- Week 2 – Ideation & Concept Development with a Dual-Use Lens: Techniques for generating innovative ideas that possess inherent dual-use potential. Methodologies for refining initial ideas into well-defined dual-use concepts.
- Week 3 – Market Validation & Early Regulatory/Ethical Foundations: Conducting comprehensive market analysis to validate dual-use concepts for both civilian and defence sectors. Introduction to the critical regulatory and ethical considerations in dual-use technology development, setting the groundwork for compliance.
- Week 4 – Product Definition & Prototyping: Translating validated concepts into tangible product definitions. Hands-on sessions on prototyping and minimum viable product (MVP) development for dual-use applications.
- Week 5 – Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy & Dual-Use Compliance: Developing robust intellectual property strategies in the dual-use context, including patenting and licensing. Deep dive into navigating specific compliance requirements and ethical frameworks relevant to defence and civilian applications.
- Week 6 – Business Model Innovation & Go-to-Market Strategy: Designing sustainable and scalable business models tailored for dual-use ventures. Analysis of value chains, identification of diverse revenue streams, and crafting effective go-to-market strategies for dual-use technologies.
- Week 7 – Pitching for Dual-Use Ventures, Building Strategic Partnerships, and Accessing Funding: Advanced training in pitching dual-use technologies to diverse audiences, including investors and governmental bodies. Strategies for building impactful relationships and networking with potential partners and investors in both civilian and defence ecosystems. Exploring pathways and opportunities for securing funding for dual-use ventures.
Mentoring – Throughout the online phase, participants receive tailored guidance from Verhaert’s experienced team of innovation consultants and guest mentors.
The time commitment during the 7-week online phase is ~3-4 hours/week.
In-Person Bootcamp (3 days, Brussels)
The final phase brings all participants together for expert-led sessions, collaborative group work, networking, pitch training and a live showcase to mentors, partners, and stakeholders. Key topics covered include:
- How to validate the technical readiness and dual-use applicability of frontier technologies, while navigating their specific regulatory landscapes and preparing for future compliance and IP protection.
- Developing tailored business models and go-to-market strategies for highly specialised civil and security markets
- Understanding early-stage funding mechanisms for frontier technologies.
- Refining the investment case for deep-tech dual-use ventures, mastering pitching to specialised investors, and defining clear next steps for securing funding and entering incubation.
What You Will Gain
Throughout the programme, you will learn about:
- Understanding how your technology makes a difference and how to transfer it into a compelling value proposition
- How to identify and develop the commercial potential of your research, including IP valorisation, licensing opportunities, and industry engagement strategies.
- How to design viable business models and communicate innovation to investors and prospective partners.
- How to navigate the early steps of research commercialisation, from understanding funding pathways to preparing for market entry.
