A new defence technology partner within the DronePort ecosystem

With Cronos Defence, DronePort welcomes a new partner to its ecosystem that focuses on technological innovation, knowledge development and practice-oriented applications within the defence domain. Cronos Defence is the strategic platform for the defence sector of De Cronos Group, one of Belgium’s largest IT and technology companies.

With the opening of a new office at DronePort, De Cronos Group and Cronos Defence aim to further develop their collaboration with the campus, companies, partners and stakeholders. Through the Cronos Defence Academy, it also focuses on training and knowledge sharing around technologies such as drones, AI & data and cybersecurity.

Strengthening DronePort as a strategic innovation hub

For DronePort, the collaboration fits within its ambition to further develop the campus as a strategic innovation hub for unmanned aviation, advanced air mobility and dual-use technology. Through the collaboration with Cronos Defence, a strong cross-pollination is created between DronePort’s specialised drone and aviation ecosystem and the broad network of technology companies within De Cronos Group.

In this way, both partners aim to create new opportunities for companies, governments, knowledge institutions and defence partners active within the broad field of drones, security and innovative defence technology.

Bringing technology, expertise and practical applications together

“DronePort aims to be a place where technology, entrepreneurship and operational expertise come together,” says Ward Decaluwé, CEO of DronePort. “The collaboration with Cronos Defence aligns strongly with that ambition. Defence and security are domains in which drone and autonomous technology are becoming increasingly important. By connecting the expertise of Cronos Defence and the broader Cronos network with our ecosystem, we can bring knowledge, market insights and concrete applications closer together.”

Connecting the Cronos network with DronePort’s specialised community

“With Cronos Defence, we want to help organisations use technological innovation in a concrete and applicable way within defence and security,” says Rutger Saelmans, Director Cronos Defence. “DronePort offers a unique environment for this, with companies, infrastructure, aviation expertise and testing opportunities all on one site. Through our presence on the campus, we bring the broad expertise network of De Cronos Group directly into connection with DronePort’s specialised community.”

A first step towards new collaborations

The collaboration may take shape through joint knowledge sharing, training, demonstrations, market development and projects with partners both inside and outside the DronePort ecosystem.

During More Than Drones, DronePort and Cronos Defence will further explain their joint ambitions to the companies, partners and stakeholders in attendance. The event therefore not only serves as an introduction between both networks, but also as a first concrete step towards new collaborations at the intersection of drones, defence, technology and innovation.