The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is making more than €15 million available through the KIC program High-Performance Materials for Defense and Security. A total of ten projects have been selected, bringing together consortia of universities, companies, and research institutions to develop new materials for defense applications. The goal is to create materials that are lighter, stronger, and easier to repair. The university announced the funding in a news article on its website.

TU/e as lead applicant

TU/e is serving as the lead applicant for three of the projects. In the Cera-Shield project, researchers are developing armor materials designed to protect against high-speed ballistic threats. The project includes the use of 3D-printing technologies to create stronger and more durable protective layers.

The TactVision project focuses on developing a specialized coating that can project information directly onto a visor or lens without emitting visible light. This technology would allow soldiers to view clear images during operations while remaining undetectable to adversaries.

The third TU/e-led project, VALOR, is aimed at developing lightweight materials that provide both mechanical protection and shielding against electromagnetic radiation. These materials could be used in defense structures as well as electronic systems.

In addition, TU/e is participating as a co-applicant in the Welding Made Easy project, together with partners including Delft University of Technology and the University of Vienna. The project seeks to develop a new method for joining lightweight, high-strength materials, even outside factory settings and without the need for heavy equipment.

Institutional plan

According to TU/e, the projects align with the strategic themes of resilience and security outlined in the university’s new institutional strategy. Other Dutch universities, including the University of Amsterdam and the University of Twente, have also received funding through the program.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor