Four SMEs in marine defence selected for funding
Earlier this year, the partners in the LEVIATAD project launched a second call for SMEs with ambitions in navel defence. The selection process has resulted in the selection of 4 Belgian SMEs whose goals and ambitions are well in line with LEVIATAD's investment priorities. These priorities include:
- development of autonomous ships and drones;
- communication and cybersecurity improvements;
- on-board equipment optimisation;
- predictive maintenance;
- weapon systems improvement;
- decarbonisation of ships.
The selected SMEs will receive support from the LEVIATAD programme to develop their innovative projects and to enter into international partnerships with other participating organisations. This funding not only provides a boost for growth and development within naval defence, but also lays the foundation for strong cooperation between companies from different countries, aimed at strengthening European naval capabilities.
Curious about which companies have been selected and what they plan to do? Read more below.
Selected companies
Capyx
Who are they?
Capyx is a service provider and consultancy firm that supports companies in the transition to new IT systems and helps them use their data more efficiently.
Recognises that many companies are dependent on their current software, Capyx focuses not only on replacement, but also on modernisation and optimisation of existing systems.
What are they planning?
Capyx’s SBOM project provides a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), a detailed inventory of software components that is crucial for compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act. This technology helps companies in the maritime defense sector and their supply chain to identify vulnerabilities, manage cyber threats and comply with international regulations.
SBOMs not only promote security and compliance, but also improve operational efficiency by facilitating maintenance and extending the lifespan of systems.
This project contributes to transparency and strengthens the market position and reliability of companies in the sector, making them more attractive for international cooperation and expansion.
Lelieur
Who are they?
Lelieur BV develops systems to process live AIS ship signals and very high-resolution satellite images to provide a coherent picture of ship activities.
The company aims to facilitate the exchange of ship and drone information in near real-time, giving government agencies a better view of what is happening at sea and allowing them to deploy targeted patrols and take measures.
What are they planning?
In the RFDirFind project, Lelieur aims to improve maritime surveillance by deploying a combination of drones and aircraft equipped with technology that can determine the direction of the source of a radio signal
The goal is to detect and locate signals at sea, which is essential for monitoring our borders and conducting search and rescue operations.
By using affordable technologies and efficient aircraft, Lelieur hopes to strengthen security at sea.
Syba Europa
Who are they?
Syba Europe is a dynamic start-up that not only makes the world of remote workers safer, but also helps families and individuals protect their digital lives both at home and on the move.
The company offers a complete solution for digital security, including unlimited access to a cyber helpdesk and robust cyber insurance that covers all damages when necessary.
What are they planning?
Syba Europe is developing Symp-AI, an app to strengthen the cybersecurity of employees in the maritime defense sector. The app is mainly aimed at employees who work remotely.
The app performs a security check on the WiFi connections of home networks before employees connect to the corporate network, and scans all devices connected to the same network.
In addition, the app raises the alarm when potential threats are detected and integrates AI analysis to identify anomalies in network behavior and signal suspicious activities.
The innovative app is a powerful tool for a safe and reliable working environment and strengthens Europe's presence in the international cybersecurity sector.
Valcun
Who are they?
ValCun inc is a young technology company from Ghent that develops revolutionary technology in the field of 3D printing with metal. The aim is to make 3D printing with metal possible quickly and affordably for mass production.
ValCun is happy to help you produce the parts that your company needs. The company strives to do this in the most economical, fastest and most energy-efficient way.
What are they planning?
In the ADMIRAL project, ValCun introduces metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) for use at sea and in remote areas. With their patented technology, they print with metal wires instead of traditional powders, which significantly reduces energy consumption and makes material use more efficient.
This technology enables on-demand production without having to build up large inventories and reduces the ecological footprint through material and energy efficiency. The project investigates applications on naval vessels, which can speed up repairs and maintenance on site.
About LEVIATAD
The LEVIATAD project, which stands for “Level 1 Accelerator for Defence Sector”, aims to establish the first Eurocluster in the field of naval defence. The activities carried out within LEVIATAD will strengthen Europe’s position in the defence value chain, support resilience by stimulating innovation processes, and help SMEs join forces and better collaborate with both large public and private groups in European and international markets.