DronePort Rotterdam started with Arthur Dallau (INSPIR8ION) and Niels Kalshoven (Port of Rotterdam), who realized there wasn’t a clear strategy to bring autonomous and uncrewed systems into real-world settings. To address this, these two organizations joined forces, connecting technologies across air, land, sea, and space: a concept we call vertical integration.
Understanding that technology alone isn’t enough, Arthur and Niels also focused on horizontal integration, uniting public and private stakeholders across different sectors to create a collaborative layer. This framework ensures that autonomous and uncrewed systems can be deployed safely and effectively in areas such as urban development, defense, logistics, and public safety.
Collaborating with local and international partners, we began efforts to develop infrastructure benefiting the Port and City of Rotterdam, the broader Zuid-Holland region, and beyond. Recognizing the global challenges and opportunities of drones and autonomous and uncrewed systems, we have made DronePort Rotterdam an international hub for innovation.
Now, we work closely with regulatory bodies to ensure our innovations comply with current regulations and help mold future ones, paving the way for secure and scalable growth worldwide. DronePort Rotterdam is where we apply autonomous and uncrewed systems in operational environments to create value, benefiting industries and communities globally through collaborative development.
DronePort Rotterdam advances the development and deployment of autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS) in operational environments by developing a collaborative ecosystem based on multi-domain, multi-stakeholder, and multi-value creation principles. We aim to drive innovation, influence global regulations, develop human capital, and deliver solutions that improve safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability.
By integrating multi-domain applications and dual-use technologies for civil and military applications, we impact sectors such as logistics, maritime, urban development, emergency response, and public safety.
As a global leader in innovation, we aim to integrate AUS across air, land, water, and space, while fostering a skilled workforce equipped to support these advanced technologies. Our vision encompasses:
Collaborate with defense and justice sectors to deploy drones to bolster safety and protection of critical infrastructure.
Develop sustainable business models that contribute to economic prosperity through the deployment of AUS-related solutions.
Reduce dependence on foreign drone-related technologies by investing in local and European solutions.
Strive for circularity and sustainability in all DronePort Rotterdam activities, including the innovations and projects we support.
