The website states in big letters that Avy makes \u2018drones for good\u2019: technology that is used to help people. Avy develops long-range drones that fly from special docking stations. These stations can be placed almost anywhere and automatically charge the drones. Unlike many other drones, Avy's drones can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and wind. Niels: \u201cThis makes our drones interesting for countries with remote or inhospitable areas. By placing docking stations in strategic locations, a drone is always nearby and much shorter response times can be achieved in emergency situations, for example when transporting medicine or mapping situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe combination of weather-resistant long-range drones and flexibly deployable docking stations also makes our technology suitable for Defence,\u201d says Niels Blij. \u201cBecause our drones can be used for both civilian and military applications, we are a good example of dual-use technology. In our case, this involves, for example, reconnaissance of areas, monitoring infrastructure and supply routes, and transporting medical supplies. We are now in discussions with various parts of the armed forces about the most suitable applications.\u201d<\/p>\n
Niels himself worked for the Army for eight years in a reconnaissance and intelligence unit. During that time, he also served in Uruzgan. \u201cBeing under fire myself, roadside bombs, mortar shelling: it was an intense time,\u201d Niels says. \u201cBecause of my experience, I know what people in uniform need and I speak their language. From that background, I can now bridge the gap between Defence's needs and Avy's technological capabilities. That reawakens my \u2018green heart\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n
For Defence, dual-use innovations are important because they allow them to use technology developed outside the armed forces. This is also very important for the Netherlands: it helps to work faster and smarter on our security. This led, among other things, to the establishment of the Regioteam Defence Noord-Holland, in which Defence, the province, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, companies and ROM InWest work together on dual-use innovations. Within this network there is two-way traffic: issues from Defence can be shared with innovative entrepreneurs who have a possible solution for this and vice versa, entrepreneurs who have an interesting proposition for Defence are assisted in setting up a cooperation.<\/p>\n
Niels chairs the Business Representation Steering Group within the Regio Team. The Regioteam's important role is to get signals from entrepreneurs into Defence and to improve cooperation between entrepreneurs and the armed forces. Niels says: \u201cThe steering committee is the \u201cvoice\u201d of the regional companies towards Defence. Together, we look at opportunities, make valuable connections and build bridges to Defence. And we help companies with potential dual-use technology work to get in touch with Defence faster. Those lines are often too long now. But with the threats in the world, we no longer have that time. We need to invest in technology and cooperation in peacetime so that the infrastructure is ready when needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this role, all of Niels\u201c experience comes together well. After his time in Defence, he ran his own liquor branding business and helped other entrepreneurs. \u201dI bring that entrepreneurial outlook to the steering committee. I want to contribute to a thriving North Holland business community, more cooperation and less dependence on foreign countries. And of course I think it's great to be able to serve the men and women at Defence in this way.\"<\/p>\n