Starburst and WSL strengthen international defence dual-use technologies through unique Franco-Belgian collaboration

Liege, 17 December 2024 – Starburst, the unique and global Aero, Space and Defense expert, leader in France, and WSL, Belgium’s internationally renowned techno-entrepreneurial support organisation, sign a strategic cooperation agreement. Both are Strategic Accelerators within NATO’s international programme DIANA (Accelerator for the North Atlantic). They will strengthen the European and NATO defence start-up ecosystem, in particular for dual-use technologies, through a unique Franco-Belgian collaboration.

Starburst and WSL, two strategic accelerators of NATO’s international DIANA programme, have announced a strategic collaboration. This agreement aims to enhance the growth trajectory of dual-use start-ups, but also to ensure that Europe maintains its competitive edge in the global defence technology landscape.

International defence programmes such as DIANA are based on the principle of ‘dual use’. In concrete terms, they support the development of high-potential innovative start-ups to create technologies that serve both military and civilian markets. The aim is to accelerate the progress of cutting-edge defence solutions that contribute to NATO and EU defence objectives.

This unique Franco-Belgian partnership will combine the expertise, networks and resources of both organisations. It aims to stimulate cross-border cooperation, leverage key technologies and knowledge developed in Europe, and provide comprehensive support to start-ups specialising in dual-use technologies, in areas such as cyber defence, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced manufacturing.

“This partnership is a major step towards strengthening the defence innovation ecosystem in Europe”, explains François Chopard, CEO of Starburst. “It ensures that the most promising startups have access to the mentorship, funding, and strategic partnerships they need to succeed on a global scale.”

“The partnership with Starburst fits perfectly into our vision of consolidating the international defence technology sector,” concludes Agnès Flémal, CEO of WSL. “Many Belgian and European start-ups will benefit from the extended framework and new synergies to develop their full potential.”

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About Starburst

Founded in 2012, Starburst is an innovation catalyst in the global Aerospace and Defence (A&D) industry. Combining three complementary activities–startup accelerators, strategy consulting, and venture investments–they help A&D stakeholders innovate, navigate and invest in the dynamic ecosystem. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Munich, Singapore, Seoul, Tel Aviv, Madrid, and Washington D.C., the team has built a robust community with 60+ partners and a portfolio of 140+ startups. Starburst’s leading Flagship Accelerator program helps startups scale their business in aviation, space, and defence, as well as enabling technologies, with access to one of the largest groups of corporate representatives, government stakeholders, and private investors in the world to help startups win their first contracts. More information about Starburst can be found at www.starburst.aero.

About WSL

Founded in 2000, WSL is a hybrid accelerator and incubator specialising in deep-tech start-up projects. Active in Belgium and internationally, WSL supports researchers and innovators from start-up through to expansion, maximising their chances of success in Wallonia. More information about WSL can be found at www.wsl.be.

Media Contact:

Cécile Josse – Starburst : cecile@starburst.aero
Catherine Haquenne – WSL : ch@gosselindewalque.com

Photo: Michel Houet