DronePort Rotterdam has appointed Martin Slijkhuis as the inaugural Chairman of its Foundation, a pivotal move to advance its mission in autonomous and unmanned systems. With extensive experience in emerging technologies, Slijkhuis is set to steer the organization toward global impact in defense, infrastructure, and security.
Martin Slijkhuis named first Chairman of DronePort Rotterdam Foundation.
Brings expertise in defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
Will shape governance and strengthen international partnerships.
Supports Europe’s push for digital and strategic autonomy.
Appointment to be formalized at DronePort Connects on June 19, 2025.
Aligns with DroneHorizon 2025 event for autonomous systems innovation.
Martin Slijkhuis assumes the role of Chairman to provide high-level strategic direction for DronePort Rotterdam, aligning with its mission to integrate autonomous and unmanned systems (AUS) across critical domains. “DronePort Rotterdam is uniquely positioned to show how autonomous and unmanned systems can be applied in the real world to strengthen vital infrastructure and operational networks,” stated Martin Slijkhuis. His leadership will focus on enhancing resilience, efficiency, and safety in operational environments.
Slijkhuis’s appointment coincides with Europe’s intensified efforts to bolster strategic and digital autonomy. “Martin brings exactly the kind of leadership DronePort Rotterdam needs at this stage,” said Arthur Dallau, Co-founder and CEO of DronePort Rotterdam. With Rotterdam emerging as a hub for dual-use innovation, Slijkhuis will foster partnerships across government, industry, and research, reinforcing DronePort’s role in advancing technological leadership and infrastructure resilience.
DronePort Rotterdam operates through three strategic pillars: the Innovation Ecosystem, the Centre of Excellence, and the Test and Experience Center. Slijkhuis’s strategic oversight will enhance these pillars, driving the practical deployment of AUS in sectors like defense, logistics, and public safety. His experience in mission-critical technologies will support the foundation’s goal of delivering scalable, real-world solutions.
The formal appointment will occur at DronePort Connects on June 19, 2025, a key stakeholder event. Slijkhuis will also play a prominent role at DroneHorizon 2025, set for September 4-5 in Rotterdam, where global leaders will converge to shape the future of autonomous systems. “I’m proud to contribute to a platform that combines innovation with practical deployment and look forward to connecting with many of you at DroneHorizon 2025,” Slijkhuis added. Additional board and advisory board announcements are expected soon, further strengthening DronePort’s strategic agenda.
DronePort Rotterdam’s appointment of Martin Slijkhuis positions the foundation as a global leader in autonomous systems, driving innovation and collaboration to enhance security and economic growth across Europe and beyond.
DronePort Rotterdam is an innovation ecosystem and strategic connector between government, industry, and research. It accelerates the real-world, multi-domain application of autonomous and uncrewed systems (AUS), dual-use innovations, and related technologies across critical domains and operational environments. Through its three pillars – the Innovation Ecosystem, the Centre of Excellence, and the Test and Experience Center – DronePort Rotterdam bridges strategy and execution to deliver safer, more resilient operations, contributing to national security, economic strength, and European digital and strategic autonomy. Guided by a whole-of-society approach and collaboration, DronePort Rotterdam ensures innovations contribute not only to defense readiness but also to broader civil resilience across sectors.
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