GA-ASI is investing in six Dutch technology companies
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is investing in six Dutch technology companies through the Blue Magic Netherlands programme. Among the selected companies are two firms from the Brainport region: Touchwaves and Emproof. The investments follow the most recent edition of Blue Magic Netherlands in November 2025 at Avular in Eindhoven, where start-ups and scale-ups presented their technology to experts and decision-makers from GA-ASI.
From pitch to collaboration
Blue Magic Netherlands connects innovative Dutch companies with international industry partners. During the event, participants had the opportunity to present their technology directly to GA-ASI, a global leader in unmanned aerial systems.
Following technical evaluations, GA-ASI selected six companies for investment and further collaboration: OPT/NET, Vaeridion, Touchwaves, FDCL Defence, Vydar and Emproof.
Two Brainport companies selected
Touchwaves develops haptic technology that conveys information to pilots and operators via touch. The technology can help to reduce cognitive load and enhance situational awareness in complex operational environments. GA-ASI is investigating how this solution can be applied within remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Emproof focuses on protecting embedded software against theft, reverse engineering and manipulation. The technology makes it possible to secure software without modifying the underlying source code. With the growth of autonomous systems and software-driven platforms, the importance of such security solutions is rapidly increasing.
See also: https://ioplus.nl/nl/posts/europas-drones-beschermen-tegen-diefstal-kraken-en-kopiren
Innovation from the region
The selection of Touchwaves and Emproof demonstrates that technologies from the Brainport region are making their mark internationally. Both companies are developing solutions to challenges that are becoming increasingly important within the aviation, defence and high-tech sectors: secure software, reliable autonomous systems and effective collaboration between people and technology.
The fact that these two companies in particular have been selected underlines the quality of the innovations being developed in the region. It also demonstrates how entrepreneurs, research institutions and international partners are able to come together around new technological applications.
Next step
For Touchwaves and Emproof, the partnership with GA-ASI means access to international expertise, application knowledge and new growth opportunities. For GA-ASI, the programme offers access to innovative technologies that can contribute to future platforms and applications.
With six new investments, Blue Magic Netherlands once again confirms its role as a springboard for Dutch technology companies ready to take the next step in their development.
Save the date: the next Blue Magic Netherlands event is scheduled for 17 November 2026. For more information on how to register, follow us at: linkedin.com/company/bits-brainport-innovation-and-technology-for-security