DronePort Rotterdam Foundation Welcomes Martin Slijkhuis as First Chairman

Martin Slijkhuis Takes the Helm at DronePort Rotterdam

The DronePort Rotterdam Foundation has officially appointed Martin Slijkhuis as its inaugural chairman, marking a significant milestone in the organization's journey. With a notable history of integrating emerging technologies into defense and infrastructure sectors, Slijkhuis promises to bring strategic insight and innovative leadership to the Foundation.

In his new role, Martin Slijkhuis is expected to steer high-level strategic decisions, ensuring that all activities align with DronePort Rotterdam's core mission. He will be a vital representative liaising with stakeholders from government, industry, and research. Collaborating closely with CEO Arthur Dallau and the organization’s team, Slijkhuis aims to strengthen governance, fortify international partnerships, and emphasize the foundation's dedication to applying autonomous and unmanned systems in practical scenarios.

Slijkhuis's experience spans various sectors where he has significantly contributed to implementing mission-critical technologies in challenging environments, enhancing the safety and efficiency of essential infrastructures. His appointment is particularly timely, as Europe seeks to reinforce its strategic and digital sovereignty. Rotterdam is swiftly emerging as a pivotal hub for dual-use innovations, and the mission of DronePort Rotterdam aligns seamlessly with European ambitions surrounding resilient infrastructures and technological leadership.

Under Slijkhuis's guidance, the Foundation aspires to fortify its three strategic pillars: the Innovation Ecosystem, the Centre of Excellence, and the Test and Experience Center. He emphasized the unique potential of DronePort Rotterdam to demonstrate real-world applications of autonomous and unmanned systems that bolster vital infrastructure and operational networks. “I’m proud to contribute to a platform that fuses innovation with practical deployment,” Slijkhuis stated, expressing his enthusiasm for engaging with stakeholders at the upcoming DroneHorizon 2025 event scheduled for September 4th and 5th in Rotterdam.

This leadership change builds on the recent momentum surrounding DronePort Rotterdam, following key international agreements and infrastructural advancements. The Foundation is also gearing up for the highly anticipated DroneHorizon 2025, which aims to unite the industry, government, and research leaders to forge new paths for digital and strategic autonomy.

“Martin brings precisely the type of leadership that DronePort Rotterdam needs at this juncture,” commented Arthur Dallau, Co-founder and CEO of DronePort Rotterdam. “His ambitious vision, strategic thinking, and results-oriented approach are complemented by his rare ability to connect various ecosystems, technologies, infrastructure, policies, and talent. With Martin at the helm, we are not merely establishing the DronePort Rotterdam Foundation; we are positioning it as a credible, globally connected entity that will shape the future of autonomy.”

Martins's formal inauguration as chairman will take place during the DronePort Connects event on June 19, 2025, where partners and stakeholders will convene. Upcoming announcements will introduce additional board members and the Advisory Board, composed of influential figures in technology, infrastructure, and governance, to further refine the foundation's strategic agenda.

For those interested in learning more about DronePort Rotterdam and their initiatives, visit www.droneportrotterdam.com and www.dronehorizon.org.

About DronePort Rotterdam

DronePort Rotterdam serves as an innovative ecosystem strategically connecting government, industry, and research. The Foundation accelerates the application of autonomous and uncrewed systems across critical sectors, enhancing national security and contributing to European digital sovereignty. Its strategic pillars ensure that innovations bolster not only defense readiness but also civil resilience across various sectors, promoting a collaborative, whole-of-society approach.