The BHoC is the first implementation of the Mission Security Action Plan that was presented earlier this year to better protect Brabant companies and institutions against digital threats.
Cyberattacks are increasing rapidly and affect everything that is digitally connected: from smart machines and chips in cars to medical equipment and power plants. Such incidents cost companies billions worldwide and can halt production, result in job losses, and hinder innovation.
“But cybersecurity can actually be an accelerator,” says Deputy Martijn van Gruijthuijsen (Economy, Knowledge, and Talent Development). “Technology in a secure environment gives companies the confidence to innovate faster. With these steps, Brabant shows that we are not waiting but leading the way.”
Digital security is a basic requirement for strong companies and international collaboration. “With the Brabant House of Cyber, we ensure that Brabant companies are not only safe but also have a strong position in technology that makes a difference worldwide.”
Innovation, talent, and resilience
The BHoC combines innovation, talent development, and resilience. The innovation coalition thus focuses on the development of new security technologies, training programs that prepare more people for cybersecurity, and solutions that are easily applicable to many companies and chains to make them digitally safer.
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The collaboration is guided by a program office that directs all projects. Within the Innovation theme, work is being done on a program for new technologies that make products safe from the design stage. We call this security-by-design, and it significantly reduces the chance of malfunctions and sabotage. This is beneficial for companies and for the people of Brabant: it prevents production shutdowns, protects jobs, and ensures reliable technology.
The Talent theme works on continuous, modular learning pathways for education and business that can also be used for retraining and reskilling. This approach is unique in the Netherlands. The Resilience theme focuses on practical, scalable solutions that demonstrably enhance the safety of companies and supply chains.
Collaboration
The content leaders of the BHoC currently include the Brabant Development Agency (BOM), TNO, Avans, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and the Cyber Resilience Center (CWB).
The entire regional education field – from vocational to higher education and universities – is involved. In addition to the aforementioned institutions, Smart Makers Academy, Summa College, Koning Willem I College, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Jheronimus Academy of Data Science (JADS), and Tilburg University are participating.
The business sector is also strongly represented. High-tech and cybersecurity companies such as ASML, NXP, VDL, Signify, Neways, NTS, KMWE, Vencomatic Group, DAF/Paccar, Heijmans, Bosch, Philips, Simac, ESET, Compumatica, Emproof, Schuberg Philis, MindYourPass, and S2Grupo actively contribute.
In addition to the province and BOM, regional partners are involved, such as Brainport Development, Mindlabs, the Municipality of Eindhoven, Police, and the Regional Office for Integrated Safety. Nationally, there is collaboration with relevant ministries and important (cybersecurity) clusters such as Security Delta (HSD), CVD, and Digital Holland.
