The KVMO innovation prize 2026
The Royal Association of Naval Officers (KVMO), in collaboration with KIVI Defence and Security, the Royal Navy and the Defence Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), annually awards a prize to an individual for the most promising idea or plan for a maritime-military innovation. It is about the most realistic and useful idea for a technological innovation that is or can be of interest to the Royal Navy and if possible for wider Defence applications
Examples of technology areas are: smart materials, platform design, propulsion or energy generation and transition, sensors (including space), weapon systems, (satellite) communication systems, drones (including UAV, USV, UUV) Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, etc,
The proposal must be new and unique, but a new application of a technology used for other purposes is allowed. The level of elaboration and potential for wider military application will count in the jury's assessment.
For the level of elaboration, consider a detailed and realistically justified idea, a project proposal, a prototype or a production-ready model. If possible, complete with a cost estimate.
In addition, the jury will judge the entries on originality, quick applicability, degree of operational usefulness, possibilities to involve Dutch industry and the degree of multidisciplinarity.
The freely spendable cash prize of €2,000 will be awarded for the first time at the annual Kooy symposium on 8 April 2026 in the auditorium of the General Major Koot Barracks in Stroe under the programme item 'KVMO innovation prize'.
Applications can be submitted until 1 March 2026. Submit your proposal via dv@kivi.nl
Illustration: AI generated (© KIVI DV - JW/MW)
