IO+ week: Hackers and soldiers join forces on the battlefield
Every Sunday, our weekly review offers an overview of the most interesting stories around important innovations.
Published on September 21, 2025
As editor-in-chief, Aafke oversees all content and events but loves writing herself. She makes complex topics accessible and tells the stories behind technology.
The current geopolitical situation demands a robust and, above all, innovative defense sector. Recently, our colleague Elcke interviewed Maarten Tobias, co-founder of LiveDrop, during Drinks, Pitches & Demos. His startup has developed a secure offline data transfer system, which is now being used by NATO.
Last week, it was announced that Dutch soldiers sent to the front will be given an extra weapon: hackers. They will attempt to break into poorly secured systems to gather information via webcams or disrupt troop movements, for example, even by manipulating critical infrastructure such as bridges.
The 101 CEMA Battalion is established in Stroe, Gelderland. The unit consists of 225 digital specialists. They can break into poorly secured systems, disrupt radio signals or telephone traffic, or eavesdrop on the enemy. Read the full article about this innovative battalion here.
Carbyon promises to capture the past for a carbon-neutral future
Last week, Bart attended the launch of Carbyon Go: the world's fastest machine for direct air capture. A device that “captures the past for a carbon-neutral future,” according to Hans de Neve, founder and CEO of Carbyon. Each Carbyon Go unit can capture 3,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually, equivalent to the sequestration of 150 trees. Cool, right?
Watt Matters in AI
Our Watt Matters in AI conference is fast approaching! November 26 will focus on the exorbitant energy consumption of AI systems, but above all, what solutions are available to prevent this from getting completely out of hand? We have now secured seven keynote speakers, with whom we are very proud. Tickets are available via Watt Matters in AI.
A podcast every day
We'll keep saying it: every morning at 6:30 a.m. (on weekdays), a new podcast is waiting for you. In it, our AI colleagues Oliver and Shelby discuss the two most interesting topics of the day. This makes the IO+ Daily the ideal way to fill your head with some optimistic news from the world of innovation and technology.
Here’s what else we covered this week:
- The European Alternative: Chatting without US interference: 3 alternatives to Chat GPT
- Kunststoffenbeurs: circular plastic requires courage and scale
- Meet the 8 startups taking the stage at the AI Pitch Competition
- New AI spots disease risks years before symptoms show
- Behind the Figures: Fossil power fills the gap left by the Dutch wind energy drop
- Economic growth: Amsterdam and Eindhoven lead the way
- Collaboration with the construction industry is crucial for academia
- AI that looks beyond your resume
- New leadership at e/MTIC: ‘collaborating even more’
Enjoy your Sunday!
Aafke Eppinga, editor-in-chief at IO+