Wallonia is positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s fast-growing cybersecurity ecosystem. The Region combines advanced digital infrastructure, strong academic expertise and a dynamic network of innovative companies, enabling it to create an environment conducive to the development of businesses active in cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is a strategic priority in Wallonia, as defined in the regional digital strategy, Digital Wallonia. Companies benefit from the support of dedicated clusters such as Cyberwal, which connects industry, academia and public authorities to foster innovation and collaboration.

Within the cybersecurity landscape, one of the Region’s standout players is the Galaxia Business Park, Belgium’s first hub dedicated to space and cybersecurity. Key facilities at the park include the Euro Space Center and the GALILEO ILS Centre, which supports the European satellite navigation programme. The park also hosts the European Space Agency’s ESEC educational centre, fostering collaboration between industry and academia. Galaxia is a strategic asset for Wallonia. The objective is to turn it into a genuine European cyber hub.

Potential of the Walloon ecosystem

The export potential of Wallonia’s cybersecurity ecosystem lies primarily in cyber solutions applied to space, defence, data and industry. Representative companies and organisations within this dynamic ecosystem include Nexova/Soprasteria, Approach Cyber, Thales Cyber, Shield Ai, Starion,  BEBLUE Cryotech SA, Aerospacelab, Mecasoft, Cyber Security Coalition, the AdN (Walloon Digital Agency) and the GIWAS group.

Walloon companies, for their part, are looking for solution providers in the fields of healthcare, public institutions, Industry 5.0 and Defence/Space.

International buyers’ invitation

The Wallonia Export and  Investment Agency (AWEX) organised a three-day international buyers’ invitation in Wallonia dedicated to cybersecurity applied to defence. It was an opportunity for a delegation of both Walloon and foreign companies from the sector to network, exchange ideas and present solutions. The programme included various site visits, notably to Thales Belgium in Tubize and BEBLUE Cryotech SA in Sart-Tilman, next to the University of Liège, as well as a series of B2B meetings and numerous networking opportunities. Companies from Canada (Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and Maritime Launch), Italy (Alpha Impulsion), France (Delair, Phosporus Technologies), Germany (Deharde), the United Kingdom (The Cyber Escape Room Co. | Cyber Engagement, Culture & Awareness) and Europe (European Corporate Security Association ECSA) were thus able to gain a better understanding of the strengths and assets of Walloon companies.

Fabio Mauro, Director of the Sectoral Department of AWEX, said: “We are pleased to bring together innovative companies and specialised players who help strengthen organisations’ security in the face of constantly evolving threats. This event is an excellent opportunity to share experiences, discover new solutions, identify collaborations and develop lasting partnerships.”

A few examples of promising Walloon players in the sector: Varden Security was founded in Wallonia just one year ago and specialises in offensive security (intrusions, company vulnerabilities), as well as in a platform that increases companies’ visibility over their own vulnerabilities. The company will launch its product very soon. “By taking part in this buyers’ invitation, we want to test our product against the existing market and refine it in this way, even before its launch,” explains Stéphane Pochet.

Soprasteria, a major European IT player, recently acquired the Walloon company Nexova, a key player in cybersecurity. Together, the group aims to become a benchmark in the fields of space and defence. “We are attending this event to stay aligned with the local market, while keeping an eye on future partnership opportunities,” says Karim Nazer Nessim, Cybersecurity Director.

Thales Belgium has developed market-ready cybersecurity and defence solutions, notably through the Belgian Ministry of Defence. “But these solutions can also be exported,” adds Stéphanie Tonneau, “for example our cryptography solutions (encryptors) and our embedded cyber-surveillance system. We have also developed a military cyberlab and are looking for international partners with whom to collaborate on this project.”

The GIWAS group, which represents 80 members of the aerospace sector in Wallonia, took part in the event to raise the visibility of its sector and inform international delegations about its activities, in particular the group’s cyber training programmes and its solution-oriented consulting services, which address cross-cutting challenges faced by the industry.

BeBlue specialises in cryogenic and hydrogen testing solutions. The Canadians from Maritime Launch and the Italians from Alpha Impulsion, active in rocket engines, visited the company’s facilities near the University of Liège.

Finally, IDELUX, the intermunicipal organisation located in the province of Luxembourg, is currently looking for partners to develop its cyber and educational economic activities (training) around its cyber-space hub in Transinne, with a strong focus on innovation and defence.

In short: why invest in the cybersecurity sector in Wallonia?

• The cybersecurity cluster is growing rapidly, anchored by CyberWal.
• The Region benefits from a strong research ecosystem in the fields of digital trust, AI and data protection.
• Generous financial incentives are available for R&D and innovation.
• The Region’s strategic location at the heart of Europe, with easy access to major markets and close proximity to the European Union, NATO and the European Defence Agency.
• A collaborative environment has been created, promoting openness, innovation and security.