Fincantieri, a global leader in in the construction of advanced technology ships, announced, in the presence of the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, the opening of its Innovation Antenna at the Mind the Bridge Innovation Center in San Francisco. This strategic move strengthens the company’s positioning within the world’s most advanced technology ecosystem, with the aim of exploring new trends and developing innovative solutions with a focus on Dual-Use technologies, i.e. solutions applicable in both civilian and military sector. The development areas mainly focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, automation, and robotics, sectors where the convergence between civilian and military applications is particularly prominent.
In collaboration with Mind the Bridge and supported by Crunchbase, Fincantieri has presented the report “Dual-use technologies: going beyond the dual-use divide“, a groundbreaking study that offers a deep mapping of this rapidly expanding sector.
The report, which analyzed over 60,000 startups across NATO and allied countries, revealed that approximately 25% (15,260) of these startups are developing Dual-Use technologies. Of these, 170 are already active in the military sector, while another 715, initially focused on civilian solutions, have pivoted towards defense. Currently, only 5% of Dual-Use startups have implemented technologies for both sectors, highlighting significant untapped potential. The report also notes that in countries like Israel, the conversion rates from civilian to military applications exceed 60%, a trend that could be mirrored in other regions.
“The defense industry is deeply rooted in our DNA,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri. “Fincantieri is one of the few remaining innovation hubs in heavy industry in Italy. We have maintained our global leadership thanks to our ability to integrate complex technologies, from cruise ships to military units. For us, defense is not only a tradition but also a constant area of innovation. Through the development of Dual-Use technologies, we can create solutions that address both civilian and military challenges. This allows us to anticipate the needs of both sectors and evolve our offerings. In today’s uncertain geopolitical landscape, the ability to navigate between these two worlds becomes a strategic asset for both industry and the country.”
According to Alberto Onetti, Chairman of Mind the Bridge, “Since 2021, we have witnessed a radical shift in how venture capital approaches Defense Tech startups. While investments were limited in the past, today we are seeing a real boom, with billions of dollars being mobilized every year, driven by programs such as those from NATO and leading investors like Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst and Y Combinator.”
The opening of the San Francisco Innovation Antenna marks a new chapter in Fincantieri’s Open Innovation strategy, reinforcing its commitment to integrating civilian and military technologies. The goal is clear: to create an ecosystem where innovation and collaboration can thrive, accelerating the adoption of Dual-Use solutions and supporting both digital and energy transitions. In this context, Fincantieri positions itself as an enabler of change, ready to lead the way toward sustainable growth for the future of global industry.
