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Last update 24 June 2026.
Timing: 8.30h - 18.00h
Location: quay 102
Drone Horizon is an international event that brings together European partners to explore how aerial and maritime drones accelerate innovation in port operations. Throughout the event, we present a range of real-life use cases demonstrating how (semi-autonomous and autonomous) drones strengthen logistics processes, drive operational excellence, and enhance safety and security across the port environment. Find out more about the DroneHorizon program on their website.
Timing: 9.00h - 19.00h
Location: Port House by Zaha Hadid
Simultaneously MODI will host a side event on this day at the Port House by Zaha Hadid. MODI is a European cross-border flagship initiative to accelerate the introduction of Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM) solutions to significantly improve logistic chains. Register for the final event here.
Timing: 9.00h - 18.00 h
Location: quay 102
A day full of demonstrations and showcases. What you can expect during this second edition:
- More than 30 real-life demos of autonomous technology in a port context
- Live showcases from start-ups, scale-ups, and R&D projects
- Use cases on interoperability between systems, vehicles, and infrastructure
- Side events such as pitches, panels, and networking opportunities
Timing: 8.30h - 17.30h
Location: De Doelen, Rotterdam
Every end is a new beginning. This event marks the last conference of the MAGPIE and PIONEERS projects, presenting the final lessons, introducing demonstrators, digital tools, and Masterplan for European green ports. Find out more on their website.
Erwin Verstraelen, VP Innovation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, will welcome participants and briefly set the scene for DroneHorizon.
Munish Khurana, Senior Manager Business Development Air & Unmanned Traffic Management for DroneHorizon, will provide an overview of the current state of drone adoption from multiple perspectives, including best practices, industry uptake, regulatory frameworks, key challenges in the current European context.
Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.
- Port of Antwerp-Bruges: From Pilot to Operations: Scaling Drone Logistics Solutions in Complex Industrial Environments
- Port of Antwerp-Bruges: From Tracks to Skies: Scaling Drone Operations for Critical Infrastructure
Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.
- Port of Hamburg: Port Strategy & Future
- Port of Hamburg: Port Security & Protection
Short use cases by the three key ports highlighting how drones are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned.
- Port of Rotterdam: Axon Fusus: Enabling Real-Time Intelligence in the Field
- Port of Rotterdam: Tective Robotics
From the defence perspective, this session addresses the growing role of drones and unmanned systems in security and military operations, exploring the key challenges armed forces face today and the opportunities that drone technology and innovation bring for the future.
Discover how the Netherlands has built a collaborative drone ecosystem to support defence and security partners with scalable drone solutions. By bringing together fragmented expertise, the initiative has created critical mass, strengthened its position in Europe, and unlocked clear economic potential, offering inspiration for other ecosystems looking to do the same.
Complementing the first keynote, this session turns to the maritime domain and examines how USVs are finding their place in operational environments. It will address current applications, enabling conditions, challenges, and developments at European level, before leading into the practical use cases presented by industry.
Three short use cases presented by the three key ports highlighting how USVs are being used operationally in a port context, with a focus on first experiences and lessons learned:
- Port of Antwerp Bruges: Leveraging Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) for Port and Coastal security purposes
- Port of Rotterdam: AquaSmart Xl
Enabling safe & secure, large-scale drone operations in complex port environments
Panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of enabling the safe and secure deployment of drones and USVs in major seaports. What is still needed from a legal, infrastructural, and procedural point of view, as well as the impact of drone-related threats on port continuity? It will also offer insight into their views on timing, scope, and the key barriers to wider implementation.
Connect with end users, technology providers and regulators through live demonstrations, expert insights and networking opportunities designed to spark dialogue and new collaborations.
Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of USVs. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.
Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of UAVs. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice.
Discover the latest innovations as more than 20 technology providers take the stage for a series of fast-paced 3-minute pitches. Each session offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of solutions in record time!
Whether you're looking for new partners or simply want a clear overview of what’s out there, these pitch sessions connect technology providers with a broad audience of potential customers.
What happens when drone technology is pushed to its limits? From critical applications on the ground to futuristic ways of getting around, this keynote will offer a glimpse into what’s already possible... and what’s coming next.
A ceremony to mark the transition towards DroneHorizon '27 and the Port of Hamburg Authority to close the day in style.
Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and technology providers. Exchange ideas, share impressions, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.
Step into the exhibition area where live demonstrations bring technology to life. Explore innovations up close, meet the experts behind the solutions, and start networking with fellow participants in an open and interactive setting.
- Guided tech tours, powered by De Blauwe Cluster (ongoing)
Join a guided deep dive into real-world applications of USVs and drones. Explore concrete use cases, see the technology in action, and gain insights into how these systems are being deployed in practice. - The deep stack of autonomy, deep-dive session powered by Imec & Flanders Make
- Pitching sessions, powered by The Beacon
- Demonstrations & project keynotes, powered by MODI
- EU Testbeds, powered by DG Move
China's Next Miracle: How China flips the innovation model
Get ready for a compelling look at how China is accelerating innovation at scale through AI, data, and tightly connected ecosystems. In this keynote, Pascal Coppens reveals how companies are rethinking innovation itself: moving away from slow, linear planning towards rapid experimentation and real-world scaling at remarkable speed.
He will take you inside a bold long-term vision where ports, factories, and logistics networks are evolving into highly autonomous, intelligent systems. More than a trend overview, this session offers a erspective on where global innovation is heading and what it could mean for anyone shaping the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Wrap up the day by connecting with fellow participants, speakers, and technology providers. Exchange ideas, share impressions, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.