DroneMatrix Relaunches Under Belgian-Norwegian Partnership, Secures New Critical Infrastructure Client

After a period of transformation, DroneMatrix is entering a new chapter with a renewed focus and ownership structure. Originally founded in Belgium, the company recently restructured following the financial collapse of its former parent company, Nordic Unmanned. Despite these challenges, DroneMatrix maintained operations and client trust, and now moves forward with a hybrid Belgian-Norwegian shareholder base.

The Vanwelkenhuyzen family, which founded DroneMatrix in 2015, has reacquired a 30% stake in the company. The remaining 70% is now held by a group of Norwegian investors, including former Nordic Unmanned co-founder Knut Roar Wiig. Through a combination of debt conversion and new capital injection totaling €1 million, DroneMatrix is well-positioned to scale up its production activities.

DroneMatrix continues to deliver mission-critical services for key infrastructure operators such as the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Infrabel. Most recently, the company secured a new client in the energy sector, where it will provide aerial inspection services using autonomous drones and docking stations. The package includes not only the hardware but also operational support, including trained pilots and maintenance services. The rollout begins on a limited scale, but is designed to scale up efficiently as needed.

"We're proud that operators of essential infrastructure continue to rely on our autonomous technology," says CEO Lander Vanwelkenhuyzen. "The renewed contract with Port of Antwerp-Bruges through 2027, and the addition of new projects, demonstrate long-term confidence in our platform and capabilities."

With a mature product suite and a strong supply chain localized within 100 kilometers of its assembly facility in Diepenbeek, DroneMatrix aims to grow its production footprint while staying rooted in Belgium. The company also has ambitions in the defense sector, participating in programs such as DEFRA with the goal of developing fully autonomous maritime surveillance drones. Opportunities in the protection of military installations are also being actively explored.

DroneMatrix’s commitment remains clear: to protect critical infrastructure—ports, rail, energy networks, and beyond—with cutting-edge autonomous aerial systems built to the highest industry and defense standards

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