What Are Dual Use Technologies + Examples (2025)

What dual-use technologies are people using is a common question, especially since AI, biotech, robotics, gaming infrastructure, and cybersecurity are more prevalent than ever in our daily lives.

When looking at the summary, dual-use technologies are tools or innovations that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. 

This dual capability makes them valuable and attractive to investors, venture capital firms, and startups. 

As we explained in our theses, the venture capital approach to critical industries is increasing. 

So, this guide will explain what dual-use tech is, why it is important in today’s economy and how it connects to venture capital.

Dual Use Technologies Explained

Dual-use technologies are innovations that can be used in both commercial and defense areas at the same time. 

For example, the same technology that powers a consumer app, video game, or logistics platform can also help with homeland security, defense training, health systems, or critical communications.

These technologies are:

• Highly scalable
• Requires a lot of research and development
• Can transform industries
• Important for national competitiveness

Since dual-use innovations often combine software, AI, data, and human behavior, they frequently connect with topics in our other guides. Such as: 

• Vertical integration
• AAA game development
• Mergers and acquisitions.

Why Dual Use Technologies Matter in 2025

Currently, it's time to innovate in ways that can be applied to both civilian and military purposes. 

Governments and businesses worldwide are focusing on:

• National security
• Strong supply chains
• Advanced manufacturing
• Control over data
• Leadership in AI and Deep Tech

At the same time, startups are building platforms that easily connect to defense needs. 

For instance, gaming engines are used for simulations, AI models support marketing and cybersecurity, and cloud services assist everyone from indie game developers to military wargaming.

Best Examples of Dual Use Technologies

To better understand what dual-use technologies are, let’s take a look at some examples.

1. AI

At this point, AI is a well-known technology that can be used in different ways. 

It can aid in tasks related to productivity, marketing, and gaming, but it also has important applications in fields such as defense and security.

In civil use, you get:

• Personalized game design
• Recommendation engines
• AI behavior for non-player characters in RPG games and MOBA games

In defense and security use:

• Analyzing autonomous drones
• Detecting threats
• Tools for linking intelligence

2. Simulation Engines & Gaming Infrastructure

Many modern defense simulations use the same engines that power popular video games. 

Civil applications:  

• Open-world RPGs and large multiplayer games  
• User behavior modeling  
• VR training  

Defense applications:  

• Synthetic training environments  
• Combat simulation  
• Mission rehearsal tools  

This connection shows why gaming-related investment, like Konvoy’s focus, matters for dual-use innovation. 

Gaming engines such as Unreal and Unity power both entertainment and defense simulations.  

To learn more about gaming and investment opportunities, check out: How to Start Investing in Gaming.

3. Robotics & Autonomous Systems

Robotics for logistics and warehouse automation also serves important purposes, such as border protection, bomb disposal, and surveillance. 

• Warehouse robots can become autonomous perimeter drones.
• Delivery bots can turn into remote inspection systems.

4. Cybersecurity & Encryption

Tools designed to protect video game accounts, prevent cheating, or secure online identities also play a role in national security.  

• Consumer and enterprise uses include securing accounts and preventing fraud.  
• The military uses secure communications and battlefield encryption.  

5. Biometric Systems

Biometrics (like facial recognition, fingerprints, and gait detection) are found in smartphones, airports, and law enforcement.

• Civil uses include access control, ticketless entry, and user personalization.  
• Defense uses cover identity verification, border control, and intelligence tracking.  

6. Drones (UAVs)

Drones are a well-known example of dual-use technology.

Civil applications include agriculture, film production, mapping, and package delivery. 

On the other hand, defense applications cover reconnaissance, surveillance, and tactical support.

7. Blockchain & Decentralized Infrastructure

Blockchain changes many fields, including gaming, finance, and identity management, while also being used in defense and intelligence.

Civil applications include play-to-earn ecosystems, digital collectibles, and secure game economies. 

While defense applications focus on supply chain security, tamper-proof communication, and identity verification.

8. Advanced Computing (Edge, Cloud, Quantum)

Modern cloud systems support everything from indie game servers to national intelligence operations.

The dual-use impact includes high-performance computing, real-time processing, and distributed simulation environments. 

Why Venture Capital Cares About Dual Use Technologies

Dual-use technologies attract venture capital because they connect two key areas: 

1. Large commercial markets 

2. High-value government contracts 

These technologies also offer strong competitive advantages and benefit from long funding cycles. 

For example, a startup may develop real-time simulation tools for gaming, such as those used in AAA or MOBA games. 

Later, this startup could shift to developing training simulations for defense organizations. 

To better understand the funding models for these innovations, look into:

• Venture Capital vs Private Equity
• Venture Capital vs Hedge Fund
• How to Start a Venture Capital Firm

FAQS About Dual Use Technologies

1. What are dual-use technologies?  

Dual-use technologies are tools and systems that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Common examples include AI, robotics, blockchain, and gaming engines.  

2. Why are dual-use technologies important?  

They play a vital role in national security, commercial growth, and global competition, making them critical for governments, entrepreneurs, and investors.  

3. Which venture capital firms invest in dual-use tech?  

Many venture capital firms focus on dual-use technologies. 

At Konvoy, we focus on gaming, simulations, engines, and interactive technologies, as they often find applications in both business and defense.  

4. Is blockchain considered dual-use?  

Yes. Blockchain supports both consumer gaming markets and secure defense systems, as explained in our guide.

In Summary

In short, dual-use technologies are tools that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. 

Examples include AI, robotics, drones, gaming engines, and blockchain. 

These technologies are important for national security and help businesses grow. As a result, they are attracting more interest from investors.

To learn more about new technologies, like AI, gaming engines, and blockchain, subscribe to the Konvoy newsletter.