NATO DIANA

NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) invites innovative startups from across NATO to apply and bring their groundbreaking solutions to the forefront of defence and security.

About NATO DIANA Accelerator 

The DIANA accelerator aims to support deep tech startups contributing to national security and defence by connecting talented innovators with end-users of new technologies. The accelerator allows startups from both Estonia and other NATO member states to develop their products and business models and find partners in the alliance-wide defence market, which is typically closed and has high entry barriers. DIANA provides funding, accelerator programming, mentorship, testing facilities, and access to trusted investor and end-user networks to help companies move from ideation to real-world adoption in both defence and civilian markets.   

Benefits for Startups 

• Grants and Funding: All companies admitted to the accelerator receive €100,000 of contractual funding, with the best ones eligible for an additional €300,000 in funding. 

• High-Quality Training: A comprehensive 6-month training program. 

• Access to Test Centres: Access to over 180 test centres. 

• Networking Opportunities: A program bridging defence and business sectors and a network of top mentors across the Alliance. 

• Support and Development: DIANA builds a bridge between universities, businesses, and the public sector, aiming to support the development of innovative technologies that address both civilian and defence sector challenges, leading towards a more sustainable and secure world. 

Managed by Tehnopol 

The accelerator in Estonia is led by the Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with the Sparkup Tartu Science Park. The funding to start the accelerator in Estonia comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the city of Tallinn. Estonian contributors to building the pan-Alliance network of testing centres include among others TalTech, the University of Tartu, Foundation CR14, the National Defence College, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, and the Estonian Aviation Academy. 

Call for Applications 

Applications are welcomed from startups across NATO with novel ideas to help solve critical defence and security problems. If you’re working on cutting-edge solutions in these areas, we want to hear from you. The technological readiness level of the defence solution should be 4+. If you’re working on cutting-edge solutions in these areas, we would like to hear from you.

2026 DIANA Challenge Topics 

The ten challenge areas DIANA will be asking innovators to submit proposals to are:

1. Energy and Power
2. Advanced Communication Technologies
3. Contested Electromagnetic Environments
4. Human Resilience and Biotechnologies
5. Critical Infrastructure and Logistics
6. Operations in Extreme Environments
7. Maritime Operations
8. Resilient Space Operations
9. Autonomy and Unmanned Systems
10. Data Assisted Decision Making

Selection Process 

• Straightforward Application: The selection process enables applicants to describe their proposed technology solution and its relevance to the challenge in a brief application package. 

• Application Package: Comprising a single-page ‘quad chart’ and a four-page proposal, using templates. Applications are required to be submitted in English. 

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed on their transformational nature, potential for high impact, uniqueness, technological feasibility, dual-use relevance, commercial viability, and potential defence and security applications. 

• Application Timeline: The application window will include webinars for interested companies.

Previous Batches 

In its pilot challenge call in 2023, DIANA received over 1300 applications from innovators across the Alliance. 44 companies were accepted, and 5 sites were operational. In 2024, DIANA received over 2600 applications, out of which 74 were selected from 20 countries. The number of sites increased to 13.  

Get to know the teams of the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator first batch here and the second batch here. 

If your company didn’t make it into the accelerator last year, it is definitely worth trying again this time.

Innovators can apply until July 11, 2025.