Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)

Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) operates as NATO's premier innovation hub dedicated to identifying and accelerating dual-use technologies across member nations. Established to strengthen the Alliance's technological edge, DIANA connects promising innovators with essential resources, specialized expertise, and strategic networks to address pressing defense and security challenges. The organization serves as a critical bridge between military requirements and civilian technological advancements, fostering solutions that contribute to NATO's collective security objectives while promoting a more stable and resilient international environment.

Through its comprehensive accelerator program, DIANA provides selected technology developers with access to NATO's extensive ecosystem, including defense experts, military end-users, and potential funding sources. The organization runs structured innovation challenges focused on specific security priorities, from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to advanced materials and quantum technologies. DIANA's first cohort of innovators represents diverse technological domains and geographic regions across the Alliance, demonstrating NATO's commitment to harnessing innovation from all member states regardless of size or established defense industrial base.

DIANA maintains an expanding network of test centers and accelerator sites throughout North America and Europe, offering participants specialized facilities to develop and validate their technologies in relevant operational environments. This distributed innovation infrastructure enables startups and SMEs to access world-class testing capabilities while facilitating cross-border collaboration. The organization's approach emphasizes dual-use applications—technologies with both civilian and military utility—maximizing economic potential while addressing defense requirements. This dual-use focus helps attract non-traditional defense suppliers and broadens the innovation base supporting Alliance security.

As a NATO entity, DIANA operates with a multinational perspective, drawing on diverse funding sources from member nations while maintaining alignment with Alliance-wide strategic priorities. The organization focuses primarily on early-stage innovations with transformative potential rather than incremental improvements to existing systems. While DIANA provides substantial support to selected participants, the application process remains highly competitive and merit-based. Interested innovators are directed to explore detailed program information, challenge specifications, and application procedures through the official website rather than seeking individualized guidance through social media channels such as LinkedIn, where the organization maintains a professional presence but cannot provide personalized application support.