NATO DIANA

NATO DIANA launches in autumn 2023!

NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) aims to support deep technology start-ups that contribute to national security and defence by bringing together talented innovators and end users of new technologies. Dual-use technologies are developed in the accelerator, i.e. the technologies can be used for both civil and defence purposes. The NATO accelerator in Estonia enables start-ups from Estonia and the surrounding region to develop their product and business model and to find cooperation partners in the NATO-wide defence market, which is normally closed and has a high entry barrier.

The Estonian accelerator will be implemented by Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with Tartu Science Park and business accelerator Startup Wiseguys.

In the first pilot year, a few dozen start-ups will be selected from all accelerators, who will receive financial support from NATO to develop their idea. The DIANA accelerator program consists of two six-month phases. After half a year, only the most promising start-ups continue in each accelerator, receiving additional support worth up to €400,000.