NATO DIANA

New application round for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) kicks off in the spring of 2024!

First batch of NATO DIANA Estonian accelerator started in January 2024.

NATO DIANA accelerator aims to support deep technology startups 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. NATO DIANA accelerator primarily enables Estonian and nearby region startups to develop their product and business model and find cooperation partners in the Alliance-wide defence market, which is traditionally closed and has high entry barriers.

All companies admitted to the accelerator receive a grant of €100,000, with the possibility for the best ones to receive an additional €300,000 in funding. In addition, companies can expect a high-quality 6-month training program, access to over 90 test centers, a program bridging defence and business sectors, and a network of top mentors across the alliance. DIANA builds a bridge between universities, businesses, and the public sector, with the aim of supporting the development of innovative technologies that help address civilian and defence sector challenges and lead us towards a more sustainable and secure world.

The accelerator in Estonia is led by the Tehnopol Startup Incubator together with the Sparkup Tartu Science Park and the business accelerator Startup Wise Guys. 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 are TalTech, the University of Tartu, Foundation CR14, the National Defence College, the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, and the Estonian Aviation Academy.

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:

Watch the stream of DIANA’s Launch Event in Estonia here!

Find out more: https://www.diana.nato.int/

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