DIANA, NATO’s innovation program, promotes dual-use technologies with up to €100,000 in funding

The DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program run by NATO provides non-dilutive funding of up to €100,000 in a first phase, along with access to an international network for acceleration, testing, and technology validation focused on the development of dual-use technologies.
 

The application deadline for the current call is July 3.
 

Established in 2023, DIANA connects startups, SMEs, research centers, and investors across the 32 Allied countries with the aim of advancing innovative technological solutions applicable to both civilian and defense sectors. 
 

The program operates through a network of more than 16 accelerator sites and 200 testing facilities, enabling companies to validate and scale their technologies in real or simulated environments.
 

Priority technology areas include artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced communications, energy, space, and advanced materials.
 

Selected companies receive initial funding, access to mentors, and connections with defense end-users to accelerate the maturation of their technologies.
 

The program operates through competitive calls based on challenges defined by NATO and its member countries, aimed at strengthening the Alliance’s technological resilience.