DIANA Challenge Programme 2026

Accelerate Your Dual-Use Innovation with NATO DIANA

The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. This initiative seeks groundbreaking dual-use technologies—those applicable to both civilian and military sectors—that address critical defence, security, and resilience challenges across NATO member nations

Challenge Focus Areas

DIANA is seeking innovative solutions in the following areas:

• Energy and Power
• Advanced Communication Technologies
• Contested Electromagnetic Environments
• Human Resilience and Biotechnologies
• Critical Infrastructure and Logistics
• Operations in Extreme Environments
• Maritime Operations
• Resilient Space Operations
• Autonomy and Unmanned Systems
• Data-Assisted Decision Making

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Eligibility Criteria

• Open to commercial companies headquartered in NATO member countries.
• Early-stage startups and SMEs with limited experience in defence and security are especially encouraged to apply.
• Universities and non-profit organizations are not eligible to submit proposals, though future collaboration opportunities may arise.

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