NATO DIANA Estonia’s accelerator

New application round for NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) open until July 11th 2025!

NATO DIANA invites innovative startups from across NATO to apply and bring their groundbreaking solutions to the forefront of defence and security. 

The aim of the NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) accelerator is to support deep technology startups that contribute to national security and defence by bringing together talented innovators and end-users of new technologies. The accelerator focuses on developing dual-use technologies, meaning they can be used for both civilian and defence purposes. The NATO accelerator in Estonia primarily enables startups from Estonia and the nearby region to develop their products and business models, and to find collaboration partners in the Alliance-wide defence market, which is typically closed and has high entry barriers.

All companies accepted into the accelerator receive a grant of 100,000 euros, and the best ones can receive up to an additional 300,000 euros in funding. Additionally, companies can expect a high-quality 6-month training program, access to over 90 test centres, a program connecting the defence and business sectors, and a network of top mentors across the Alliance. DIANA creates a bridge between universities, companies, and the public sector to support the development of innovative technologies that help address challenges in both the civilian and defence sectors, leading us towards a more secure and sustainable world.

2026 DIANA Challenge Topics 

The ten challenge areas DIANA will be asking innovators to submit proposals to are:

1. Energy and Power
2. Advanced Communication Technologies
3. Contested Electromagnetic Environments
4. Human Resilience and Biotechnologies
5. Critical Infrastructure and Logistics
6. Operations in Extreme Environments
7. Maritime Operations
8. Resilient Space Operations
9. Autonomy and Unmanned Systems
10. Data Assisted Decision Making

Selection Process 

• Straightforward Application: The selection process enables applicants to describe their proposed technology solution and its relevance to the challenge in a brief application package. 

• Application Package: Comprising a single-page ‘quad chart’ and a four-page proposal, using templates. Applications are required to be submitted in English. 

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed on their transformational nature, potential for high impact, uniqueness, technological feasibility, dual-use relevance, commercial viability, and potential defence and security applications. 

• Application Timeline: The application window is open until July 11th.  The application form is on NATO DIANA’s website.  

Find out more and apply: NATO DIANA.