IGNITY is one of the accelerator sites delivering NATO DIANA’s Accelerator Programme curriculum in 2026. Their role within DIANA is to deliver the accelerator curriculum – supporting innovators as they progress through the programme.
Where is IGNITY based, and what is its focus?
IGNITY is based in Liège, Belgium, in the heart of one of Europe’s most active innovation corridors for defence, space and deep-tech. The accelerator focuses on space technologies, biotechnology, cybersecurity, advanced materials, and high-performance sensing and electronics. IGNITY benefits from over 25 years of accumulated expertise and was originally created to serve the space sector, acting as Belgium’s first Space Incubator under the European Space Agency (ESA). Over the years, the site expanded its portfolio across the entire dual-use and defence innovation ecosystem, reflecting Belgium’s strong industrial heritage and the growing European demand for resilient technological capabilities.
What is your role within the NATO DIANA Programme, and what support do you offer innovators?
Within DIANA, IGNITY’s role is to support innovators in transitioning breakthrough technologies toward operational defence and security use. The site provides tailored learning journeys, combining technical and business mentoring with structured exposure to defence end-users and industrial stakeholders. Innovators benefit from guidance on certification and procurement pathways, operational validation, and the unique opportunity to engage directly with Belgium’s defence innovation ecosystem. IGNITY also ensures strong integration with EU defence instruments, helping companies connect with the European Innovation Council, the European Defence Fund, and other strategic initiatives. Through this, IGNITY acts as a bridge between founders, operational actors, and policy-shaping institutions.
What makes IGNITY unique?
IGNITY’s uniqueness lies in its deep integration with industry, government, academia, and European institutions. A central asset is its role within WOODI, the Wallonia Optimised Operational Defence Initiative, a strategic platform uniting Belgium’s leading defence companies and SMEs such as Thales Belgium, FN Browning and John Cockerill Defense. This gives DIANA startups direct access to real operational challenges and industrial feedback loops. The accelerator is also strongly connected to European institution (DG DEFIS) and the European Defence Agency, granting privileged insight into capability-planning processes and EU-level funding mechanisms. In addition, IGNITY maintains international collaborations with Airbus Defence & Space, Rheinmetall, Damen Naval, Saab, and Naval Group, providing startups with exposure to global procurement pathways. This ecosystem is complemented by world-class academic partners such as KU Leuven, ULiège, UCLouvain, VKI, imec, TRAIL, CyberWal, VIB and VITO, enabling founders to access cutting-edge scientific and technological resources across Europe.
Can you share an example of a company that you supported?
Within the NATO DIANA framework, IGNITY supports innovators addressing concrete defence and security challenges. Kasi Technologies, a DIANA cohort company, develops dual-use hybrid energy recovery systems aimed at improving vehicle efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions. The company has recently signed its first commercial contract and is currently leading a defence-oriented demonstration project in collaboration with other DIANA innovators, including engagements with European defence primes.
Another example is ORiS, an Italian space deep-tech company specialising in laser-based wireless power transmission. As a DIANA innovator, ORiS has reached key technological and commercial milestones, including the signature of a commercial MoU with Telespazio Germany to develop next-generation in-orbit servicing and satellite recharging capabilities.
These examples illustrate how IGNITY supports DIANA companies in progressing from advanced technological validation toward operational and industrial adoption.
What is your biggest success so far within the DIANA Programme — or what are you hoping to achieve?
As a recently activated DIANA accelerator site, IGNITY aims to strengthen NATO’s technological edge by accelerating the transition of disruptive technologies into operational environments. The goal is to build cross-border bridges between startups, defence users, industry, and European institutions, while positioning Belgium as a strategic node within NATO’s defence innovation landscape. Through DIANA, IGNITY seeks to support founders working in space, biotechnology, cyber, sensing, and advanced materials — technologies that will shape Allied resilience and strategic readiness over the coming decade.
How does your site help connect people to your broader networks?
IGNITY’s strength lies in its ecosystem connectivity. Through WOODI, partnerships with defence primes, links to national ministries and innovation agencies, direct interaction with the European Commission and the EDA, and collaborations with top universities and research centres, the accelerator provides startups with unparalleled access to multidisciplinary expertise, test facilities, and operational partners. This network ensures innovators are connected to the right people at the right stage of their journey — whether it is policy makers, researchers, integrators, investors, or end-users — enabling rapid and meaningful progress toward dual-use adoption.