On 2 June 2025, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) launched ten new challenges aimed at finding the next generation of dual-use deep technologies to help advance its mission of building a peaceful, secure future for the Alliance’s one billion citizens.
Innovators will be able to submit proposals to DIANA’s challenges until 12:00 UTC on Friday 11 July 2025.
Selected innovators will join Phase 1 of DIANA’s programme, participating in a six-month accelerator programme starting in January 2026 — becoming part of DIANA’s 2026 cohort of innovators.
DIANA formulates its challenges based on the priorities of NATO and Allied nations, the latest trends in emerging and disruptive technologies, and market potential. Innovations in these dual-use, deep technology challenge areas will help address the Alliance’s most complex and profound defence and security challenges.
The ten challenge areas DIANA will be asking innovators to submit proposals to are:
- Advanced Communication Technologies
- Contested Electromagnetic Environments
- Human Resilience and Biotechnologies
- Critical Infrastructure and Logistics
- Operations in Extreme Environments
- Resilient Space Operations
- Autonomy and Unmanned Systems
- Data Assisted Decision Making
Selected innovators will receive €100,000 of contractual funding to enable them to continue iterating their solution in response to the challenge whilst participating in the accelerator programme. By participating in the DIANA programme, they will also get access to a network of more than 180 test centres across Europe and North America to undertake testing, evaluation, validation and verification activities.
Through a mix of both in-person and online programming and support, DIANA innovators will also gain the tools to grow their businesses, navigate complex defence procurement processes, and supercharge their network with industry partners, military end-users, potential investors, and a range of mentors.
“DIANA is seeking cutting-edge technologies from innovators throughout the Alliance to address NATO’s most critical needs. We look forward to accelerating the development and adoption of emerging technology solutions for a safe and secure future.” — Jyoti Hirani-Driver, Chief Operations Officer/Civilian Deputy Director, DIANA
“Through DIANA’s programme, we are offering start-ups and SMEs access to contractual funding, expert mentorship, state-of-the-art testing facilities, operational experimentation and other invaluable opportunities to connect directly with end-users and investors across the NATO Alliance. We look forward to supporting the adoption of these future technologies that will address key priorities for the Alliance in the years to come.” — Major General Jorge Corte-Real, Military Deputy Director for Europe, DIANA.
“DIANA’s challenges represent key areas of technology development with significant potential to support the Alliance’s defence, security and resilience. From cybersecurity in a post-quantum world to novel communication systems and technologies to support operations in extreme environments, we’re seeking innovators with new ideas to maintain the Alliance’s technological edge.” — Joseph Thom, Challenge Manager, DIANA.
“Being part of DIANA has helped supercharge IONATE’s growth and introduced us to global partners we might never have met. We’re excited to continue collaborating with DIANA’s select network to advance cutting-edge technologies for a safer future,” said Luca Mezossy-Dona, Co-founder at IONATE, one of the companies taking part of DIANA’s 2024 cohort.