Being able to gather and understand information from the
world around us is essential for decision-making — whether on a battlefield or
within a city. This critical need for data in all operational environments is
why DIANA chose
Sensing and Surveillance as one of its challenge areas for 2025.
In defence, technologies within this challenge area could
involve aerial drones and space-based satellites that can monitor suspicious
activity or predict threats. In a civilian context, similar tools could help
design and power smarter cities — using data to optimise urban planning,
improve sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for residents.
In both of these contexts, leveraging sensing modalities and
advanced data analysis can extract meaningful information — transforming large
amounts of data into clear insights that can help detect threats, prevent
disasters and ensure public safety.
There are 14 companies headquartered in eight NATO Allied
nations participating in DIANA’s Sensing and Surveillance challenge this year.
We spoke to three of these innovators to find out more about their dual-use
solutions.
Ultra-thin, recyclable image sensors for drones, infantry and small satellites
Based in the UK, Metahelios is working on the next generation of image sensors — leveraged by an emerging technology known as optical metasurfaces.
Over the past 20 years, researchers have made huge strides in understanding how optical metasurfaces work. These advanced image sensors have come very far and are now smaller, lighter, more efficient, and cheaper than their traditional counterparts, which consist of optical components like lenses and prisms.
These benefits make them ideal for new technologies. To better understand Metahelios’ solution and how they are leveraging optical metasurfaces, we spoke to Charles Altuzarra, Co-founder and CEO of the company, who started working on the technology behind Metahelios while he worked as a physicist in the UK:
“Every camera chip is mostly made of two layers, consisting of pixels and colour filters. Traditional colour filters are made chemically and haven’t evolved much in the last 15 years,” he explained.
“Our new technology consists of colour filters made directly from pixel materials, which eliminates the need for chemical manufacturers — simplifying production. But the key advantage is that our new filters — which are ultrathin and made possible with the emergence of metasurface technology — perform in infrared wavelengths contrary to traditional colour filters that don’t, which is crucial for defence and surveillance.”
Metahelios’ new ultra-thin filter, powered by metasurface technology.
The only traditional cameras that can also perform in infrared wavelengths are about the size of a microwave oven, which means they cannot be carried by a soldier, small drone or satellites, which would provide better surveillance while in patrol, in flight or from space.
By diminishing the size of these cameras by a factor of 10, Metahelios’ filters can be used as a handheld device, in small drones and in small satellites. The technology is also green and recyclable, offering significant benefits over current non-recyclable filters.
Metahelios is exploring a wide range of dual-use applications and has already been collaborating with the UK’s Ministry of Defence — but beyond defence and security applications, their technology holds huge potential in many other areas, including consumer cameras and even medical imaging.
Since joining the DIANA programme, the team at Metahelios have benefitted from networking, forging connections across industry and governments, as well as with other DIANA companies and mentors:
“Being part of DIANA means having access to the NATO network, which is extraordinary — I don’t think there’s anything else like it. The Defence and Security Days event organised by DIANA in Poland was incredible, for example.
“Being able to speak with so many different companies in our cohort was also really helpful, as it allows us to compare experiences and exchange tips and advice. That’s probably one of the best parts of attending in-person events at accelerator sites too.
“We also have an exceptional mentor who has been able to offer extremely useful advice regarding future applications and directions we may want to go in. This has opened many doors for us, and we’re excited for what the future holds,” said Altuzarra.
Aerial monitoring in arctic environments
Kelluu is a Finnish company part of the DIANA network that specialises in autonomous, hydrogen-powered airships. These airships are uniquely suited to overcome some of the challenges posed by the Arctic’s severe conditions, which restrict traditional sensing technologies and limit operational effectiveness.
“There has been substantial industrialisation in the unmanned aviation sector, but little innovation. Our original idea was therefore to create a technology for persistent aerial monitoring — a small autonomous device that could stay in the air continually for as long as possible,” explained Janne Hietala, CEO and Co-founder of Kelluu.
“If you think about drones in general, their operational effectiveness decreases the colder it gets. Some will fail in icing conditions. But with our solution, the opposite is true — performance improves the colder it gets, which is very unique.”
Kelluu’s hydrogen-powered airships are mounted with spectral cameras and sensors that collect aerial data to create accurate and detailed 3D digital models — also known as digital twins — of large areas. This helps monitor and manage these areas and terrains, enabling better planning and decision-making — whether it’s for detecting wildfires, checking power lines, or even for urban planning initiatives.
Kelluu’s hydrogen-powered airship."The DIANA programme felt like the natural path for us to accelerate and continue to develop our technology — while aiming to support resilience and security by providing a new kind of aerial platform that can be scaled to protect critical infrastructure and borders, as well as for many other tactical scenarios related to defence.”
Kelluu’s first generation airship can currently fly for 12 hours in real-world conditions in the Arctic. Looking ahead, the team are working on their second generation airship, which will be able to fly continuously for multiple days.
“Since joining DIANA, our focus has been on operational experimentation because we have very mature technology that is ready for adoption. We have really benefitted from the exposure and understanding of the end-user that we’ve been able to gain thanks to the DIANA programme.
“We have also received great support from DIANA’s rapid adoption team and there’s lots of things happening in that space for us already,” said Hietala.
Long-range concealed threat detection
Mantacus Inc., a U.S.-based security technology company, has developed an advanced detection system capable of identifying concealed threats from a distance — without the need for physical searches or compromising personal privacy.
The Mantacus Detection System combines AI-powered video tracking with safe millimeter-wave radar. This unique combination allows for rapid threat detection in open, unstructured environments — such as stadiums, parking lots, airport halls, or university campuses — with full compliance with both GDPR and CCPA privacy regulations. The system works both indoors and outdoors.
“We’re proud to introduce a technology that we believe sets a new standard in global security,” said Vito Levi D’Ancona, Co-founder and President of Mantacus.
“The system can detect threats from up to 50 meters away — before they strike — giving security forces and first responders a crucial window to act.”
The Mantacus system has been developed with modularity and operational flexibility in mind. It supports a variety of use cases: Wall-mounted or pole-mounted for permanent infrastructure protection, portable deployments for large gatherings such as public events, concerts, and high-level diplomatic visits, vehicle-mounted or man-portable use in the field for defence applications. Its compact footprint and ease of integration make it well-suited for a range of dual-use missions — from civil security to forward-operating defence environments.
“The Mantacus Detection System is not just another security tool — it is a force multiplier,” added Levi D’Ancona. “It transforms defence from reactive to proactive, helping secure public spaces and critical infrastructure for families, communities, and nations alike.”
Since joining the DIANA programme, Mantacus have been working closely with DIANA’s Test Centre network on technical and operational testing as they aimed to refine their technology:
“DIANA connected us with top-tier testing facilities and awarded us a grant to support system demonstration,” said Stefano Giolito, Chief Marketing Officer at Mantacus. “We partnered with Fondazione SAFE in Italy for key testing activities, accelerating development and validation.”
Already in collaboration with several Allied nations and defence ministries — including the U.S. Army — Mantacus is preparing for large-scale deployments.
“Our solution is operational and ready. It gives modern security forces the edge they need to shape their environments, not just react to threats,” said Levi D’Ancona.
“Being part of DIANA has given us unprecedented access to NATO’s ecosystem — from expert support to navigating complex procurement processes. It’s helped us streamline entry into multiple markets and fast-track adoption,” added Giolito.
Dual-use technologies are helping build a peaceful and resilient future
Mantacus, Kelluu and Metahelios are three great examples of dual-use companies with exciting technologies that are already making a difference. By pursuing dual-use applications, these companies are successfully accessing wider markets and accelerating the adoption of their technologies, while also helping us build a peaceful and resilient future.
To find out more about all the innovators in DIANA’s Sensing and Surveillance challenge, please visit: https://www.diana.nato.int/about-diana/2025-cohort-of-companies.html