Defense innovation is no longer confined to traditional players. With DIANA – NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator – startups and SMEs now have a direct pathway into the defense ecosystem.
DIANA targets innovative SMEs and startups across NATO countries working with dual-use technologies; such as AI, quantum, energy, or advanced materials. Through open challenge calls, companies can apply with solutions that address real defense and security needs.
The process is straightforward: respond to a specific challenge, submit your solution, and, if you are selected, enter an accelerator program with access to testing environments, funding, and NATO-wide networks.
To stand out, focus on three things:
1) Be clear on the problem you solve
2) show real-world applicability
3) demonstrate scalability
Strong applications connect civilian value with defense relevance and avoid overcomplicating the message.
If you are new to the space, you do not have to navigate it alone:
EU SME helps companies interpret the calls, refine their positioning, and strengthen applications, significantly increasing your chances of success.
DIANA ultimately reflects a broader shift: towards a more open and collaborative defense innovation system, where new actors can contribute and where speed matters.
For SMEs, this is more than funding. It is a way in.
Check out our upcoming webinars on how to apply to Nato Diana as an SME:
Read more in this post from June 2025 “Step into NATO’s Innovation Arena for Dual-Use Tech” exploring the Diana Challenges 2026.
