DASA appoints IoT Tribe to deliver business acceleration services supporting NATO's DIANA initiative and UK defence innovation, boosting defence capabilities.
The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has today announced the appointment of IoT Tribe as its delivery partner for business acceleration services, operating from DASA's London hub.
IoT Tribe will lead a group of specialist organisations, operating under the name 'Janus', reflecting the dual-use nature of technologies that will advance both defence and commercial applications. Janus will work alongside DASA to offer a UK defence Accelerator, strengthening the UK's position within NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative.
Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:
We are excited to work with IoT Tribe and their partners who are bringing world-class expertise to deliver the UK's Accelerator as part of our commitment to NATO DIANA. At the same time this collaborative partnership will deliver new services for DASA and represents a significant step in supporting our innovators in pulling through innovative solutions to our most pressing defence and security challenges.
Tanya Suarez, CEO of IoT Tribe, said:
We have brought together technology acceleration, investment, and defence sector knowledge to deliver a best-in-class accelerator for both NATO DIANA and DASA and we're committed to helping innovative companies navigate the complex journey from concept to defence-ready solutions.
IoT Tribe will work with three specialist partners to form the Janus Consortium:
- Atmos VC: A deeptech investor managing £1 billion in investments
- The SETsquared Partnership: The UK's top-ranked start-up hub and third in Europe
- Arrow: A £30 billion electronics firm specialising in defence and security supply chains
DIANA, NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is a ground-breaking initiative that connects defence personnel, innovative start-ups and industry across the Alliance to solve critical defence and security challenges. It provides a platform for innovators to develop, scale and test dual-use emerging technologies that address both military requirements and civilian applications.
The Janus Consortium will enhance DASA's capabilities by supporting companies working on pressing defence and security challenges, helping them grow into robust suppliers for the defence sector. This approach will create a new generation of innovative suppliers while strengthening the defence industrial base.
The programme will deliver:
- Dual-use innovations serving both defence and civilian markets
- Expert technical support
- Access to investment opportunities, including the NATO Innovation Fund
- Connections within the pan-NATO ecosystem
- Tailored business acceleration support through a three-month programme at the White City facility
Notes:
- DASA is the Defence and Security Accelerator, part of the UK Ministry of Defence
- The programme will launch on 13th January 2025
- DIANA is NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic
