On Tuesday (10 September), NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) named the ten start-ups selected for the next phase of the accelerator's programme. Each of these innovators is developing a deep technology solution for one of three security challenges identified by NATO Allies: sensing and surveillance, energy resilience, and secure information sharing. The solutions they offer employ quantum devices, smart renewable energy platforms, underwater drones, and intelligent antennas for challenging environments.
Technological potential, commercial viability, relevance to end-users and investment maturity were among the criteria taken into consideration during the selection process. In the next phase of development, the start-ups will receive additional funding of up to 300,000 euros and assistance to adapt their ideas for commercial use.
"We're proud to announce the ten innovative companies moving into Phase II," said Professor Deeph Chana, Managing Director of DIANA. "To solve complex security and resilience problems, we need an ecosystem of creative, collaborative innovators willing to bring their talent and expertise to bear. These ten innovators, and indeed all of our first cohort, are paving the way for a strong pipeline of innovation for Allied nations to adopt."
The ten companies, from seven NATO countries, were selected from the 44 start-ups chosen to join DIANA's accelerator programme in November 2023. During the first phase, the start-ups benefited from world-class training and expert advice to develop their technologies and adapt them to defence and security requirements. Each company also received a grant of 100,000 euros to help cover expenses, such as salaries, rent and equipment.
DIANA launched five new challenges in July 2024. The successful innovators will be selected from more than 2,600 applications. They will join the accelerator's programme in January 2025.
