NATO innovation accelerator DIANA attracts cutting-edge ideas from across the Alliance.

DIANA, the North Atlantic Defense Innovation Accelerator, has garnered submissions from more than 1,200 applicants in response to its inaugural challenge call aimed at innovators and entrepreneurs. The initial challenges posed by DIANA, which concluded on August 25, 2023, revolve around three key focal points: bolstering energy resilience, enhancing sensing and surveillance capabilities, and enabling secure information exchange.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The initial challenges posed by DIANA, which concluded on August 25, 2023, revolve around three key focal points: bolstering energy resilience, enhancing sensing and surveillance capabilities, and enabling secure information exchange (Picture source: NATO)

Numerous companies, many of which are burgeoning startups, are vying for substantial grant funding amounting to hundreds of thousands of euros. A panel of experts hailing from NATO and various industries will evaluate the applicants. DIANA anticipates awarding its first round of grants to innovators toward the conclusion of the year. Once awarded, the DIANA team will collaborate closely with the successful candidates, assisting them in testing their concepts, securing additional funding, and receiving valuable commercial guidance to foster business growth.

Professor Deeph Chana, the Managing Director of DIANA, expressed immense satisfaction with the robust response and optimistic outlook demonstrated by the Alliance's innovators in response to DIANA's inaugural challenges. He lauded the dedication of the DIANA team and underscored the evident wealth of talent within the Alliance.

Looking ahead to its full operational status by 2025, DIANA plans to administer multiple challenges annually, spanning various themes. The organization will have the capability to engage with hundreds of innovators each year through its network of accelerator sites and testing facilities. Professor Chana conveyed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the triumphant participants, aspiring to build upon the achievements of the pilot program in the years to come.

Defense News September 2023