Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA)

DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is a NATO-established body dedicated to driving technological innovation in support of Allied defence and security. Its core mission is to identify and accelerate the development of cutting-edge dual-use technologies – those with both civilian and military applications – that can enhance the security of NATO member countries.

Allied nations launched DIANA as part of a broader effort to strengthen transatlantic cooperation on emerging technologies. The initiative leverages innovation from the civilian sector – academia and industry – for defence purposes, reflecting the Allies’ goal of improving interoperability among their forces through shared technological solutions.

By harnessing the potential of emerging and disruptive technologies, DIANA aims to preserve the Alliance’s technological edge in collective defence and security. Supporting the development of new capabilities helps NATO and its partners respond more effectively to traditional threats, while also preparing to counter novel challenges posed by advanced technologies.

To fulfill its mission, DIANA operates through an extensive transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres spread across NATO member states. This network connects innovators with advanced facilities where they can experiment, refine and validate their technological solutions under realistic conditions. Acting as a grant-funding body, DIANA also provides selected start-ups and other innovators with funding and expert mentorship, helping to translate promising ideas into deployable solutions for Allied defence and security. Through partnerships that bring together academic, commercial and governmental stakeholders, DIANA serves as a bridge between the technology sector and the defence community on both sides of the Atlantic.