Closed
DIANA — Challenge Call
Accelerates dual-use technology solutions for critical NATO challenges
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 400,000
Timeline
- Closing date : July 11, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The DIANA — Challenge Call offers competitive funding of up to 400,000 euros for companies developing dual-use deep tech solutions that address critical defence, security, and resilience challenges identified by NATO. Eligible activities include research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies within ten challenge areas such as energy, advanced communications, human resilience, and autonomous systems.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Conduct research and development activities
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 400,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Closing date : July 11, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of resilient energy production and management technologies for civil and military applications.
- Development of advanced communication solutions for robust and secure networks in civil and operational contexts.
- Design of systems and analytical tools ensuring operational resilience in contested electromagnetic environments.
- Creation of innovations in biotechnology and health devices aimed at enhancing resilience and human performance in extreme or hostile settings.
- Deployment of logistical and technological solutions to improve resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructures and supply chains.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Start-ups developing innovative technologies
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with dual-use technology solutions
- Established private companies within NATO member countries that meet eligibility requirements
Who is not eligible
- Universities and non-profit groups.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies located in NATO member states (across the NATO Alliance).
Additional information
- The proposed strategic axes and challenges are specifically defined according to the needs of the Alliance and express a context of dual-use (civil and defense).
- The call explicitly encourages the submission of innovative technological solutions that exceed the provided examples.
- The selection of projects will be guided by principles of responsible innovation to promote the ethical and accountable development of technologies.
- Market and growth data demonstrate that the sought solutions aim for integration into markets with high commercial potential and civil/military impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about the DIANA — Challenge Call Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the DIANA — Challenge Call. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the DIANA — Challenge Call?
The DIANA — Challenge Call offers competitive funding of up to 400,000 euros for companies developing dual-use deep tech solutions that address critical defence, security, and resilience challenges identified by NATO. Eligible activities include research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies within ten challenge areas such as energy, advanced communications, human resilience, and autonomous systems.
How much funding can be received?
DIANA — Challenge Call Funds up to $400,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the DIANA — Challenge Call program?
To be eligible for the DIANA — Challenge Call program, you must:
Company must provide legal name, registration, headquarters, and DUNS/UEI number.
Universities and non-profit groups are not eligible.
Technology readiness level (TRL) of 4 or above preferred, but lower TRLs may be considered.
What expenses are eligible under DIANA — Challenge Call?
Development of resilient energy production and management technologies for civil and military applications.
Development of advanced communication solutions for robust and secure networks in civil and operational contexts.
Design of systems and analytical tools ensuring operational resilience in contested electromagnetic environments.
Creation of innovations in biotechnology and health devices aimed at enhancing resilience and human performance in extreme or hostile settings.
Deployment of logistical and technological solutions to improve resilience and efficiency of critical infrastructures and supply chains.
Who can I contact for more information about the DIANA — Challenge Call?
You can contact North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Where is the DIANA — Challenge Call available?
The DIANA — Challenge Call program is available across Canada.
Is the DIANA — Challenge Call a grant, loan, or tax credit?
DIANA — Challenge Call is a Grant and Funding