NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator
NATO DIANA is an innovation accelerator focused on defence and security, with the aim of identifying and scaling dual-use deeptech companies across the Alliance. Through the programme, startups can developtheir product and business model, test and experiment their solutions in real-world environments, and build connections with investors, partners, and end-users.
NATO DIANA is currently accepting applications for the 2027 accelerator cohort.
You can apply directly via the NATO DIANA website and the deadline is 3 July.
This year, DIANA is inviting proposals across six challenge areas: Human Survivability, Multidomain Autonomy of Uncrewed Systems, Multidomain Sensing and Advanced Data Processing for Intelligence and Surveillance, Operational Resilience in Contested Environments, Responsive Logistics, and Scalable and Adaptable Countermeasures for Air Defence.
If you would like to know more, ask your burning questions or hear alumni describe their NATO DIANA experience, join the DIANA Estonian accelerator webinar on 19 June at 1pm, register here.
The Estonian accelerator is run by Tehnopol and Sparkup Tartu Science Park. Through the accelerator, companies gain access to the defence market and a NATO-wide network of contacts, both which are usuallycomplex and time-consuming to enter.
NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator offers you:
- A 6-month dual-use and defence-focused acceleration programme
- €100,000 in contracted funding and the opportunity to receive up to €300,000 in additional funding if selected for the Mission Track
- access to more than 200 NATO-wide test centres and the opportunity to apply for additional funding for testing and validation
- support from mentors, experts, investors and end-users across the Alliance
- the opportunity to develop and test dual-use technology in close cooperation with defence and security partners
By participating in the programme, depending on your stage of development, you will achieve:
- faster development of your dual-use solution – in the previous cohort the average technology readiness level increased from 4.4 to 6.6 within six months
- technology validated against the real needs of end users
- a network of contacts with companies and end users across the Alliance
- direct feedback on market potential from business and technology mentors, supporting further scaling
- greater visibility in NATO’s Alliance-wide innovation network
- stronger readiness to raise further funding and build strategic partnerships
To join the accelerator, you need to have:
- a startup with novel dual-use deep technology solutions for critical defence and security challenges
- the solution must align with NATO DIANA’s annual challenge areas
- the technologyreadiness level of the defence solution must be at least 4.
- an application submitted in English, and notice that NATO DIANA is fully responsible for the selection process.
When
You can now apply be part of the 2027 cohort of the NATO DIANA accelerator, the deadline is 3 July.
For whom
Deeptechn startups from NATO Allied countries whose solutions can be used to address both civilian and security-related challenges
Duration
6-month accelerator programme
Funding
€100,000 in the initial 6 months, possibility for additional funding for testing and validation, and the opportunity to receive up to €300,000 for the Mission Track
Readiness level
TRL 4+
Application
Directly via the NATO DIANA website
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