DIANA by NATO – Grant Funding and Acceleration for Dual-Use Innovation
Funding and acceleration for dual-use Deep Tech startups in NATO countries
Target group
Startups
Deadline
Usually Once per year
Location
Nato countries
Table of contents
Are you eligible?
You can apply if you:
Are a startup or scaleup registered in a NATO member country (including Germany)
Work on innovation with dual-use potential (civil + defense)
Focus on one of NATO’s key tech priorities (e.g. AI, autonomy, sensors, biotech, energy)
Are open to collaboration with NATO partners and government stakeholders
Startups must show technical excellence, scalability, and a strong founding team.
What is the DIANA accelerator program?
DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is NATO’s flagship accelerator to support early-stage Deep Tech ventures that offer solutions with both civilian and defense applications (“dual use”).
The program includes:
Non-dilutive grant funding of up to €100,000 in the first phase
Access to up to €300,000+ in follow-on grants for selected projects
A 6-month intensive accelerator with training, mentoring, and defense validation
Support from 30+ test centers and accelerator sites across NATO countries
Connections to military end-users and procurement programs
Important
Funding is non-dilutive, and startups retain full IP control.
The program is a unique gateway to the transatlantic defense innovation ecosystem.
What are the terms and conditions?
The IP remains with the startup – NATO does not take equity or ownership
You must be open to developing your solution for both civilian and defense use
Projects must align with one of DIANA’s priority challenge areas
Selected startups must attend the accelerator program on site or hybrid
No previous defense background is required
When is the deadline?
Usually once per year. In addition, there are annual calls tied to specific Challenge Themes (e.g. energy resilience, secure communication, sensing, AI/ML, quantum, etc.)
How does the application work?
Apply online with a short project summary and team info
If selected, submit a full technical application and pitch
Top applicants enter Phase 1 of the program with up to €100k grant
Selected projects advance to Phase 2 and receive follow-on funding
After acceleration, NATO facilitates access to procurement, pilot projects and further public or private funding
You need support?
Would you like to learn more about how we can increase your companies chances of success with this funding program?
FAQs
What our clients often ask before they get started.
Is the DIANA accelerator program only for defense companies?
No. It’s designed for civilian Deep Tech startups with potential dual-use applications – defense experience is not required.
What does “dual-use” mean?
It refers to technologies that can be applied in both civilian and military contexts – e.g. AI for disaster response and for tactical operations.
How much funding can I receive?
Up to €100,000 in Phase 1, and up to €300,000 or more in total if selected for Phase 2. All funding is non-dilutive.
What happens after the program?
You gain access to procurement channels, NATO test centers, and follow-on opportunities with governments, investors, and defense organizations.
What kind of startups does DIANA support?
Mostly Deep Tech in AI, sensors, biotech, quantum, autonomy, energy, space, materials science, etc.
Still have questions?
