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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

The DIANA Accelerator Program is a NATO-backed innovation initiative supporting dual-use and defense-related technologies through accelerator support and non-equity funding components. As such, it is part of the broader category of non-dilutive funding, enabling companies to access strategic capital and infrastructure without giving up equity.

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?

Contact us

FAQs

What our clients often ask before they get started.

No. The DIANA accelerator program is designed for civilian Deep Tech startups with potential dual-use applications. Prior defense experience or existing defense customers are not required.

Dual-use refers to technologies that can be applied in both civilian and military contexts. Examples include AI systems for disaster response that can also be used for tactical or security-related operations.

Startups can receive up to €100,000 in Phase 1. Companies selected for Phase 2 may receive up to €300,000 or more in total. All funding provided through DIANA is non-dilutive.

After the program, startups gain access to procurement channels, NATO test centers, and follow-on opportunities with governments, investors, and defense-related organizations.

DIANA primarily supports Deep Tech startups working in areas such as artificial intelligence, sensors, biotechnology, quantum technologies, autonomy, energy, space, and advanced materials.

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