DIANA’s network will now comprise 23 accelerator sites (up from 11) and 182 test centres (up from 90) in 28 Allied countries.
The new accelerator sites and test centres will augment DIANA’s capacity to support innovators from across the Alliance as they develop their technologies.
DIANA-affiliated accelerators deliver world-class programming to companies in the programme, while the network of test centres provides access to cutting-edge testing facilities. These are available to DIANA’s current cohort of companies, as well as those DIANA will support in future, giving them expert advice and access to test and try their technologies in specialised environments.
“Part of DIANA’s strength, is our unique transatlantic network of talent centres and innovation leaders working toward a common purpose,” said Professor Deeph Chana, Managing Director of DIANA. “The breadth and diversity of partners in DIANA’s network will accelerate the development and deployment of ground-breaking solutions for defence, security and peace.”
The expansion represents a significant milestone for DIANA. Last November, 44 companies were chosen from over 1300 applicants to join DIANA’s accelerator programme. The cohort of innovators were selected to tackle specific challenges on energy resilience, undersea sensing and surveillance, and secure information sharing.
DIANA has been established by NATO to find and accelerate dual-use innovation capacity across the Alliance. DIANA provides companies with the resources, networks and guidance to develop deep technologies to solve critical defence and security challenges, from operating in denied environments to tackling threats to our collective resilience.