O IPN é, desde junho de 2026, o Gestor Operacional do Acelerador NATO DIANA, em Portugal. Esta gestão é desenvolvida em estreita articulação com a IDD — Portugal Defence, a entidade pública responsável pela dinamização da Base Tecnológica e Industrial de Defesa nacional.
The programme’s operational management reinforces the IPN’s role in bridging the gap between scientific research, technology and the market, by supporting start-ups and companies in the development of dual-use (dual-use) solutions, applicable to both the civil and defence sectors.
A gestão operacional do programa reforça o papel do IPN na ligação entre a investigação científica, a tecnologia e o mercado, apoiando startups e empresas no desenvolvimento de soluções de dupla utilização (dual-use), aplicáveis tanto ao setor civil como ao da defesa.
In its capacity as operational manager, the IPN provides companies participating in the programme with access to laboratory facilities, specialist mentoring, investor networks and links to the innovation ecosystems of the Atlantic Alliance’s member countries. The focus is on empowering entrepreneurs to scale up technologies that address global challenges relating to security, resilience and technological sovereignty.
Through NATO’s DIANA programme, the IPN acts as a platform for the internationalisation of the national technology ecosystem, integrating science-based projects and companies into global value chains.
Financial support to cover expenses throughout the incubation period.
Training in the development of solutions tailored to end-user requirements.
Access to more than 60 NATO test centres, with the associated costs covered.
Promotion amongst accredited investors within the Alliance.
Access to the markets of the 30 member countries of the Atlantic Alliance.
Stage 1
Funding to develop and refine the solution in response to the challenge.
Mid-term selection
At the end of Phase 1, only a limited number of innovators will progress to Phase 2 of the Acceleration Programme.
Stage 2
Financiamento adicional para desenvolver e demonstrar a solução, definir estratégias de transição e colaborar com investidores e utilizadores finais.
Phase 3 — NIF
Access to venture capital for companies offering cutting-edge solutions and with high growth potential in the defence technology sector.
All stages
All selected innovators receive support in identifying ways to ensure that end users adopt their solutions.
The Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is a NATO initiative, launched in 2022, dedicated to supporting the development of innovative projects aimed at achieving technological superiority for the Alliance. It comprises nine accelerators, more than sixty test centres and two regional headquarters — in the United Kingdom and Canada — responsible for a Rapid Adoption Service and a Trusted Capital Database.
IPN is the operational manager in Portugal for the NATO DIANA Accelerator. This role is carried out in close collaboration with IDD — Portugal Defence, the public body responsible for driving the national Defence Technology and Industrial Base. Whilst the IPN ensures the operational coordination, mentoring and technical support of start-ups on the ground, the partnership with IDD guarantees strategic alignment with defence policies and the integration of these technological solutions into the networks and platforms of the defence and security sector.
The selection is carried out by the DIANA team, with advice from experts, potential end-users, the NATO scientific community and the associated test centres and accelerators.
Launched at the 2021 NATO Summit, the NATO Innovation Fund is a venture capital fund that invests in start-ups developing emerging and disruptive dual-use technologies in areas critical to the Allies’ security. It complements the activities of DIANA. Portugal is a subscriber to the fund, alongside 21 other Allied countries.
For further information on the challenges and the application process, please visit the official NATO DIANA Accelerator website.
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