The DIANA network was created to identify and accelerate technological solutions that address the critical resilience and security challenges faced by the 32 allied nations, enabling companies to test their technological developments at military test centres. The accelerator managed by IPN is now part of an exclusive network of accelerators distributed across the Alliance, supporting Portuguese companies on the ground and helping them to successfully position themselves in the global defence market.

Benefits for applicants

Companies and start-ups selected for DIANA’s programmes receive initial funding of €100,000 and are eligible for a further €300,000 during the growth phase. They also benefit from a network of over 200 test centres, participation in operational exercises, support in developing business models, and strategic links to the NATO Innovation Fund and venture capital investors.

To support Portuguese organisations in the application process for the 2027 edition, idD Portugal Defence and the IPN are organising a informative webinar on the new NATO DIANA Challenges, on 9 June.

Technological Priorities

The launch of NATO’s Portuguese accelerator, DIANA, comes at a time when two of the start-ups incubated at IPN — Neuraspace (artificial intelligence for space traffic management) and Connect Robotics (autonomous drone delivery logistics) — have recently been selected at national level to join DIANA’s network of innovators, demonstrating the international competitiveness of the technology developed in Portugal.

The programme focuses on priority areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomy, energy and propulsion systems, cybersecurity, new materials, biological sciences, critical infrastructure and space.

With this new milestone, Portugal and the IPN are bringing together their R&D laboratories, their business incubator and NATO’s international standing in a joint effort with idD to position the national defence industry at the forefront of global technological innovation.