NATO DIANA
APPLICATION PROCESS
ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME
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DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) aims to build a dynamic ecosystem where startups and SMEs working in emerging and disruptive technologies can access the support needed to succeed in both civilian and defence markets. The programme focuses on dual-use solutions that not only improve market competitiveness but also directly address NATO’s strategic technology development needs.
By aligning innovation challenges with NATO’s future capability priorities, DIANA helps ensure that critical capability gaps are addressed proactively and that technological development moves in the right direction.
DIANA’s calls for proposals—and the selection criteria—are designed around this dual mission. Each year, DIANA launches challenge calls, typically running from early June to mid-July. Startups and SMEs registered in NATO member countries are eligible to apply.
Applications go through multiple evaluation stages, including an initial quad chart submission, a long-form application and final assessment by a panel of military, business, technology and investment experts.
Selection criteria include:
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Ideally TRL 3–4 (proof of concept/lab-validated), but TRL 5–6 (validated/demonstrated in a relevant environment) may also be accepted.
Business Maturity: Companies must be capable of benefiting from the accelerator curriculum while demonstrating foundational capacity and business vision.
Dual-Use Potential: Solutions must be viable in both defence and civilian markets, ensuring stability during the lengthy and complex defence procurement cycle—this dual-track approach helps bridge the notorious “valley of death.”
Investor Readiness: The business must have a clear scale-up strategy, so that additional funding and support can effectively drive growth, performance and market adoption.
Selected innovators enter DIANA’s accelerator programme, gaining access to a geographically and thematically diverse test centre network. Financial support is available for using these facilities and participants are invited to matchmaking events, exhibitions and demo days. Personalised mentoring is also provided.
The accelerator consists of two six-month phases. After the first phase, a further selection takes place to identify those continuing with tailored support into the second phase.
DIANA assigns innovators to a specific accelerator hub, where they receive training on business development and the defence sector. Participants must attend in person, with travel and accommodation covered by the provided funding.
Testing services are offered based on need (technology type, maturity level, facilities required, location). Innovators may request access directly or receive a recommendation from DIANA. Use of the facilities is either supported financially through DIANA or accessed at the innovator’s own cost. A formal application must be submitted to the DX unit to receive TEVV (Testing, Evaluation, Validation & Verification) support.
For selected innovators, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) recognises DIANA’s competitive selection process, allowing member states to procure these solutions without issuing new tenders. This also applies to multinational procurement, significantly reducing administrative burdens and accelerating acquisition.
DIANA is also launching a Trusted Capital Database, enhancing transparency on both the supply and investment sides. This system will reduce duplication of due diligence processes, allow best practice sharing among allies and help build a trusted innovation ecosystem where all parties have passed necessary screenings.
Both DIANA and its partners are committed to providing business development advisory services to participating companies. This includes guidance on engaging with trusted investor networks. Regulations regarding technology protection and ecosystem resilience are still under development, so detailed public information on those areas is not yet available.
DIANA’s annual call for proposals generally runs from early June to mid-July. Before this, the DIANA website provides information on overarching challenge themes, though specific topics are not published until the call opens.
Learn more or apply: https://www.diana.nato.int/challenges.html
EDF Nemzeti Kapcsolattartó (NFP) (Network of European Defence Fund National Focal Points (NFP) – European Commission (europa.eu)): dr. Balog András Levente (Balog.andras.Levente@hm.gov.hu)
VIKI – EDF kapcsolattartó: Dr. Szatmári László (szatmari.laszlo@defenseinnovation.hu)
Az NFP-k támogatni fogják az Európai Védelmi Alap végrehajtását: az EU DG DEFIS-szel szorosan együttműködve támogatják az EDF iránt érdeklődő nemzeti pályázókat, tájékoztatást és tanácsot adnak az EDF-program potenciális pályázóinak és kedvezményezettjei számára, valamint segítséget nyújtanak a partnerségek (konzorciumok) kialakításában EDF végrehajtása során.
EDF pályázatelőkészítésének és a támogatást nyert projektek K+F tevékenységének támogatása:
A nemzeti támogató (nemzeti hatósági) tevékenységet a Honvédelmi Minisztérium és a Védelmi Innovációs és Kutatóintézet NZrt. (VIKI Védelmi Innovációs Kutatóintézet (defenseinnovation.hu)) végzi, a 368/2023. (VIII. 7.) Kormányrendelet szerint (368/2023. (VIII. 7.) Korm. rendelet (jogtar.hu)).
DIANA’s annual call for proposals generally runs from early June to mid-July. Before this, the DIANA website provides information on overarching challenge themes, though specific topics are not published until the call opens.
Learn more or apply: https://www.diana.nato.int/challenges.html
Az EDF magyar nemzeti összekötője (EDF National Focal Point)
Vezető-kormányfőtisztviselő, Honvédelmi Minisztérium
Védelmi Innovációs Kutatóintézet
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© 2025 | VIKI – Defence Research Innovation Institute
© 2025 | VIKI – Defence Innovation Research Institute
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