NATO DIANA

#AcceleratorSpotlight: CzechInvest 📍Location: Prague, Czech Republic About: The Business and Investment Development Agency, CzechInvest, is a government organisation dedicated to supporting startups and innovative entrepreneurs. Through a range of programs and services, it helps businesses grow and thrive without taking equity. Support Provision: 👉 Support in early phases of development, with introduction of initial prototypes to the market, formulating a proper sales strategy, addressing domestic and foreign partners, customers and investors, and with establishing branches around the world 👉 Linking of partners from the business and R&D spheres 👉 CzechInvest’s programmes combine financial support with expert mentoring with the goal of helping startups through the challenging “valley of death” phase of business growth. Focus area: 👉 Various technology areas are supported, such as space, mobility, ecotech, AI, biotech and advanced materials. “We are proud to launch the DIANA accelerator site at CzechInvest. With our experience in startup support and strong foundation in manufacturing, air and space, advanced materials, biotech, AI and other cutting-edge fields, we are proud and committed to connect local dynamic ecosystem with the innovative startups we will host, fostering their growth on a global scale. This NATO programme adds to our activities to support new, innovative businesses that we undertake nationally and in the EU and ESA frameworks." Find out more👇: https://lnkd.in/dCr3y3fK #innovation #research #czechinvest #technology #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #defence

#AcceleratorSpotlight: MassChallenge 📍Location: Boston, USA About: MassChallenge is the global network for innovators. Headquartered in the United States with eight locations worldwide, it is the non-profit’s mission to help bold entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Support Provision: 👉 MassChallenge connects startups to knowledge, networks, customers, capital and peers. Achievements: 👉 Since launching in 2009, MassChallenge has run programs in 24 countries, supported more than 4,400 startups from around the world, and awarded over $19M in equity-free cash and prizes. Focus area: 👉 MassChallenge targets technologies that drive public advancement in healthcare, sustainable food, climate transition, cyber resiliency, and space commercialisation, among other transformative sectors. "At MassChallenge, we're proud to once again partner with NATO DIANA to accelerate dual-use technologies that strengthen security and resiliency in today's evolving global landscape. By fostering innovation that supports both commercial and defence applications, we are empowering startups to solve some of the world's most critical challenges. Now, more than ever, these bold collaborations are essential to drive technological advancements that support and accelerate critical and emerging technologies and safeguard our future." Find out more 👇 : https://masschallenge.org/ #innovation #research #technology #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #defence

#AcceleratorSpotlight: COVE 📍 Location: Halifax, Canada About: COVE is a world-leading innovation centre and global tech hub with a mission to create the world’s next commercial and revolutionary tech advances for the global defence and security, offshore energy, fisheries and aquaculture, marine transportation, and tourism sectors. Support Provision: 👉 COVE hosts a variety of events to foster relationships with industry leaders, including Pitch+Roll, an annual investment event attracting international ventures and funds with a combined valuation of $1 billion, as well as COVE’s Demo Day, Canada’s largest on-water showcase for marine technology. 👉 COVE’s 51,000 m² oceanfront facility on the Halifax Harbour offers advanced waterfront infrastructure and a year-round marine terminal supporting commercial, research, and military vessels. Achievements: 👉 COVE hosts over 60 resident companies on-site, connects with more than 400 organisations worldwide, and has engaged over 5,000 people through its programs and services. 👉 While providing access to leading academic, government and industry organisations, COVE has propelled local and international companies to work with Canadian Prime Contractors including Thales and the Canadian Coast Guard. Focus area: 👉 COVE focuses on marine innovation. “COVE is pleased to join the NATO DIANA network, reinforcing our dedication to advancing dual-use technologies for both defence and civilian applications. This partnership will connect COVE’s ecosystem with NATO’s innovation network, driving collaboration, accelerating technological breakthroughs, and strengthening global defence initiatives. We are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of dual-use technology and defence innovation.” Find out more 👇: https://coveocean.com/ #innovation #research #technology #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #MarineTechnology #MarineInnovation #DefenceInnovation #MarineEconomy

#AcceleratorSpotlight: Deep Tech Lab - Quantum 📍Location: Copenhagen, Denmark   About: Deep Tech Lab – Quantum (DTL-Q) was inaugurated in 2023 at BioInnovation Institute (BII) in Copenhagen. DTL-Q drives innovation in quantum technology by supporting early-stage startups in bringing their science to life. Support Provision: 👉 Tailored programs focused on developing interdisciplinary teams, identifying and developing the most promising business case, and determining the most suitable technology development pathways for commercial viability and company growth. Achievements: 👉 DTL-Q successfully supported six companies in finalising the first phase of NATO DIANA’s accelerator program. NATO DIANA selected ten companies from their accelerator sites to participate in the second phase. Four of the selected companies are based at Deep Tech Lab - Quantum. 👉 The accelerator built an international investor network and an advisory group within quantum and deep tech. 👉 Aquark Technologies, part of their DIANA cohort, was the first DIANA company to receive a direct investment from NATO Innovation Fund (NIF).  Focus area: 👉 DTL-Q is specialising in projects at the intersection of quantum technology and life sciences. "We're proud to be part of DIANA, allowing us to collaborate with cutting-edge startups across NATO and learn from allies on connecting deep tech with defence innovation." Find out more 👇: https://lnkd.in/eNihraQB #innovation #research #technology #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #quantum #lifescience #defence

#AcceleratorSpotlight: DualTech by Takeoff 📍Location: Turin, Italy About: DualTech by Takeoff Accelerator is the Italian Accelerator Site of NATO DIANA, operated by Plug and Play. The program supports the growth of innovators, including startups, by focusing on business development to boost their readiness for investment and market entry. Support Provision: 👉 Tailored mentoring with industry experts and business leaders  👉 Workshops on strategy, scaling, and go-to-market approaches 👉 Networking opportunities with corporate partners, mission-aligned customers, and investors Achievements: 👉 Managed by Plug and Play, DualTech benefits from its vast network of 50 offices, 570 corporate partners across 20 industries, and an impressive track record of 250 investments annually, including 31 unicorns and 2,440 startups accelerated. 👉 DualTech by Takeoff has accelerated 11 startups so far, all focused on dual-use technologies, supporting them in refining their business models and scaling their operations. Focus area: 👉 Focus areas are AI, autonomy, quantum technologies, hypersonic, new space technologies, novel materials & manufacturing, energy & propulsion and next gen comm “We’re truly excited to be part of the DIANA network because it gives us the opportunity to collaborate with incredible innovators and forward-thinking partners. For us, it’s not just about advancing technology - it’s about building meaningful relationships and working together to make a real impact in the aerospace and defence sectors.” Find out more 👇: https://lnkd.in/d4dZ7d8z #innovation #research #technology #DualTechByTakeoff #accelerator #startups #natodiana #italy #dualuse #defence

#AcceleratorSpotlight: DEMOKRITOS Innovation 📍 Location: Athens, Greece About: The Innovation Accelerator@Demokritos is a pioneering initiative by NCSR Demokritos, in collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Defence and the Hellenic Centre for Defence Innovation. As Greece’s first dual-use accelerator, it links a wide network of national and EU innovation ecosystems. Its goal is to assist SMEs in developing advanced products through dual-use technologies, bridging the gap between business, industry, and defence sectors. Support Provision: 👉 Access to a technologically advanced and specialized experimental and computational ecosystem with more than 70 high tech labs and large infrastructures in Demokritos campus 👉 Innovation Accelerator@Demokritos features a network of over 80 businesses, defence, and tech mentors, along with 20 expert educators. Achievements: 👉 Innovation Accelerator@Demokritos have secured over €25 million in investments in recent years and generated more than €14 million in revenue.   Focus area: 👉 The key focus areas include AI, data, autonomy, quantum technologies, biotech, nanotech, space, novel materials, energy, and propulsion. “Our expectations are high, especially for DIANA and the NATO INNOVATION Fund that will finance start-ups with dual-use technologies, for the defence industry and for political applications, given that for the first time an international VC arrives at the doorstep of Greek Research Organizations.” Find out more 👇: https://lnkd.in/dqMM6jGm #innovation #research #technology #NCSDemokritos #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #defence

📢 Introducing the 2025 cohort of DIANA innovators! 👏 We are excited to introduce you to the companies joining DIANA's programme in 2025. These deep tech innovators are working on dual-use solutions in five challenge areas that have the potential to change the landscape of defence, security and resilience. The innovators will begin their acceleration programme in January at one of 13 sites across the NATO Alliance. We can't wait to see how far they go! 🚀 👇Read our release below. 🎥 Watch our video here: https://lnkd.in/geYnwbTm and ➡️ Visit the DIANA website to see the cohort:  https://lnkd.in/gJt9Ujwd #DualUseTech #DeepTech #innovation #NATO #NATODIANA #DefenceTech #DefenceAndSecurity #Startups Deeph Chana PhD Tien Pham Tom Dallas McSorley Jyoti Hirani-Driver Heather Desserud Adrian Dan Kadri Tammai Konstantinos Gouras Matt Corker

#AcceleratorSpotlight: ODTÜ TEKNOKENT 📍 Location: Ankara, Türkiye About: As Türkiye’s first and most innovative tech park, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT hosts over 400 companies across diverse sectors like software, electronics, energy, defence, and advanced materials. ODTÜ TEKNOKENT is recognized for its accelerator programs, with a strong emphasis on dual-use technologies and supporting innovative entrepreneurs. Support Provision: 👉 There are more than 400 laboratories and over 40 research centres companies can benefit from. 👉 The DUALSPARK program is the first program in Türkiye to support technological transitions between the defence and civilian sectors. It works with more than 20 mentors and more than 10 entrepreneurs. The program is designed to prepare participants for the NATO DIANA Dual-Use Acceleration Program. Achievements: 👉 For more than 20 years, ODTÜ TEKNOKENT has evaluated more than 7,000 projects and directly contributed to the establishment of more than 210 startups. These companies have employed more than 1,000 people. Focus area: 👉 ODTU TEKNOKENT focus areas are software and information technologies, electronics, mechanics and design, medical technologies, energy, environment and advanced materials, agriculture, food, aviation and space as well as automotive. “We see this as a powerful platform to showcase ODTÜ's pioneering spirit, fostering collaborations that will echo far beyond our borders, while contributing to cutting-edge solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.” Find out more 👇: https://lnkd.in/d5Vf97wH #innovation #research #ODTÜTEKNOKENT #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #defence

👀 Coming soon... We have big news coming later this week. Get ready to celebrate with us at 11 A.M. (GMT) this Wednesday, 11 December! We'll post here on LinkedIn, so you may wish to click the notifications button on our page (🔔) to avoid missing anything.

#AcceleratorSpotlight: Tehnopol 📍 Location: Tallinn, Estonia About: Tehnopol Startup Incubator provides a high-quality growth program for early-stage tech startups. With the longest experience and largest startup portfolio in Estonia, they have tailored and refined their program to meet the specific needs of emerging companies. Support Provision: 👉 Tehnopol Startup Incubator offers technology agnostic acceleration programme (6+6 months), that consists close cooperation with key mentor, 6 practical trainings, access to 150+ international mentors, community events and free access to open office premises.  Achievements: 👉 Tehnopol Startup Incubator has empowered over 600 start-ups. The company's success rate is 60%, and 98% of alumni say they would recommend it to others. 👉 The incubation programme is like the quality mark for the regional investors, attracting investors and giving innovators a network of opportunities. Focus area: 👉 Tehnopol’s focus fields are dual use, AI, health tech and green tech. “We are committed to supporting world-changing technologies, and through our collaboration with DIANA, we aim to bring together disruptors to shape a more secure and peaceful future.” Find out more 👇: https://lnkd.in/dGCDjcQg #innovation #research #Tehnopol #accelerator #startups #natodiana #dualuse #defence