NATO DIANA
DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is NATO's accelerator for dual-use deep tech startups from NATO member countries. Each year it runs a challenge call. Selected companies join a six-month accelerator with contract funding and access to accelerator sites and more than 200 test centres across Europe and North America. Top performers can go on to a follow-on Mission Track.
At a glance
NATO DIANA key facts
- Investment
- $116K
- Equity
- No equity
- Deal terms
- €100,000 (about $116K) in contract funding for phase 1, with top performers eligible for up to €300,000 (about $348K) more in the next phase (Mission Track). Funding is contractual, not an equity investment; no equity is described in DIANA materials. Companies that signed agreements for previous cohorts cannot apply again.
- Duration
- 6 months (accelerator phase)
- Format
- Hybrid
- Cohort locations
- NATO member countries (accelerator sites and test centres across Europe and North America)
- Stage
- pre-seed, seed, series a
- Sectors
- deep tech, cybersecurity, hardware, energy, robotics
- Application cycle
- Annual challenge call, usually opening around June
Verified November 4, 2026 against the sources below. Terms change; confirm on the official site before applying.
Timing
The 2027 challenge call (six challenge areas) opened June 1, 2026 and closed July 3, 2026; the 2027 cohort starts January 2027. Selections have not been announced yet; the 2026 cohort (150 companies from 24 countries) was announced December 10, 2025. The next call is expected around mid-2027; not yet published.
See all upcoming accelerator deadlines
Notable alumni
- Reaction Dynamics
- Tactiql
Sources
- diana.nato.int/connect/nato-diana-unveils-six-new-challenges-to-tackle-evolving-defence-and-security-needs.html
- diana.nato.int/connect/nato-diana-announces-largestever-cohort-150-innovators-selected-across-ten-challenge-areas-for-2026-challenge-programme.html
- iuk-business-connect.org.uk/opportunities/nato-defence-innovation-accelerator-diana-2027-cohort/
- edrmagazine.eu/%E2%96%BA-nato-diana-announces-five-innovators-selected-for-mission-track
FAQ
Applying to NATO DIANA
- How much does NATO DIANA invest?
- NATO DIANA's standard deal: €100,000 (about $116K) in contract funding for phase 1, with top performers eligible for up to €300,000 (about $348K) more in the next phase (Mission Track). Funding is contractual, not an equity investment; no equity is described in DIANA materials. Companies that signed agreements for previous cohorts cannot apply again.
- How much equity does NATO DIANA take?
- NATO DIANA takes no equity.
- When is the NATO DIANA application deadline?
- Application cycle: Annual challenge call, usually opening around June. The 2027 challenge call (six challenge areas) opened June 1, 2026 and closed July 3, 2026; the 2027 cohort starts January 2027. Selections have not been announced yet; the 2026 cohort (150 companies from 24 countries) was announced December 10, 2025. The next call is expected around mid-2027; not yet published.
- Where is NATO DIANA based?
- The program runs hybrid.
Preparing answers? Our accelerator application tips cover what reviewers look for.
Similar programs
All accelerators| Program | Investment | Equity | Location | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garage+ Startup Global Program | — | No equity | Taipei, Taiwan | in-person |
| Activate Fellowship | $200K | No equity | Berkeley, United States | hybrid |
| Creative Destruction Lab | None | No equity | Toronto, Canada | hybrid |
| HAX | $550K | — | Newark, United States | in-person |
| AlphaLab | $100K | 3% | Pittsburgh, United States | in-person |
| Breakthrough Energy Fellows | $500K | — | Kirkland, United States | hybrid |
Applying to NATO DIANA?
XRaze scores your fit against each program, drafts answers from your company profile and tracks every deadline. Start free with 50 credits, no card needed.