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NATO DIANA Challenge Programme

NATO DIANA Challenge Programme

Funds for-profit deep-tech companies from any NATO member nation that are developing dual-use solutions to critical defence and security challenges, through competitive annual and dynamic challenge calls.

NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is a NATO body headquartered in London at Imperial College London's Innovation Hub, with regional offices in Halifax, Canada and Tallinn, Estonia. DIANA runs one Challenge Programme call per year, targeting dual-use deep-tech companies from any of the 32 NATO member nations. The 2026 cohort — the largest in DIANA's history at 150 s

Ten annually-refreshed dual-use deep-tech challenge themes spanning AI, autonomy, quantum, biotech, communications, energy, space, maritime, extreme-environment, and critical infrastructure. Themes set each year by DIANA in consultation with Allied nation priorities.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6–12 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.diana.nato.int