NATO DIANA Challenge Programme

NATO DIANA Challenge Programme is the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic's annual route for dual-use deep-tech startups from NATO member states. It sits inside NATO's innovation system and is designed to move civilian technologies toward defense-relevant use without losing commercial discipline. Selected companies receive €100,000 in non-dilutive funding in Phase 1, with top performers eligible for up to another €300,000 in Phase 2, for a maximum of €400,000. The program runs as a yearly challenge cycle, typically opening in June and closing around July, then beginning a six-month Phase 1 the following January. Participants also gain access to 16 accelerator sites, more than 200 NATO-accredited test centers, and a network of 600+ mentors and allied end-user pathways. Applicants must be for-profit entities from NATO member nations and the technology must serve both civilian and defense purposes. The fit is strongest for teams that already have a working product at TRL 4 or higher, can move quickly through evaluation, and have a credible path to allied end users. In the 2026 cohort, DIANA selected 150 innovators from 24 NATO nations out of more than 3,000 applicants.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.