Simply put, dual-use technologies are technologies that can be used in both civilian and defence sector. DIANA is looking for civilian technologies that can be used to solve challenging defence and security problems. 

Among other emerging  and disruptive technologies (EDTs), DIANA will focus on big data, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, quantum, biotechnologies and human enhancement, energy and propulsion, novel materials and advanced manufacturing and aerospace. 

Startups and companies developing innovative technological solutions that can meet one of the defined defence needs/categories can apply for participation in the 6-month accelerator programme. Participation is not only for companies developing for the defence sector - on the contrary, the accelerator focuses on dual-use companies, i.e. companies whose technical solutions could have an overlap with the defence sector.  

What can startups gain?  

• Participation in a 6-month acceleration program focused on providing startups with knowledge on how to successfully navigate both commercial and defence markets through a combination of lectures, workshops, and mentorship. 
• Participation in the programme is also positively viewed by the NIF (NATO Innovation Fund) and other investors. 
• Companies will be given an opportunity to present their solutions to investors, representatives of alliance armies and participate in DIANA events with great networking opportunities.  
• Companies selected for the programme can get reimbursement from the DIANA testing centres.  
• Funding of EUR 100,000 is provided to the selected companies as payment towards their participation in the DIANA Accelerator Programme, enabling them to continue iteration of their proposed solution. 

Who is it for, what are the conditions?  

• There are relatively few formal conditions, the main one being that the company must be from one of the Alliance countries. More information here: https://www.diana.nato.int/faq.html  (section Eligibility & Selection)  
• There are no conditions related to the age or size of the company.  Moreover, the awarded funding does not count as de minimis aid.  
• Early-stage startups or small and medium-sized enterprises with minimal experience in defence and security are likely to benefit most from the unique DIANA accelerator programme. 

How hard is it to apply, where can I get more information?  

The application form is very simple, only 5 pages in total. However, it is all the more important to describe clearly all the information that DIANA requires.

The technology categories in the last challenge were:  

• Energy and Power  
• Data and Information Security  
• Sensing and Surveillance  
• Human Health and Performance  
• Critical Infrastructure and Logistic  

Find out more about the challenges here and see the application site for the last challenge here.

DIANA boot-camp participants compete for a spot in an additional six-month DIANA ‘Grow’ programme, which provides tailored support and additional funding for a smaller number of participants.

Selected companies will receive additional funding of up to EUR 300,000 to further demonstrate their technological solution, develop transition strategies, and work with investors and end users to identify pathways to adoption for another 6 months.

To get into 2nd phase, participation in the 1st phase is mandatory.

CzechInvest together with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic is preparing the so-called accelerator site, i.e. a place where companies can go through the acceleration programme if they are selected by DIANA within the challenge. CzechInvest does not take part in the selection process, nor does it provide the funding – this whole process is handled at DIANA/NATO level.

There is no requirement to consult your DIANA application with CzechInvest to apply, however Czech-based companies which are unsure whether their technology is the right fit for DIANA or wish to discuss other funding possibilities for their dual use solutions can contact Martin Hýža.