Unilab Defence is the member of the DIANA accelerator programme. This program is designed to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to navigate the world of deep tech, dual-use innovation. It provides an immersive curriculum and 'boot-camp' that combines the NATO innovation network with strategic business partners from the commercial and defence markets.

Companies are primarily selected on how well they respond to a specific DIANA challenge topic, as well as the operational applicability, technological feasibility, commercial viability, and transformational nature of the solution they propose.

DIANA is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from across all member states. DIANA will ensure that when all qualifications and competencies are met, as many nations as possible participate in the accelerator programme in an equitable distribution to represent the geographical and cultural diversity existing across the Alliance.

DIANA offers a comprehensive support package to companies selected to participate in its accelerator programmes, including:

• grants to support technology development and demonstration, and participation in the DIANA accelerator programme.
• 20+ accelerators across the Alliance, with more planned over the coming years
• 180+ test centres (with more planned) across the Alliance where entrepreneurs can de-risk, and demonstrate and validate their proposed dual-use technological solutions
• mentoring from scientists, engineers, industry partners, end users, and government procurement experts
• an investor network for trusted third-party funding
• opportunities to demonstrate technology in operational environments
• pathways to market within the NATO enterprise and 32 Allied markets

Funding is provided to awardees as grant, with each selected company receiving EUR 100,000, for the first six months of the programme. Following a competitive down-selection, participants may receive up to EUR 300,000 for an additional six months. The base currency for grants is Euros. DIANA can accommodate payments in any NATO national currency but any foreign exchange risk remains with the participants. DIANA may also reimburse some test centre fees.

No, DIANA does not take equity in any participating company, nor does it take intellectual property. Participants are free to negotiate separate provisions (equity, licence, etc.) with third parties at any point during the programme.

Any incorporated company headquartered in a NATO member nation is eligible to participate, and DIANA will accept proposals from all companies meeting that basic eligibility requirement and due diligence requirements. It is anticipated, however, that early-stage start-ups or small and medium-sized enterprises with limited experience in defence and security will benefit most.

DIANA will also accept collaborative proposals as long as all member companies meet the basic eligibility requirements; a single company must be listed as lead for the purposes of communication during the submission process, as well as for contracting and reporting requirements, should a grant be awarded.

Universities and non-profit groups are not yet eligible to apply, although we foresee opportunities in future programmes. DIANA seeks technology solutions at maturity levels typically greater than TRL 4 – but lower TRL solutions with potential disruptive impact will be considered.

DIANA will provide its innovators with regular exposure to a community of trusted Allied investors.

DIANA's investor network will provide invitations to exclusive events and demo days to provide investors with the information they need to invest in DIANA start-ups. If you are interested in joining DIANA's investor network, please click the orange Register My Interest button to register your interest.