Third On-Site Week Brings Defence Innovation Back to Riga

The third on-site week of the NATO DIANA programme took place from March 16 - 20, 2026, once again bringing together innovators, mentors, and industry experts in Riga, Latvia at Startup House. Building on the momentum of previous sessions, this week focused on a critical challenge in defence innovation: transforming advanced technologies into deployable, fundable, and market-ready solutions.

Over five intensive days, participants explored fundraising, storytelling, pitching, and go-to-market strategies - while engaging directly with leading voices from venture capital, legal, defence, and innovation ecosystems.

The week began with a strong focus on one of the most critical challenges for defence innovators - fundraising. Rather than simply outlining how to raise capital, the discussions went deeper, exploring when fundraising is the right move and how to approach it strategically. Participants examined different funding mechanisms, learned how investors think, and identified common mistakes that can hinder successful rounds.

Alongside funding, legal and compliance considerations were brought into sharp focus. Sessions unpacked the complexities of export controls, dual-use classification, and operating across multiple jurisdictions - highlighting how essential it is for innovators to navigate regulatory frameworks with confidence in the defence sector.

As the week progressed, attention shifted to storytelling and positioning. Through interactive workshops, participants worked on refining their problem–solution fit and building clear, compelling narratives around their technologies.

A key insight emerged: in defence markets, success is not just about what you build, but how you frame it. Emphasis was placed on developing a strong point of view - one that resonates with stakeholders and shapes how the problem itself is understood. Participants also explored category design and messaging, strengthening their ability to position their solutions in a competitive landscape.

This work naturally extended into practical sessions on product demonstrations, where innovators learned how to present their technologies in a way that connects with real-world needs and drives engagement beyond technical features.

Midweek, the focus turned to pitching - an essential skill for both fundraising and customer engagement. Through hands-on exercises and repeated practice, participants refined how they communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively.

The sessions encouraged open feedback and honest critique, helping innovators sharpen their delivery while learning to handle challenging questions with confidence. From structuring a compelling pitch deck to avoiding overly technical language, the emphasis remained on clarity, relevance, and impact.

The latter part of the week explored how to bring innovations into the defence market. Discussions highlighted the realities of working with large defence organisations, engaging with ministries, and navigating complex procurement environments.

Teams refined their go-to-market strategies through interactive workshops and one-on-one mentor sessions. The day concluded with the Defence Tech Meetup Riga, organised in collaboration with Startup House Riga, where innovators pitched their solutions and connected with key players from the local and international defence ecosystem.

The final day extended beyond the workshop setting with a field visit to a military base, offering valuable real-world context and reinforcing the importance of aligning innovation with operational needs.

This on-site week in Riga once again highlighted the strength of collaboration between innovators, industry experts, and ecosystem partners -creating meaningful connections and accelerating defence innovation forward.