Inside the technologies shaping tomorrow’s defence - NATO DIANA Demo Day and Defence Tech Meetup brought together innovators in Riga

As part of the international Drone Summit 2026 program in Riga, two high-impact defence innovation events brought together startups, policymakers, military stakeholders, investors, and technology leaders to explore the future of dual-use and defence technologies.

NATO DIANA Local Demo Day

May 27 | ATTA CENTRE | Riga

After six intensive months inside the NATO DIANA acceleration program at UniLab Defence in Riga, breakthrough teams from Canada, the UK, Slovenia, and Norway showcased what they had built, tested, and refined.

The NATO DIANA Local Demo Day offered a rare opportunity to meet the innovators shaping the next generation of dual-use technologies — solutions designed to operate both in civilian and defence environments. From strategic resilience to cutting-edge technological advancement, these startups had gone through a rigorous acceleration journey driven by mentorship, operational feedback, and real-world challenges.

Agenda

15:00 – 15:30 Opening Remarks & Keynote Speeches
15:30 – 16:05 NATO DIANA Startup Pitch Session | Part 1
16:05 – 16:35 Fireside Chat | Building Transatlantic Bridges
16:35 – 17:10 Startup Pitch Session | Part 2
17:10 – 17:20 Pitch Feedback from Experts
17:20 – 17:40 Fireside Chat | Inside the Journey: What It Really Takes
17:40 – 17:45 Closing Remarks
17:45 – 18:00 Transfer to Meetup & Drone Flights

Defence Tech Meetup

May 27 | Riga

Following the Demo Day, participants joined the 6th closed Defence Tech Meetup, co-hosted by UniLab Defence and Startup House Riga.

Bringing together representatives from government and armed forces, defence companies, researchers, investors, and technology developers, the meetup served as a platform to strengthen Latvia’s defence tech ecosystem and deepen international collaboration.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the meetup was designed to encourage open, honest, and meaningful conversations around innovation, security, and the future of defence technology.

Registration was mandatory and participation was subject to organizer approval.
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