VTT, a leading research, development, and innovation partner, has announced that the NATO DIANA Accelerator Program will officially kick off on 19 January 2026 in Otaniemi, Finland.
This initiative aims to fast-track the development of cutting-edge dual-use technologies that serve both commercial and defence purposes.
Six Companies Selected From Four NATO Member States
Six startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Germany have been chosen to participate.
These companies will focus on building advanced communication technologies designed to meet the needs of future NATO communications systems.
Mentorship and Collaboration With Top Institutions
The selected companies won’t be going it alone. VTT, together with Aalto University, University of Helsinki, and other DIANA partners, will provide mentorship.
This includes support from end-users and investors in the defence sector, helping guide the companies through both technological development and business strategy tailored for the defence market.
Focus Areas: From Quantum Encryption to Emerging Communication Systems
VTT’s Dual-Use LaunchPad accelerator will concentrate on key areas such as:
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New radio and antenna applications
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Radio-frequency data analytics and system integration
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Secure networks and quantum encryption
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Quantum sensors and other emerging communications technologies
These areas are central to strengthening NATO’s communication capabilities while opening doors for commercial applications.
Access to NATO Markets and Test Facilities
Participants will also gain access to NATO’s Rapid Adoption Service (RAS) mechanism, allowing their technologies to enter NATO’s commercial market.
They can test their innovations at nearly 200 DIANA test centres worldwide, including two in Finland: one at VTT’s Otaniemi site and another in Oulu.
Program Schedule and Key Milestones
The accelerator begins with an opening week from 19 to 22 January, featuring workshops on market information, defence business models, and technology adoption strategies.
Over the spring, companies will receive guidance on building business strategies tailored for defence.
The program will culminate in a demo day in May, paired with investor and industry days during Midsummer week.
NATO DIANA Challenge Areas Beyond Communications
Communications technology is just one of ten challenge areas in NATO’s DIANA programme for 2026.
Other focus areas include autonomous and unmanned systems, energy and power solutions, biotechnology and human resilience, critical infrastructure, and logistics.
Together, these challenges aim to identify the most innovative companies in NATO member states and accelerate the adoption of next-generation defence technologies.
A Platform to Accelerate Innovation
By connecting startups with defence experts, investors, and test facilities, the DIANA Accelerator is helping to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world defence needs.
For the companies involved, it’s not just about technology—it’s about expanding their business and shaping the future of secure, next-generation communications.
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