VTT launches Finland’s first NATO DIANA accelerator program to support dual-use defence technology development across Europe starting in 2026

Big things are on the horizon for Finland’s tech and defence innovation scene.

As of early 2026, the country will be home to its very first NATO DIANA accelerator program — a major step in advancing cutting-edge dual-use technologies across Europe and beyond.

And the good news? Applications are already open for companies from all NATO member countries who want to be part of this bold new chapter.

A Deep Dive into What the Accelerator Will Focus On

This isn’t your average tech accelerator.

The 2026 edition will be laser-focused on solving real-world defence and resilience challenges, and it’s built around ten core tech themes. These include:

• Energy and power

• Advanced communications tech

• Contested electromagnetic environments

• Human resilience and biotech

• Operations in extreme conditions

• Maritime operations

• Resilient space capabilities

• Critical infrastructure and logistics

• Autonomous and unmanned systems

• Data-driven decision making

In other words, it’s a robust and forward-looking program designed to push technological boundaries in areas where defence and civilian applications overlap.

How Finland Became a Key Player in NATO’s Innovation Strategy

Back in 2024, Finland and VTT — the country’s leading technical research centre — were officially approved to join the NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) network.

As part of that, they committed to launching both an accelerator and two testing centres.

Fast forward to today: the test centres are already up and running, and now the accelerator is about to take off.

The goal? To support NATO’s long-term strategy of developing tech that works for both civilian and military use.

What the Program Offers to Selected Companies

Led by Lotta Partanen, who heads incubation and acceleration at VTT LaunchPad, the accelerator is packed with value.

Selected companies receive a €100,000 grant and gain access to an intense six-month training programme.

But that’s not all — participants also get hands-on access to an impressive global network of 180+ test centres.

It’s not just about the money. It’s about arming entrepreneurs with the right tools, coaching, and facilities to build high-impact solutions that could shape the future of defence.

Applications Are Open — But Not for Long

If you’re a startup or company based in a NATO member country and working in any of the ten key tech areas, you can throw your hat in the ring — but don’t wait too long.

The application window for the 2026 DIANA accelerator is already open and will close on July 11th, 2025.

The selection process is run directly by NATO DIANA, and companies will be matched with one of the accelerator hubs in the network.

Finnish Startups Get a Boost from VTT

For Finnish companies especially, there’s extra help available.

VTT will be offering coaching and guidance in the coming weeks to help local businesses get through the application process and increase their chances of being selected.

This support could make all the difference for innovative Finnish startups aiming to make their mark in NATO’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem.