When it comes to cutting-edge technology for defence and resilience, Finland is stepping up in a big way.
Starting early 2026, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland will roll out the country’s very first NATO DIANA accelerator program.
This initiative is designed to fast-track innovative companies from across all NATO member countries, helping them develop dual-use technologies that serve both civilian and military needs.
What the 2026 Accelerator Program Will Focus On
Next year’s accelerator isn’t just a one-trick pony.
It covers ten crucial technology areas that reflect modern defence and security challenges.
These include energy and power systems, advanced communication technologies, dealing with contested electromagnetic environments, human resilience and biotechnology, and operations in extreme environments.
It also focuses on maritime and space operations, protecting critical infrastructure and logistics, developing autonomous and unmanned systems, and enhancing data-assisted decision-making.
This broad scope ensures that the program supports diverse innovations with a direct impact on NATO’s future readiness and resilience.
The Journey So Far: Finland and DIANA
Finland’s involvement in NATO’s DIANA program officially began in 2024 when VTT, alongside the Finnish government, was accepted into the network.
This inclusion enabled Finland to establish not only the accelerator but also two test centres, which are already operational.
These centres provide vital environments where emerging technologies can be rigorously tested and refined.
The accelerator itself will kick off soon, ready to nurture startups and companies developing dual-use tech that addresses significant defence and societal challenges.
What Companies Can Expect
Lotta Partanen, who leads incubation and acceleration at VTT LaunchPad, explains that this program equips companies with essential skills and resources to advance their innovations.
The program is comprehensive, offering a six-month, hands-on training experience alongside access to approximately 180 test centres across the network.
On top of this, companies accepted into the accelerator receive a grant of €100,000 to support their development efforts—a strong incentive to push their technologies forward.
How to Get Involved
Applications for the 2026 accelerator are already open and will close on July 11th.
Companies from any NATO member country can apply, and DIANA will carefully select those that best fit the program and its various locations.
To help Finnish companies maximize their chances, VTT is providing coaching and support in the coming weeks, guiding them through the application process and preparing them for the competitive selection.
Looking Ahead
This accelerator represents a significant opportunity for defence innovation in Finland and across NATO.
By supporting technology development through training, funding, and access to test facilities, the DIANA program aims to strengthen defence capabilities and resilience for the future.
For companies ready to innovate at the intersection of civilian and defence tech, this could be the moment to make a real impact.