NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is opening a new chapter in defence innovation. Established to identify and accelerate dual-use technologies across civilian and military domains, DIANA is building an infrastructure designed for an era of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change. As part of this effort, DIANA has selected HYPE Innovation as the platform provider for its new open innovation portal.
Designed to engage thousands of innovators across NATO member countries, the portal will serve as DIANA’s digital engine—where critical challenges connect with disruptive ideas. From quantum sensing and autonomous systems to next-generation materials and artificial intelligence, the initiative will surface dual-use technologies with the potential to strengthen the Alliance’s technological edge across domains.
“DIANA’s mission calls for more than just a place to collect ideas,” said Nathan Jacob, Director of UK & Ireland, HYPE Innovation. “It requires a system that can orchestrate innovation at scale, while preserving the speed, security, and focus needed to turn emerging technologies into operational advantage for the Alliance.”
Building the Infrastructure for Innovation at Scale
The portal’s role extends beyond submission and review. It facilitates collaboration between challenge owners, expert evaluators, and solution providers, creating a shared space to assess, refine, and advance ideas aligned with strategic priorities. With multilingual access, secure data handling, and support for complex workflows, the platform reflects DIANA’s commitment to inclusivity, efficiency, and operational excellence.
“Innovation at this level is not a side initiative. It’s infrastructure,” added Jacob. “We’re excited to support DIANA in building a system that connects the brightest minds with the most pressing challenges, across borders, time zones, and disciplines.”
Toward a More Resilient Alliance
With the launch of its new portal, DIANA is not only accelerating access to emerging technologies but also redefining how NATO engages with the broader innovation ecosystem. The platform supports a future-fit model—one where open collaboration, rigorous evaluation, and strategic alignment are integrated by design.
As new challenge areas emerge, the system will continue to evolve—serving as a trusted channel between the Alliance and a global community of innovators, helping them connect with DIANA’s accelerator programs, test centers, venture funding pathways, and potential investment from the €1 billion NATO Innovation Fund.
For more information about DIANA’s mission, programs, and innovation challenges, visit the DIANA FAQ.
