Key Takeaways
- First NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Regional Office opened in London
- Another DIANA hub will open in Tallinn later this year
- DIANA aims to drive innovation in defence by uniting industry, government, and academia from NATO Allies
- The program will focus on nine key emerging and disruptive technologies identified by NATO as priorities
London Hosts First DIANA Regional Office
The first Regional Office of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) was officially opened in London today at the Imperial College London Innovation Hub (I-HUB) in the White City Innovation District. The event was attended by UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Alex Chalk KC, and NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoană.
A Collaborative Effort to Drive Innovation in Defence
DIANA aims to support start-ups working on innovative and forward-thinking defence projects. By bringing together industry, government, and academia from across the NATO Alliance, DIANA will help develop and integrate advanced dual-use technologies to address critical defence and security challenges.
Delivering on NATO’s 2030 Vision
The DIANA program is crucial for realizing the NATO 2030 vision, ensuring the Alliance can deter and defend against existing and future threats while enhancing security within the Alliance and beyond.
Focus on Key Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
DIANA will support all nine of the key emerging and disruptive technologies that NATO has identified as priorities, including artificial intelligence, data, autonomy, quantum-enabled technologies, biotechnology, hypersonics, space, novel materials and manufacturing, and energy and propulsion.
A Partnership with Imperial College London
Ranked in the world’s top ten innovative universities, Imperial College London will bring together academia, industry, and government to host the HQ in a space shared with the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Major Defence Contractors, and the US Department of Defense’s Tri-Service Office.
