NATO DIANA successfully concludes its 2026 cohort and opens up new opportunities for innovators
International demand for innovative security and defence technologies is growing rapidly. The NATO DIANA 2026 cohort was officially concluded during the International Demo Days at Eurosatory in Paris. At the same time, the NATO innovation programme has opened its doors to a new group of start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs keen to contribute to a safer and more resilient future.
From innovation to impact
During the International Demo Days, 150 innovators from the NATO DIANA programme presented their technologies to an international audience of defence experts, investors, policymakers and end-users. The innovations focus on current security challenges and demonstrate how dual-use technologies can contribute to both civilian and defence-related applications.
For Brainport, the event marked the completion of an intensive mentoring programme. As accelerator partners, The Gate, Brainport Development, BOM and Eindhoven University of Technology supported twelve companies in further developing their technology, refining their market proposition and exploring applications within the defence and security sector.
Over the past few months, these companies have been working on validating their solutions, building relevant networks and preparing for further upscaling. The focus was not only on technological development, but also on strengthening entrepreneurship, leadership and collaboration.
Defence Tech Day brought the ecosystem together
The programme’s conclusion built on the successful Defence Tech Day held earlier this year on the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology. During this second edition of the national Demo Days for the Netherlands and Belgium, representatives from the defence sector, government, research institutions, investment funds and the business community came together to explore the latest developments in defence innovation.
One of the highlights of the day was the presentation by 22 NATO DIANA innovators who pitched their solutions around four key themes: advanced communication technologies, operating in a disrupted electromagnetic environment, data-driven decision-making and resilient space operations.
The day underlined the importance of collaboration between companies, research institutions, governments and defence partners to make innovations available to end-users more quickly.
New NATO DIANA challenge call opened
With the conclusion of the 2026 cohort, the search for tomorrow’s innovators begins immediately. NATO DIANA has launched six new challenges for the 2027 cohort.
The challenges focus on themes closely aligned with the technological strengths of the Brainport region, including:
- Autonomous systems
- AI-driven data analysis
- Sensor technology
- Logistics innovations
- Air defence
- Operational resilience
Selected companies will receive €100,000 in funding, access to more than 200 test centres across Europe and North America, and guidance from experts, military end-users and investors. Participants will also gain access to the network of all 32 NATO member states.
Opportunity for innovative companies in Brainport
For start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs working on dual-use technology, participation offers a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation, build international partnerships and enter new markets.
Applications for the 2027 cohort are open until 3 July 2026.
CTA: Take a look at the six challenges and find out if your innovation fits within NATO DIANA.
View the challenges here