NATO’s DIANA program brings startups into the future of defense

Warfare is no longer defined solely by boots on the ground. Autonomous drones now swarm across skies once dominated by soldiers, AI systems detect threats faster than human operatives, and cyberattacks can disable entire infrastructures without a single bullet. In this new landscape, NATO is turning to startups to stay ahead.

To drive this transformation, the Alliance launched DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) in June 2023. The initiative supports defense innovation by connecting startups with over 200 accelerator sites and test centers across member nations. It brings together governments, universities, and industry to help develop and deploy dual-use technologies for both civilian and military applications.

At the center of this effort is Jyoti Hirani-Driver, DIANA’s Chief Operating Officer. A former counter-terrorism advisor to the British government, she is now responsible for identifying technologies that NATO can deploy across its 32 member nations.

“It’s the first time ever we’re working as one on defense innovation,” she told TNW.

At the upcoming TNW Conference on June 19, Hirani-Driver will join a panel of European defense leaders to discuss the rise of defense tech. Ahead of the event, she outlined DIANA’s goals: to speed up the delivery of innovation to armed forces, and to bring in talent from sectors that don’t traditionally work in defense.

Historically, defense contracts have been dominated by large contractors and slow-moving procurement cycles. Startups, with their leaner structures and faster iteration, often struggle to navigate this system.

Hirani-Driver’s government background helped her see the limitations firsthand. While working in counter-terrorism during the rise of ISIS, she realized that traditional approaches to national security were no longer sufficient.

“We knew we couldn’t just keep doing the same thing,” she said. “We needed to look at innovation and engage with the tech industry.”

In 2018, she became Chief of Staff at the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Innovation Directorate. There, she helped secure £1.1 billion in R&D funding for emerging technologies such as AI, hypersonics, autonomous systems, and space infrastructure.

“My job was to embed innovation into the lifeblood of defense — not just in capabilities, but in how we train and empower our people,” she said. “We need to become smarter in every area.”

DIANA’s strategy focuses on dual-use technologies — solutions with both civilian and military value. This approach broadens the talent pool, increases the pace of development by tapping into commercial markets, and improves viability by opening additional revenue streams.

“There are startups doing amazing things in the civilian world that don’t realize how valuable they could be to defense,” Hirani-Driver said. “We help them make that leap.”

DIANA issues calls for technologies that address specific defense challenges. Recent categories include energy and power, data security, sensing and surveillance, human performance, and infrastructure resilience.

Selected startups receive €100,000 in funding and enter a six-month accelerator program, gaining access to NATO mentors, end users, and test centers.

One example is Goldilock, a British startup that tested a network isolation system at CR14, NATO’s cyber range in Estonia. The technology instantly disconnects and segments critical infrastructure to prevent cyberattacks. Hirani-Driver says validation at CR14 serves as a powerful endorsement.

“They can take that as a stamp of approval that their technology has been tested at one of the best cyber facilities in the Alliance,” she said.

Other alumni include Lithuania’s Astrolight, which develops secure laser communication systems, and Poland’s Revobeam, which builds intelligent antennas optimized for unmanned vehicles.

Remember when Google said no to military AI: Not anymore

The Netherlands is also represented. Delft-based Lobster Robotics joined DIANA after developing autonomous underwater vehicles for seabed mapping — a tool useful in both marine research and naval surveillance.

“I want to see Lobster Robotics delivering to navies across the Alliance,” said Hirani-Driver.

With the next wave of DIANA challenges set to launch this summer, NATO aims to bring more startups into the fold. Hirani-Driver emphasizes the importance of having a broad innovation pipeline.

“Large defense contractors still play a key role in securing the Alliance,” she said. “But we also need more diversity, more choice, and better technology. Startups and SMEs are essential to achieving that.”

DIANA’s model is designed not just to inject cash into the ecosystem, but to keep promising ideas alive and guide them through the complex path to deployment. The ultimate goal is to get emerging technologies into the hands of NATO forces before adversaries do.

“We don’t want startups to just finish our program and disappear,” Hirani-Driver said. “Success means seeing their tech in action — protecting lives, enabling missions, and shaping the future of defense.”

Featured image credit