“We are proud that we can launch the DIANA facility at CzechInvest, which has extensive experience with supporting startups and a strong foundation in industry, the aerospace sector, advanced materials, biotechnologies, artificial intelligence and other advanced fields. We want to connect the local dynamic ecosystem with the innovative startups that we will host and support their growth on the global scale. This NATO programme complements our activities aimed at supporting new, innovative companies, which we are implementing at both the national level and in the EU and ESA,” said Jan Michal, CEO of CzechInvest.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, CzechInvest will ensure the operation of the NATO DIANA national acceleration facility starting in January. Companies selected by DIANA will undergo a six-month programme formulated specifically for startups that plan to use their technologies in the defence sector. Companies from NATO member states can register in the programme without age or size restrictions. However, the programme is suitable primarily for young startups and small and medium-sized enterprises with minimal experience in the defence sector. Such companies can obtain up to EUR 100,000 in the first six-month phase of the programme. The international DIANA team will carry out the collection of registration forms and the evaluation and selection of companies. The companies Dronetag and Goldilock have already left a Czech imprint on the programme, having previously participated in it and gained valuable experience.

“Czechia and the rest of NATO are very well aware that emerging and groundbreaking technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnologies and robotics will have an absolutely fundamental impact on defensive capability in the coming years. Czechia is already a member of the NATO Innovation Fund and our role in the DIANA accelerator is another of the country’s contributions to the building of a common defence,” said Radka Konderlová, director general of the Industrial Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Defence.

CzechInvest will be responsible particularly for implementing educational and awareness-raising activities in connection with the programme’s activities, organisation of workshops, mentoring and trainings conducted by experts on particular topics so that startups can develop in relation to the defined issues of DIANA and the priorities of NATO. At the same time, the branch will serve as the contact point for applicants to the programme and other NATO and EU initiatives with a similar focus. The purpose of this is to increase the success rate of applicants from Czechia in international programmes focused on supporting the development of the defence-related technology base. Selection of suitable premises and formation of a team of experts are currently underway.

DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is a NATO body whose mission is to seek out and accelerate dual-use innovations within the alliance. DIANA provides companies with resources, networks and leadership for the development groundbreaking technologies with the aim of overcoming critical challenges in the area of defence and security. Czechia is involved in the NATO DIANA programme via the Ministry of Defence. DIANA is financed with funding from the programme itself and from NATO member countries. The programme is focused on support for projects in the area of dual-use technologies in the category of Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs).

Media contact:
David Hořínek
PR Manager and Spokesperson
+420 724 591 667
david.horinek@czechinvest.org