As part of the Defence Hub, CzechInvest helps startups whose technologies may have applications beyond traditional commercial use and extend into the defence sector (i.e. dual-use technologies). CzechInvest can help companies connect with potential partners, identify opportunities for financing their technologies, or provide direct support through some of the agency's programmes.

As part of its own programs, CzechInvest supports dual-use technologies in the Technology Incubation program in the Tech4Life sector.

Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic, CzechInvest is also one of the acceleration sites of the DIANA (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program, launched by NATO in 2023. From this position, the agency assists applicants with their application to the DIANA program and provides an acceleration program for selected companies.

What is the DIANA program?

DIANA (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is a NATO organization with a mission to identify and accelerate dual-use innovations across the Alliance. Dual-use technologies are solutions that can be used in both the civilian and defense sectors. DIANA provides companies with resources, networks, and expert guidance to develop breakthrough technologies that address critical defense and security challenges.

DIANA Accelerator Czechia is part of this prestigious network of NATO defense accelerators. Led by the CzechInvest agency and in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic, it offers DIANA selected startups a unique combination of financial and non-financial tools – from direct support to top-notch mentoring, access to testing centers, and connections with the defense industry.

Startups for the accelerator are selected by DIANA Headquarters. CzechInvest's role is to accelerate the selected startups in Central and Eastern Europe.

Current challenges

Next challenge call will open in June!

Over the next few months, DIANA will be hosting three webinars to help innovators understand the challenge call and how to submit a successful proposal. These sessions are open to anyone who is interested in submitting a proposal to be selected into DIANA's 2026 cohort.

Register here for the first webinar on 22 May: Introducing DIANA's Challenge Call for the 2026 Cohort.

DIANA focus

The DIANA program focuses on emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs), in particular:

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Autonomous systems
• Quantum technologies
• Biotechnology and human enhancement
• Hypersonic systems
• Space technologies
• New materials and advanced manufacturing
• Energy and propulsion
• Next-generation communication networks

What do startups get?

Companies from NATO member countries without restrictions on age or size can get:

• Funding: Up to EUR 100,000 in the first "Bootcamp" phase and up to EUR 300,000 in the follow-up "Scale" phase for further development of the technological solution
• Acceleration program: A six-month program focused on providing knowledge about commercial and defense markets
• Access to test centers: Opportunity to use test centers for technology development
• Network of contacts: Opportunity to present solutions to investors and representatives of allied armed forces
• Mentoring and expertise: Support from experts in the field of defense technologies
• International prestige: Participation in the program is viewed positively by the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) and other investors

How to participate

To participate in the DIANA program, you must respond to one of the calls for proposals regularly announced by NATO DIANA headquarters. The calls focus on specific technology areas, such as:

• Energy and power
• Data and information security
• Sensors and monitoring
• Human health and performance
• Critical infrastructure and logistics

Companies selected by the NATO DIANA international jury can then participate in an acceleration program at one of the acceleration sites, indicating their preferences.

Want to know more?

Those interested in consultations for the DIANA program can schedule a meeting by clicking "Request a meeting" below. A link to schedule a meeting appears after you send the form.