On 4 June, Defence Hub CzechInvest held an information meeting at ZenWork in Prague on the recently opened NATO DIANA 2026 programme call. The event was attended by more than 100 guests from technology start-ups, innovative companies, representatives of Ukraine and the media. The aim was to motivate companies to join this prestigious programme, which supports the development of dual-use technologies, i.e. technologies that can be used in both the civilian and defence sectors.
The DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) programme launched its call for 2026 on 2 June. Companies from all NATO member states can apply until 11 July 2025. The call is coordinated by DIANA Headquarters in London, with Defence Hub CzechInvest providing free consultations and support to interested parties in preparing their applications. The NATO DIANA 2026 call is the most extensive in the programme's history, with a record 10 open areas.
"Our ambition is for Czech companies to be able to make the best possible use of their technologies in the field of defence and security. That is why, through our Defence Hub, we help start-ups navigate international calls such as the NATO DIANA programme and prepare for them. At the same time, we connect them with partners from the industry where they can test their solutions in a real environment and prepare for further growth," says Jan Michal, CEO of CzechInvest.
The importance of the DIANA programme
The NATO DIANA programme is aimed at supporting start-ups and small companies that develop technologies with potential for use in security and defence applications. Selected participants will receive contractual funding of EUR 100,000, mentoring, access to testing facilities and the opportunity to join the NATO ecosystem. Selected applicants also have the opportunity to continue to the Scale phase with additional funding of up to EUR 300,000.
"I am delighted that we have succeeded in establishing the DIANA Accelerator in the Czech Republic and that we are working with our colleagues from CzechInvest. The Defence Hub team helps interested parties not only with their applications, but also with navigating the entire programme if they are selected. I am convinced that the challenges that DIANA is now opening up fit perfectly into the Czech innovation environment," said Radka Konderlová, Director General of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defence.
Czech successes: From start-up to European leader
In previous years, startups such as Dronetag a Atomiver have participated in the programme. Co-founder & CEO of Atomiver, Andrew Hladký, described the impact of the programme on the company's development at the event:
"We have established 20 industrial partnerships with key suppliers and end users. The programme not only opened doors for us, but also laid the foundations for future cooperation. It was truly a transformative opportunity."
Defence Hub CzechInvest provides consultations
Those interested in participating in the call can take advantage of Defence Hub CzechInvest consultations. In addition to direct support in preparing their applications, applicants also have access to webinars organised by DIANA HQ in London, including recordings of past webinars and registration for upcoming ones.
"By providing targeted support and fostering collaboration, we are creating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive, strengthen our defence capabilities and generate significant economic opportunities," says Leoš Mauer, Director of Defence Hub.
"Think about how your technology meets the specific requirements of the call. You will find everything you need on our website, from the schedule to access to our consultation hours," added Martin Hýža, Acceleration Manager at DIANA/Defence Hub CzechInvest.
DIANA 2026 Call: 10 open areas
Companies of any size and age from NATO member states are eligible to apply if they develop dual-use technologies. The 2026 call covers the following areas:
- artificial intelligence and data analysis
- autonomous systems and robotics
- quantum technologies
- biotechnology and human performance
- sensors and tracking technologies
- energy and propulsion systems
- advanced materials and manufacturing
- space technologies
- next-generation communication networks
- cyber security and data protection
International cooperation with Ukraine
The meeting took place as part of the broader Invest in Bravery initiative, which supports Ukraine's integration into the global innovation environment. Thanks to this cooperation, approximately 40 participants from Ukraine, including start-up entrepreneurs and representatives of the organisation, attended the event.
"I believe that the Czech Republic can make significant progress in the coming years. The defence technology market is active and full of opportunities, especially for strong infrastructure solutions," said Kateryna Bezsudna, CEO of the Defence Builder acceleration programme.
Submission of applications
Applications for the NATO DIANA 2026 programme can be submitted until 11 July 2025 via the programme website DIANA Challenges - Start. Information on conditions, challenges, consultations and webinars is available here.