DIANA, NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator, Launches New Challenges NATO Headquarters, Brussels, 07-01-2024 DIANA, NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator, has announced the launch of its latest round of challenges, inviting submissions from startups, research institutions, and industry partners across the globe. DIANA is a non-profit organization established to foster innovation within the NATO defense community. Through open competitions and strategic partnerships, it aims to identify and support cutting-edge technologies that can enhance NATO’s capabilities. The new challenges cover a wide range of defense-related topics, including: * Countering Hybrid Threats: Develop tools and technologies to detect, deter, and respond to hybrid threats, such as misinformation, cyberattacks, and political coercion. * Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Harness the power of AI and ML to improve decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and automate defense operations. * Quantum Technologies: Explore innovative applications of quantum computing and sensing to gain an advantage in defense missions. * Resilient Supply Chains: Strengthen NATO’s supply chains against disruptions and vulnerabilities, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of critical materials and services. * Cybersecurity: Develop advanced cybersecurity measures to protect NATO’s networks and infrastructure from cyber threats. “DIANA is a vital catalyst for innovation in the defense sector,” said Anja Weisgerber, Acting Director of DIANA. “By connecting startups, researchers, and industry partners with NATO, we can accelerate the development of transformative technologies that will strengthen our deterrence and defense capabilities.” Submissions to the challenges are open to all qualified entities, regardless of location or affiliation. A panel of experts from NATO, academia, and industry will evaluate the proposals and select the most promising projects for funding and support. “We encourage startups and innovators from around the world to participate in these challenges,” said Dr. Andreas Peter, DIANA’s Lead Scientist. “Your ideas and solutions can make a real difference in safeguarding NATO’s mission of collective defense.” For more information on DIANA and the challenges, visit www.diana-accelerator.org.DIANA Launches New Defense and Security ChallengesDIANA Launches New Defense and Security Challenges On July 1, 2024, NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) introduced five new challenges for defense and security innovators. These challenges seek solutions in the areas of: * Energy and Electricity * Data and Information Security * Detection and Surveillance * Human Health and Performance * Critical Infrastructure and Logistics In addressing these challenges, DIANA encourages innovators to focus on resilience, space exploration, and environmentally sustainable technologies. DIANA offers innovators a comprehensive support system that includes funding, mentorship, testing facilities, and access to investors and end users. In 2023, 44 companies from 19 countries were selected to join DIANA and work on the initial pilot challenges. These startups showcased technologies ranging from innovative fuel cells to secure communications systems. Applications for the new challenges will close on August 9, 2024. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the challenges, novelty, feasibility, dual-use potential, and commercial viability. More information about the challenges and the application process can be found on LinkedIn and DIANA’s website at diana.nato.int.NATO’s DIANA Launches New Innovation Challenges 07-01-2024 NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator (DIANA) has announced the launch of several new challenges, inviting innovators and industry leaders to submit proposals for cutting-edge solutions to enhance NATO’s capabilities. The challenges focus on various areas of defense and innovation, including: * Quantum Technologies for Enhanced Communication and Cybersecurity: Seeking advancements in quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing to improve communication security and provide situational awareness. * Artificial Intelligence for Agile Decision-Making: Exploring AI-driven systems for rapid threat detection, decision support, and autonomous operations. * Resilient Infrastructure for Critical Missions: Addressing vulnerabilities in infrastructure, such as energy grids and transportation systems, to ensure operational continuity during conflicts or disruptions. * Unmanned Systems for Cooperative Operations: Developing platforms and technologies for unmanned aerial, ground, and naval systems to operate seamlessly in coordinated environments. * Advanced Materials for Protective Gear and Equipment: Investigating innovative materials and designs to improve the safety and effectiveness of military equipment. DIANA encourages a diverse range of participants, including startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and multinational corporations. Proposals will be evaluated based on their technical merit, feasibility, and potential impact on NATO’s defense capabilities. The deadline for submitting proposals is [Insert Deadline] and the selected projects will receive funding and support from DIANA and its partners. DIANA aims to foster innovation, accelerate technology development, and strengthen the alliance’s technological edge. For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DIANA website.