NATO Backs First Cohort of European Dual-Use Startups

European Investment in Defense Technology is Surging

Recent statements from Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding increased European defense spending may be somewhat misleading. Europe is, in fact, already significantly increasing its investment in defense, particularly within the technology sector.

Record Funding for Defense, Resilience, and Security Tech

Investment in “Defense, Resilience, and Security” (DSR) technologies has reached a record high, now representing 10% of all venture capital (VC) funding allocated across Europe. This demonstrates a clear commitment to bolstering defense capabilities through innovation.

NATO and the U.K. Launch DIANA Program

This week saw the launch of the inaugural cohort of startups participating in the NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. This initiative, a collaboration between the U.K. and NATO, aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies into defense systems.

DIANA’s Network and Objectives

DIANA operates through a robust network comprising 23 affiliated accelerator sites and 182 test centers. Its core function is to facilitate connections between defense personnel, innovative startups, and established defense contractors.

U.K. Leadership and the Janus Consortium

The U.K.’s Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) is spearheading the U.K.’s involvement, partnering with IoT Tribe. IoT Tribe leads the Janus Consortium, which focuses on dual-use technologies – those applicable to both civilian and defense sectors.

Key Partners in the Janus Consortium

The consortium also includes Atmos VC, a specialist deep tech investor, and the SETsquared Partnership. SETsquared is a collaborative effort involving six research-intensive U.K. universities and various partners from the defense industry.

The Significance of the “Janus” Name

The name “Janus” is derived from the Roman god of duality, aptly reflecting the program’s emphasis on technologies with applications spanning both civilian and military domains.

Selection of the First DIANA Cohort

From an impressive pool of 2,400 applications, a cohort of five startups has been chosen for a six-month program facilitated by DASA. These companies represent advancements in areas such as AI, electronics, semiconductors, and materials science.

IOT Tribe’s Role and Selection Process

According to Tanya Suarez, CEO of IOT Tribe, 74 companies were initially selected and progressed through the evaluation process, ultimately leading to the selection of the five participating in the London-based accelerator.

Focus on Surveillance and Sensing Technologies

“We run competitions for U.K. defense with DASA, and have expanded capacity to include our own companies,” Suarez explained. “The current cohorts address the need for improved surveillance and sensing capabilities, focusing on technologies to monitor people or equipment.”

Close Collaboration with Defense Customers

Suarez emphasized the strong relationships maintained with defense customers, providing valuable insights into their challenges and requirements. This close collaboration ensures the development of relevant and effective solutions.

Accelerating Dual-Use Technology Development

“Through DASA’s partnership with NATO DIANA, we are accelerating the development of dual-use technologies that will provide benefits to both military and civilian applications throughout the Alliance.”

The Selected Startups

• AI Verse (France): Specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), addressing challenges related to image accessibility, quality, privacy, accuracy, and labeling for computer vision model training.
• EIFys (Finland): A company founded by university researchers, focused on commercializing induced junction black silicon photodiodes.
• Metahelios (U.K.): Develops imaging technologies for various industries utilizing a nanotechnological approach.
• RVmagnetics (Slovakia): A high-technology company specializing in sensors and identification technologies based on microwave technology.
• Winse Power (Finland): Develops Optical links, a technology for delivering both power and data using light, with applications in sensing and surveillance.