NATO DIANA launches 2027 challenge calls

NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) has launched its fourth “annual challenge call”, to identify promising dual-use technologies that strengthen the alliance’s “operational edge”.   

DIANA – which accelerates dual-use technology for military applications – is calling for innovators across six technology ‘challenge areas’ to bid and compete for funding to help scale their technology. 

The 2027 challenges, announced on 1 June, are:  

• Human survivability 
• Multidomain autonomy of uncrewed systems 
• Operational resilience in contested environments 
• Responsive logistics 
• Multidomain sensing and advanced data processing for intelligence and surveillance 
• Scalable and adaptable countermeasures for air defence 

The challenge areas are almost entirely different from DIANA’s 2026 call, with the exception of the ‘autonomy and uncrewed systems’ challenge which has been prefaced with “multidomain” for 2027. 

Notably, many of the challenge areas are calling for multidomain technology, an emphasis not seen in previous years. NATO says the challenge areas are positioned to “tackle evolving defence and security needs” using “game-changing” solutions.

The companies that demonstrate the most potential could be selected to move onto a second phase of the programme dubbed ‘Mission Track’ with EUR300,000 for further product development. 

DIANA also has a network of investors with which companies can network and consult, as the businesses look to grow and obtain funding for their efforts. 

Participants in the 2027 challenges will be guided through the research and development process with access to end-users and testing facilities. 

This includes “more than 200” locations across the NATO alliance for “testing, evaluation, validation and verification activities” according to DIANA. 

Access to testing facilities can be a barrier for smaller companies, making this a significant benefit of the programme. 

Application information 

Applicants must be registered within NATO countries, have a valid Data Universal Numbering System number, and have solutions at the appropriate technological readiness level for their chosen challenge area. 

NATO says that it has four key metrics for evaluating solutions. These are: novelty; dual-use impact; a realistic technology roadmap; and a balanced spending plan to support capability development. 

Those looking to apply will need to submit initial proposals by 3 July.