Cohort growth & selection rates
DIANA grew from 44 companies in 2024 to 150 in 2026. Selection rates stayed below 5%. Toggle the metric to compare cohorts.
Cohort growth, 2024–2026
Applicant figures are published minimums (e.g. 2,600+). Warfighters Challenge ran as a special track outside the annual accelerator cohort.
Selection rate by cohort
Rates are approximate because applicant figures are published minimums (e.g. 2,600+). DIANA is more selective than most top accelerators. The Warfighters Challenge (~2.3%) is the most selective track to date.
The funding pipeline
Every selectee receives a €100,000 non-dilutive grant. Outstanding performers advance to Phase 2 for an additional €300,000.
Non-dilutive grant awarded to every selected company on entry to the accelerator programme.
Outstanding performers advance to Phase 2 with an additional €300,000, bringing the total to up to €400,000 per company.
A pan-Alliance network of accelerator locations across Europe and North America.
Access to more than 200 test centres for validation in real defence environments.
Funding is non-dilutive. DIANA takes no equity. Warfighters Challenge selectees receive €100,000 in contractual funding each.
From launch to December 2026
Key milestones from DIANA's launch in May 2023 through the Warfighters Challenge demos.
- May 2023DIANA becomes operational
NATO's Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic is established as the Alliance's first dedicated dual-use deep-tech accelerator.
- Nov 20232024 cohort: 44 companies
First cohort selected from 1,300+ applicants across 19 nations and 3 challenge areas.
- Dec 20242025 cohort: 72 companies
Second cohort selected from 2,600+ applicants across 20 nations and 5 challenge areas.
- Sep 2025Phase 2 announced
14 companies from the 2025 cohort advanced to Phase 2 with an additional €300,000 each.
- Dec 20252026 cohort: 150 companies
Largest cohort to date: 150 companies from 3,600+ applicants, 24 nations, 10 challenge areas.
- Jul 2026Warfighters Challenge: 10 companies
Decision Superiority for NATO Warfighters selects 10 companies from 427 applicants (~2.3%), with ACO / Task Force Maven.
- Dec 2026Warfighters demos due
Warfighters Challenge companies demonstrate TRL 7+ solutions to NATO Allied Command Operations.