The UK’s Janus Accelerator has been selected as an activated site for NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) 2026 programme, reinforcing Britain’s position at the forefront of global defence innovation.

Based in London’s thriving White City Innovation District, the Janus Accelerator will support a new cohort of cutting-edge companies developing dual-use technologies that enhance NATO’s technological edge while addressing critical defence challenges.

The selection comes as DIANA launched its 2026 Challenge Call on 2 June, with Phase 1 of the accelerator programme scheduled to begin in early 2026.

Sharpening NATO’s technological advantage

NATO DIANA was formally established in 2023 to identify and accelerate dual-use innovation across the Alliance. The initiative provides innovators with vital resources, networks and guidance to develop deep technologies that solve pressing defence challenges – from operating in denied environments to countering threats to collective resilience.

Emerging and disruptive technologies have become increasingly crucial for maintaining NATO’s competitive edge in collective defence and security. Through a transatlantic network spanning 23 accelerators and 182 test centres, DIANA connects military end-users with innovative start-ups, researchers and technologists across all 32 NATO nations.

John Cunningham, Director of Defence Innovation, said:

The selection of the Janus Accelerator as an activated site for NATO DIANA’s 2026 programme represents a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s defence innovation ecosystem. This partnership will help unlock the potential of our most promising dual-use technologies, accelerating groundbreaking solutions to strengthen NATO’s capabilities while creating high-skilled jobs and economic growth here in Britain.

State-of-the-art innovation hub

Launched in January 2025 and supported by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), the Janus Accelerator is delivered by the Janus Consortium and collocated with the NATO DIANA Regional Office at Imperial College London’s Innovation Hub.

Companies participating in the DIANA accelerator programme gain unparalleled exposure to government and military buyers, investors and end users across the Alliance – creating pathways to scale innovative solutions that address NATO’s most pressing security challenges.