Startups developing dual-use technologies now have a strategic opportunity to join the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) through support from CzechInvest and the Defence Hub in Prague.
DIANA, a NATO initiative aimed at accelerating deep tech solutions for defence and security challenges, is calling for startups with a NATO residence to establish operations in Prague. The Czech capital, already a growing hotspot for technology innovation in Central and Eastern Europe, is offering soft landing support for qualifying startups.
Fast-track setup and relocation support
CzechInvest, in cooperation with the Association for Foreign Investment (AFI), is offering free consultations to help international startups navigate the business setup process in Czech Republic. Ondřej Votruba, a local expert with the AFI, will provide the initial consultation and guide companies through the necessary legal and logistical steps.
For startups needing to relocate talent, CzechInvest’s Key Personnel and Scientific Personnel Programme streamlines visa and residence permit processes. This support targets non-EU companies and foreign researchers, investors, and founders who are authorized to apply at embassies or consulates.
The programme can facilitate embassy appointments within one week (pending paperwork) and potentially deliver visa decisions within a month. Application submissions are processed via: [email protected]
Why Prague?
By setting up in Prague, startups can tap into NATO’s DIANA network while benefiting from the Czech Republic’s advanced R&D infrastructure, growing defence innovation ecosystem, and central location in Europe.
“We focus on bridging the gap between startups and end users. Often, startups don’t have complete solutions, and armed forces can’t easily procure early-stage tech, so we facilitate connections between startups and defense companies or integrators. We also educate startups on procurement processes and the specific needs of military users,” shared Leoš Mauer, Czech NATO DIANA Accelerator Lead, in an upcoming interview the The Recursive.
More information, including how to apply for the DIANA programme and relocation support, can be found on the CzechInvest website.
Dual-use tech innovators to tackle NATO’s toughest security challenges
DIANA has opened its Challenge Portal, inviting companies from across the NATO Alliance to submit proposals for its latest Challenge Call. Successful applicants will join DIANA’s 2026 cohort of innovators, contributing technologies to address critical defence and security needs.
The challenges are shaped by NATO and Allied priorities, emerging and disruptive technology trends, and market potential, with the goal of solving some of the most complex threats facing global security.
Startups can apply by July 11 on the link here.
