NATO has bolstered its innovation network with the inauguration of a new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) site in Espoo, Finland. The site, opened on 22 January 2026, underscores Finland’s growing influence within the Alliance and its commitment to enhancing NATO’s technological edge.
Finland’s Minister of Defence, Antti Häkkänen, emphasised that the decision to establish the accelerator in Espoo was rooted in the country’s strong technological and defence capabilities. “We set out to get a NATO accelerator site in Finland because, as a country, we have high technology and strong defence expertise,” he said.
The new accelerator is designed to support both security and economic objectives. “The accelerator inaugurated today will be good for research, defence, and economic growth,” Mr Häkkänen stated, highlighting the significant growth potential of new technologies across NATO.
In his speech at the opening gala, Mr Häkkänen described the launch as “an important milestone – not only for Finland as a dedicated Ally, but for the entire Alliance.” He stressed that innovation is crucial in the current security environment, stating, “Innovation is not a luxury – it is a necessity.” He noted that defence innovation shapes future military capabilities and responses to emerging threats.
DIANA was created to help NATO maintain its strategic technological advantage as defence innovations emerge faster and strategic competitors invest heavily in new technologies. According to Mr Häkkänen, DIANA “offers a unique platform for fielding and maturation of defence innovations” by bringing together start-ups, researchers, industry, and defence end-users across the Alliance.
The Finnish accelerator focuses on next-generation communication systems and quantum technology, providing business development training for companies participating in DIANA challenge programmes. Its main users are start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises with limited prior experience in defence and security markets.
The site is operated by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in cooperation with Aalto University and the University of Helsinki. Mr Häkkänen highlighted VTT’s contribution, calling the new accelerator the “crown jewel” of Finland’s DIANA footprint.
He added that the accelerator demonstrates Finland’s commitment to NATO’s innovation agenda and supports national objectives set out in Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government programme. “By integrating defence considerations into the national innovation policy landscape, we create stronger foundations for resilience, competitiveness, and international collaboration,” Mr Häkkänen said, stressing that the ultimate aim is to strengthen the deterrence of the Alliance.