Despite recent calls from US officials for Europe to increase its defense spending, the continent is already making significant strides in investing in defense technology. In fact, investment in "Defense, Resilience, and Security" (DSR) tech has reached an all-time high of 10% of all VC funding in Europe. This surge in investment is further boosted by the launch of the first NATO-approved cohort of startups under the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program, in partnership with the UK.

The DIANA program, which includes a network of 23 affiliated accelerator sites and 182 test centers, aims to connect defense personnel, startups, and defense "prime" contractors. The UK's Defense and Security Accelerator (DASA) is leading the UK front, in partnership with the IoT Tribe, which heads the Janus Consortium on dual-use technologies. This consortium also includes Atmos VC, a deep tech investor, and the SETsquared Partnership, a collaboration between six research-led UK universities and a range of partners from the defense industry.

The first cohort of five startups has been selected for a six-month program with DASA, with companies spread across AI, electronics, semiconductors, and materials science. These startups were selected from 2,400 applications, demonstrating the high level of interest in defense tech innovation. According to Tanya Suarez, CEO of IoT Tribe, 74 companies were selected and taken forward, with five going through the accelerator in London. The startups are addressing surveillance and sensing technologies, which have both military and civilian applications.

Suarez emphasized the close links between the startups and their customers across defense, providing a deep understanding of the problems and challenges that need to be overcome. Through DASA's partnership with NATO DIANA, the development of dual-use technologies is being fast-tracked, benefiting both military and civilian applications across the Alliance.

The selected startups include AI Verse (France), EIFys (Finland), Metahelios (UK), RVmagnetics (Slovakia), and Winse Power (Finland). These companies are working on cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence for computer vision models, induced junction black silicon photodiodes, nanotechnological imaging, microwave-based sensors, and power delivery through light.

This development marks a significant shift in Europe's approach to defense tech, with a focus on innovation and collaboration. As the continent continues to invest in DSR tech, it's likely that we'll see more startups emerging with dual-use technologies that benefit both military and civilian applications. With NATO's involvement, the potential for international collaboration and knowledge sharing is vast, and could lead to breakthroughs in areas such as surveillance, sensing, and cybersecurity.

In the broader context, this trend reflects a growing recognition of the importance of technology in modern defense strategies. As the global security landscape continues to evolve, it's clear that Europe is taking proactive steps to stay ahead of the curve. With the DIANA program and initiatives like it, the continent is poised to become a hub for defense tech innovation, driving growth, and shaping the future of national security.