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Three Turkish companies have been selected to receive support from NATO's North Atlantic Defense Innovation Accelerator (DIANA) program to develop technology in the defense and security sectors.
According to a written statement from NATO, 150 pioneering companies from 24 NATO countries were selected to participate in the 2026 Challenge Programme.
The three Turkish companies selected are Arke Telekom Muhendislik Elektronik Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Sti., developing "Resilient, autonomous communication architecture for GNSS-free tactical drone operations"; Simularge, focused on "Physics-informed AI for reliable defence production"; and Exentech Savunma Medikal Havacilik Bilisim Ltd. Sti., working on "Throwable 360° intelligence for missions that demand safety and precision."
The innovative companies selected under the program will develop dual-use technologies to address 10 critical defense and security challenges identified as core priorities by allies.
The 10 challenge areas include advanced communications and contested electromagnetic environments, autonomy and unmanned systems, energy and power, biotech and human resilience, and critical infrastructure and logistics.
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James Appathurai, Interim Managing Director of NATO DIANA, outlined the program's strategic importance and mission focus.
"DIANA's mission is to find the most innovative companies, help them advance their solutions and grow their business, and get the technologies we need into the hands of NATO operators. Over the next year, these innovators will accelerate breakthrough technologies that can help to transform how the Alliance defends against current and emerging threats," Appathurai said.
Beginning in January 2026, the selected companies will receive contractual funding and gain access to DIANA's expanding network of 16 accelerator sites and more than 200 test centers across the 32 NATO nations.
The selected companies will receive contract-based financing and access to the DIANA network spanning 32 NATO countries, consisting of 16 accelerator centers and over 200 test facilities.
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