Luxembourg joins NATO's DIANA network

In a joint effort by the Luxembourg Directorate of Defence and Luxinnovation, a selection of national innovation facilities has just been selected to integrate the DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) network of NATO.

Specifically, the incubator Technoport will act as the central accelerator site for DIANA in Luxembourg, supported by several test centres, including:

• The Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity (LHC)
• The Luxembourg Space Agency
• The Space Campus
• The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST)
• The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg

The DIANA network comprises 23 accelerators and 182 test centres spread across the 32 NATO Allies.

Exchanges within DIANA will also enrich our innovators and strengthen transatlantic cooperation. And let us not forget the crucial synergies between DIANA and the Luxembourg domiciled NATO Innovation Fund.” Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes

Established in 2022, the DIANA network ensures that the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) harnesses the best of dual-use innovation for transatlantic defence and security. This structure provides companies with the resources, networks and guidance necessary to develop cutting-edge technologies to address critical defence and security challenges.

“We are delighted that the national ecosystem is strengthening its links with NATO. Luxembourg has a lot of expertise to share and we will do our part in maintaining the Alliance’s technological edge,” adds Minister of Defence Yuriko Backes.

In the booming innovation ecosystem in Luxembourg, this integration into NATO’s DIANA network will put the spotlight on national areas of excellence such as space, data, smart materials, biotechnology and quantum,” Sasha Baillie, CEO of Luxinnovation.

“In the future, our economic development and our collective defence and common security will depend, to a large extent, on the innovation we foster today. Civil and military players in the spheres of industry and research must join forces to keep the competitive edge. That is why the Directorate of Defence invests in defence and dual-use research,” specifies Minister Backes.

Buy-in from private players, in particular startups which are the true cradle of innovation, is essential. Maintaining an open dialogue and strengthening public sector engagement with the entire ecosystem are key to success.

“In the current context, it is crucial to link all initiatives to maximise synergies and ensure that all our efforts complement each other. The European Union, NATO and national players must work together,” concludes Ms Baillie.