A startup accelerator nurturing growth within both the military and consumer sectors

Technology-focused startups can face significant challenges bringing their ideas to market. This especially rings true for dual-use applications that could benefit both the consumer and military defense sectors. Therein lies an opportunity to bridge the gap between these two disparate worlds, bringing to life the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition (PNDC) local implementation of the NATO Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. DIANA is a pioneering hub that nurtures startups focusing on both consumer and military solutions/innovations. 

DIANA is supported via industry veterans within the PNDC, led by Denise Ryser and a team of professionals dedicated to supporting defense tech innovators at the PNW MAC, led by Chris Groves. The Pacific Northwest implementation of the NATO DIANA accelerator offers a distinctive combination of skills, resources, and networks tailored to the needs of these dual-use startups. The PNDC team stands at the forefront of this convergence, providing a supportive ecosystem where startups can thrive. 

“Our participation in DIANA has provided an immediate and very high level of value to our team’s efforts.” Ryan Cross, Zepher Flight Labs

PNDC’s NATO DIANA implementation is one of five current global accelerator sites running a six-month boot camp that began in January for companies from around the globe — to both inspire and train innovators to cultivate ideas and solutions with the best possible support. Todd Woods, program director for the local NATO DIANA program states, “We are at the midway point in this inaugural running of the six-month DIANA boot camp, and it has been incredibly inspiring and a genuine honor for our team to play a role in the implementation of the program and witness the significant growth of every one of the eight startups in our cohort. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such brilliant, motivated and capable individuals and be a part of this boldly ambitious effort to support NATO’s mission and vision.”

Curated by the PNDC DIANA team, with the experience and reach of the PNDC network, our cadre of mentors is formed of seasoned professionals from the verticals of marketing, technology, defense, government agencies, and venture capital. These mentors offer invaluable guidance on product development, market strategy, and fundraising and pave the way towards crucial introductions to potential partners and customers in both consumer and military sectors. 

“PNW MAC is grateful for the generous outpouring of support from local firms and experts who have volunteered their time to support the NATO DIANA accelerator.  Our exceptional team of mentors has helped startups position their businesses to effectively market innovative technologies to NATO, as well as to U.S. DOD customers.  Furthermore, a talented team of local experts has also delivered impactful instructional content that will help startups achieve overall commercial success as well as cater to the unique needs, and sometimes complex processes, of defense markets.”  Chris Groves, executive director, PNW MAC 

Initially, NATO DIANA had over 1000 applications for what became 44 spots in our boot camp program.  Innovators are offered five in-person training and learning days — introduced to mentors in all different areas integral to start up success.  The Northwest program supports eight of those globally-based innovators from our Puget Sound location.  The affiliation with NATO DIANA has been a game changer for the innovators.

 Says Derek Neufeld of DynoRotor, “The EU Outreach Days were very helpful.”  “DIANA opens the door and raises interest and credibility by magnitudes,” adds Christian Lenczowski, Seadar.

The cohort consists of the following innovative companies functioning within the challenge areas provided by NATO:

Sensing and Surveillance

…Dolphin Labs utilizes ocean waves and current to generate power for underwater surveillance 

…Ping DSP innovates 3D sonar, high resolution underwater mapping

…Seadar revolutionizes underwater radar grid technology

…Skarv Technologies creates underwater autonomous vehicles (drone-like technology)

Energy and Resilience

…DynoRotor (dba AuqaGen) creates portable water-based energy production

…Texavie creates textile-based solar cells 

…Zepher Flight Labs builds hydrogen power fueled modular drone technology

Secure Information Sharing

…Quadsat creates secure drone-based satellite communications repair and maintenance solutions

“We have refined our story and completely recreated our entire pitch deck thanks to lessons learned at the DIANA cluster sessions. This has happened almost in real time as we make adjustments after every session, including pitch deck adjustments we are using right now for investor’s pitches.” Ryan Cross, Zephyr Flight Labs

The final phase of the initial boot camp is a pitch presentation and competition to become a part of the phase two program, called GROW. Within the GROW program, added grant funding and a tailored support program will be available to a smaller number of innovators. Scheduled to begin in September 2024, the GROW program will further develop the technologies created by these talented creators.

“Working with other DIANA startup innovator groups has really helped us gain a better understanding of power requirements and necessary interconnectivity with a variety of different sensors,”  Michael Kelly, Dolphin Labs

As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the boundaries between consumer and military applications will continue to blur. Startups with the vision and agility to navigate this moving target will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of both sectors. As the NATO DIANA program is gaining traction and attention worldwide, future cohorts and incubation cycles are imminent. The sky is the limit for opportunities to build success within the aerospace community, and we encourage interested companies and innovators to investigate the DIANA program. Information can be found at: www.pndc.us or by reaching out to Todd Woods at: todd@pnwmac.org

The PNDC NATO DIANA accelerator is committed to empowering startups and providing the support, resources, and connections needed to thrive in this increasingly interconnected world. Driving innovation and constructive collaboration across traditionally siloed industries is our mission as these startups are poised to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. DIANA is delivering transformative solutions that benefit consumers, military organizations, the environment, and our society.