NATO has chosen DualTech by Takeoff, the accelerator managed by Plug and Play in Turin, as the Italian partner for DIANA, the acceleration program for the future of dual-use technologies. In 2024, DualTech by Takeoff became one of the affiliated acceleration sites collaborating with NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator, with the aim of connecting technological innovators to develop advanced solutions capable of protecting the Alliance’s 32 member countries and over a billion citizens.

The innovators were selected through a competitive process from over 2,600 applications in response to the DIANA’s Challenges call, launched in early 2024. The selected startups develop advanced technology solutions in the fields of energy and power, sensing and surveillance, secure information sharing, health and human performance, as well as critical infrastructure and logistics.

DualTech by Takeoff announced the companies that will join the second batch, with technologies specializing in artificial intelligence, radar and drones, explosive threat detection, extreme environment robotics, and additive manufacturing:

• Zelim has developed an innovative AI-based solution for detection, tracking and alerting in maritime environments. This technology is designed to identify and monitor objects, people, and maritime targets in water, even at distances of more than 50 meters. Applications range from offshore energy to the cruise industry and critical infrastructure protection, providing greater security through real-time threat detection and early warnings.
• AI GPR has designed a drone-mounted land-penetrating radar with both military and civilian applications. The technology detects buried objects, such as ordnance and archaeological structures, using a multimodal sensor system that includes radar, thermal cameras, and RGB.
• InEMSens created an AI-enhanced electromagnetic interference sensor system to detect and identify buried explosive threats, such as landmines, improvised ordnance and unexploded explosives. The solution combines traditional electromagnetic induction technology with AI algorithms to improve noise rejection and threat identification.
• Mantacus has designed a solution for long-range detection of hidden weapons up to 50 meters or more. This technology is ideal for the protection of sensitive sites such as educational institutions, stadiums, airports and government buildings, with dual-use capabilities for the security of military bases.
• Fluid Wire Robotics develops robotic arms for extreme environments designed to manipulate electrical and electronic components in remotely sealed units. Used in nuclear, space operations and underwater operations, their smooth transmission system ensures lightness, versatility and operational efficiency.
• Forg3D has developed a revolutionary additive manufacturing process based on direct energy deposition, ensuring material properties equal to or superior to those of forged components. Applications range from defense to aerospace.

With DualTech by Takeoff, startups receive €100,000 in funding and participate in a six-month accelerator program, the DIANA Bootcamp. The initiative includes workshops, training sessions and in-person events. During the Bootcamp, startups are supported by mentors and experts who provide assistance in technological and business development. DIANA is divided into two phases: Bootcamp and Grow. In the Bootcamp phase, startups gain in-depth knowledge of the dual-use landscape and develop their technology roadmap. At the end, 1-2 startups per challenge are selected for the Grow phase, receiving an additional funding of 300,000 euros from NATO and six months of personalized support.

(Source: Plug and Play press release)