Diskusia Ako vznikajú obranné inovácie na Slovensku?

Defense innovation in Slovakia is long no longer just about weapons, but about connecting research, business, and the state. A panel on the DIANA accelerator and the NATO Innovation Fund showed how Slovakia is engaging with this ecosystem and where the opportunities lie for domestic companies.

DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund: what they bring

Slovakia is not only a contributor, but also holds a decision-making position in the governance of the DIANA accelerator and co-creates its documents. The goal is for the domestic ecosystem to actively engage in calls instead of taking the role of a passive observer. Representatives of the Ministry of Defense emphasized that this is an opportunity with a real impact on the direction of defense technologies.

DIANA links support from the idea stage through testing to market launch, highlighting technologies with dual (civilian and defense) use. The NATO Innovation Fund operates outside NATO’s direct environment as a public–private partnership, so that investments are not tied to grant logic. These are long-term instruments: DIANA is planned for approximately 25 years, the fund for 15 years.

The ecosystem at home: contact, testing, results

The Ministry of Defense has created a contact point and a strategic unit that explains the conditions to companies and connects them to the DIANA team or to the fund. Over two years it has held consultations with at least fifty companies across the spectrum from startups to small and medium-sized enterprises. Emphasis is placed on security and vetting partners, given that this is the defense sector.

According to data from the board, 22 applications were submitted from Slovakia, another four companies opened an account in the system, and at least two are advancing to the second round of interviews. Slovakia has also marked six testing centers on the alliance map in the areas of robotics, biotechnology, and space technologies. This will allow startups to test solutions at home, in collaboration with universities. The discussion also noted that companies are primarily coming with solutions in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum technologies, and energy efficiency.

Universities, dual-use, and advice for companies

The academic sphere is an advisory partner to DIANA and offers testing infrastructure as well as experts for pilot projects. Universities maintain contacts with alumni and their ideas, and help with technology transfer and intellectual property protection. An example was also given of a student "rolling drone" and of modifying an agricultural robot to meet military criteria — proof that civil solutions can be bridged into defense.

Panelists recommend that companies "not experiment" with blind submissions and first contact the contact point at the Ministry of Defense, which will help assess the suitability of the solution and the application process. Competition is high, and a failed, poorly targeted submission can pose a reputational risk. Calls focused on human health and biotechnology are approaching, and about ten calls are expected next year. The key is to think about dual-use — often it is enough to adapt an existing technology so that it also addresses security needs.

Discussion "How are defense innovations created in Slovakia?"

DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund: what they bring

The ecosystem at home: contact, testing, results

Universities, dual-use, and advice for companies

Michaela Kollárová

Andrej Veľas

Discussion "How are defense innovations created in Slovakia?"

DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund: what they bring

The ecosystem at home: contact, testing, results

Universities, dual-use, and advice for companies

Michaela Kollárová

Andrej Veľas

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