Greece's leading research centre joins a select group of accelerators shaping NATO's technological future, as the country positions itself within the Alliance's innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the "Powering Up Defence Innovation" networking event, Deputy Minister of Development Stavros Kalafatis emphasised Greece's expanding role in advanced research and dual-use technologies through its involvement in the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
He stressed that Greece's involvement is strategic, "an opportunity… to build international partnerships, strengthen dual-use innovation and turn high-level research into applicable solutions".
The accelerator at the National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos" has been chosen as one of 17 DIANA accelerators within the NATO innovation ecosystem. According to Kalafatis, this recognition reflects the centre's contribution to scientific excellence and its ability to provide technologies for defence and civilian uses.
"DIANA is a strategic initiative of the Alliance, designed to strengthen its technological advantage in a rapidly changing world," he noted, emphasising collaboration between governments, businesses, and startups. The programme concentrates on emerging and advanced technologies that address contemporary security challenges while also boosting economic competitiveness across member states.
The Greece-based accelerator began operations in January, welcoming 12 companies from nine NATO countries after a highly competitive selection process that received over 4,000 applications and chose only 150 finalists worldwide. Notably, three Greek companies were among those selected.
This year, the accelerator is focusing on dual-use solutions within the energy sector, an area seen as critical to both the green transition and energy security. The initiative reportedly supports Greece's broader aim to bolster its technological foundation in defence, innovation, and security, while also enhancing its integration into transatlantic research and development networks.
