In an ambition to boost energy security, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plans to fund developers of surveillance technology for offshore wind farms and micro-generator manufacturers.
Recharge reported that NATO recently doubled the network of “accelerator sites” participating in its Defence Innovation Accelerator or ‘DIANA’ program, launched last year to “solve critical defense and security challenges.”
The alliance plans to aid 44 startups through the DIANA initiative as part of its strategy to handle modern security challenges with funding of $1 billion. These startups have been chosen among 1,300 candidates who have “access to defense expertise and investors,” as per Recharge.
They will also gain commercial advice from investors to grow their business. NATO intends to access fresh innovative ideas and cutting-edge technologies that might not be available via usual defense channels.
Develop micro wind power solutions
The funding will help startups develop micro wind power solutions for energy resiliency. Startups are known for their agility and adaptability, making them valuable partners in responding to rapidly evolving threats.
Reports also emphasized that the DIANA initiative will also provide startups with a “six-month, hands-on boot camp consisting of ten modules custom-designed for early-stage start-ups” at the accelerator sites.
They aim to transform the firms into “viable dual-use ventures,” and found the “interrelations between the commercial and defense markets to establish a robust dual-use business model.”
Since numerous startups develop dual-use technologies that have the potential to enhance both civilian and military capabilities, they could be efficient and cost-effective.
Ultimately, by nurturing startups and fostering a culture of innovation, NATO strengthens its technological edge and ensures its continued competitiveness and effectiveness on the global stage.
Expanding DIANA network
In March, NATO revealed its plans to expand DIANA’s network, now comprising 23 accelerator sites and 182 test centers across 28 Allied countries, a significant increase from the previous counts of 11 accelerator sites and 90 test centers.
The program includes a six-month boot camp at accelerator sites and collaboration with investors. Start-ups are developing technologies such as cloud-based surveillance radar networks, innovative electric sense technology, subsea radar systems, and micro wind power solutions.
Additionally, it operates across 28 Allied countries, with specific focus areas such as the Baltic Sea and other offshore zones.
NATO aims to enhance energy security and address critical security challenges posed by war and climate change-fueled natural disasters.
They seek to boost surveillance capabilities for offshore infrastructure and develop sustainable energy solutions for rapid and sustained power supply during crises.
According to Recharge, Belgian company dotOcean devised the “first cloud-based surveillance radar network,” allegedly enabling “perimeter surveillance for wind farms” and other infrastructure.
While Elwave, a French innovator, asserts that it’s the “world’s first and only company to offer products and systems based on innovative ‘electric sense’ technology.”
This inspiration stems from the electrical sensory perception observed in certain tropical fish, which the technology claims can aid in monitoring offshore infrastructure, such as wind farms.
Seadar is yet another firm claiming to have developed the “first subsea radar system capable of detecting, geolocating and mapping all forms of metallic materials above and below the seafloor.”
The company suggests that it could be utilized for conducting surveys of sites intended for the installation of offshore wind platforms, potentially opening up new areas for licensing that were previously inaccessible due to obstacles like legacy munitions, wrecks, and metallic debris on the seafloor, which existing technology struggles to detect effectively.
