DATANA at NATO DIANA defence & security days

DATANA recently participated in the NATO DIANA Defence and Security Days in Krakow, a key event designed to bridge the gap between defense needs and deep-tech innovation.

This three-day gathering brought together NATO leaders, investors, and industry experts to engage with DIANA’s second cohort of innovators—including us at DATANA.

Innovation Through Collaboration

A key theme of the event was the importance of collaboration between innovators and defense stakeholders. DIANA’s Managing Director, Professor Deeph Chana, reinforced this in his keynote speech, emphasizing that solving global security challenges requires collective effort:

“Defense and security cannot be conversations had in a vacuum. […] To be able to identify, understand, and get to grips with the problems we face in the world, we must all work together.”

The event provided a platform for startups to connect with end-users, industry leaders, and investors, fostering valuable discussions on how emerging technologies can address critical defense needs.

Event kick-off at NATO DIANA Defence & Security Days in Krakow.

Key Takeaways from the Event

Throughout the event, we had the opportunity to connect with fellow innovators in the 2025 cohort, and we were impressed by the projects they are working on. From portable machine for kidney dialysis, various drones, sensor systems and AI-related innovations. The range of innovative technologies showcased reinforces the critical role that deep-tech startups play in shaping the future of defense and security.

We also participated in peer-to-peer pitching sessions, refining their messaging and learning about each other’s technologies. The day wrapped up with an introduction to Phase 2 of DIANA, where selected companies will receive further funding to scale their solutions.

Beyond the engaging sessions and discussions, we also discovered several promising companies with whom we see potential for collaboration. These partnerships could lead to exciting joint projects, further expanding the impact of our DNA data storage technology in defense and security applications, so stay tuned!

Some of the most valuable insights from the event included:

  • Innovation drivers in defense – Key trends shaping defense and security technology.
  • Export control regulations – Navigating the complexities of global dual-use markets.
  • Risk mitigation strategies – Identifying challenges and opportunities in defense applications.
DATANA at DIANA

DATANA team at NATO DIANA’s second cohort

Looking Ahead

Our journey with DIANA is just getting started. Over the next few months, we’ll be refining and testing our technology at our accelerator site, preparing for important milestones ahead. In May and June, we’ll take part in Demo Days, where startups will present their solutions to potential defense and commercial users.

Later in the program, the DIANA community will come together again to connect with investors, industry experts, and military stakeholders—helping bring these innovations one step closer to real-world use.

Our participation in NATO DIANA goes beyond the program itself—it provides valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and share ideas. The insights, connections, and potential partnerships we gained motivate us to continue improving our DNA data storage technology and exploring its applications in defence and security.

To learn more about our work with NATO DIANA or explore potential collaboration opportunities, reach out to us at datana@biosistemika.com.