Military startups in Poland – NATO Innovation Fund and the DIANA program
Publication date: October 29, 2025
The Polish defense technology sector (defense-tech) is developing dynamically, with a growing number of startups engaging in dual-use projects—civilian and military. Collaboration between these entities and public institutions and acceleration programs is becoming increasingly common, fostering innovation and strengthening the country’s defense potential. In its 2030 strategy, the North Atlantic Alliance recognized dual- use technologies as the foundation of its future strategic advantage, launching initiatives such as the NATO Innovation Fund and the DIANA program. Meanwhile, the European Commission presented the Digital Europe program and Horizon Europe. Furthermore, in 2022, the European Investment Bank introduced significant policy changes by including dual- use projects in its portfolio. The Polish Ministry of National Defence implements programmes such as “Urgent Innovation Need” and “East Shield”, and the Polish Development Fund supports projects with dual-use potential by implementing the IDA project together with the Ministry of National Defence, PGZ SA, the Kraków Technology Park and the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park.
