Krakow’s institutions have decided to join forces to contribute to the development of NATO DIANA network by offering state-of-the-art incubation and acceleration programme and sites located in beautiful Krakow.
Krakow Technology Park and the AGH University together will introduce dual use aspects of accelerated tech solutions for the needs of defence and security.
The goal of the DIANA accelerator, created by NATO, is to connect competences of researchers, innovators, and start-ups collaborating on deep tech solutions with units in the defence and military sector. DIANA’s area of interests includes new, cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data processing, space, quantum, autonomous, information, and communication technologies, as well as biotechnology, and modern materials.
The programme has been created for the development of technologies with the potential for the so-called dual use, i.e. both for civil and defence purposes. Joining the programme entails an enormous opportunity for their development, further commercialisation, and quicker adaptation by NATO allies. The consortium of the AGH University and KPT has been established with the aim to improve the acceleration potential of Poland and introduce the national innovation ecosystem into the NATO system.
The aim of the acceleration activities is to support innovative dual-use technologies which might be applied for safety and resistance of the Alliance. For Poland, this is an opportunity to assist the technological modernisation of the defence sector and to develop companies in the area of new and ground-breaking dual-use technologies. The business acceleration is to be mostly provided by KPT, whereas the technological acceleration and the access to research and laboratory infrastructure by the AGH University.
This is a vitally significant distinction for the AGH University as well as a recognition of our scientific potential. By joining the prestigious group of NATO accelerators, together with the Krakow Technology Park we take responsibility for providing solutions at the highest level that will be crucial for security in the Alliance. We approach such challenges with the utmost seriousness. This is an opportunity to strengthen and develop key research areas for the AGH University itself. Both substantive support and mentoring from market experts are invaluable in this endeavour. At the same time, we feel that we are ready to bring the most innovative solutions emerging within the walls of our university into the DIANA programme.
professor Jerzy Lis, AGH University Rector
