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Unplugged Selected for NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme

Unplugged is pleased to announce that the company has been selected as one of up to 150 innovators chosen to join the NATO DIANA 2026 Challenge Programme. DIANA, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic, is NATO’s initiative for supporting and accelerating dual-use technologies with potential value for both civilian and defence applications.

Unplugged was selected based on its underwater charging and data-transfer technology, which enables autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to operate for extended periods without returning to the surface. The solution aims to reduce operational costs, minimise weather-related interruptions and support continuous subsea missions.

During the next six months, Unplugged will work with an assigned DIANA accelerator site, technical experts, mentors and military end-users across the Alliance. The programme provides access to testing facilities, funding and guidance that will help advance the technology and adapt it to operational needs.

“Being selected for the DIANA Programme is an important milestone for us,” said COO Dr. Thomas J.J. Meyer. “This opportunity will help us validate our solution in relevant environments and engage with end-users who understand the challenges we are addressing.”

The DIANA Challenge Programme offers selected innovators tools to strengthen their commercial potential and better understand defence markets. DIANA’s network includes more than 200 test centres and 16 accelerator sites across NATO member nations.

The full list of selected companies is available at:

https://www.diana.nato.int/about-diana/2026-cohort-of-companies.html

About NATO DIANA

NATO DIANA identifies and accelerates technologies that contribute to defence and security across the Alliance. Through its network of accelerator sites, test centres and experts, DIANA supports innovators working at the intersection of commercial development and operational needs.

Dr. Thomas J.J. Meyer
COO
+47 4644 2695
tjjm@unplugged.no