PALLADION DEFENCE ACCELERATOR

ABOUT US

We are at the core of Germany's contribution to the NATO DIANA network and strive to evolve our national innovation network to serve the security and defence sector.

The Palladion Defence Accelerator, at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich, is a defence and dual-use accelerator uniquely positioned at the intersection of academic excellence, defence expertise, and innovation leadership. We aim to contribute to a secure and peaceful future through developing emerging disruptive technology while helping innovators navigate the complexities of the defence and dual-use ecosystem.

The Palladion Defence Accelerator is an integral part of the University of the Bundeswehr Munich's innovation ecosystem, providing cutting edge business, technical and defence expertise giving start-ups access to research and testing facilities in all fields.

HOW WE DO IT

Accelerating innovation while developing emerging disruptive technology (EDT).

Palladion fosters an ecosystem where civilian and dual-use innovations are identified and translated into bespoke defence solutions. We accelerate innovation, connect defence and civilian stakeholders, and bridge the gap between research and real-world application. Our goal is to empower innovators to develop EDT into operational capabilities.

Palladion, Germany’s premier Accelerator for Defence and Dual-Use innovations, is part of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. NATO created DIANA to help develop dual-use technologies that address challenges affecting security and defence. Diana supports companies working on solutions in key sectors identified by the Alliance.

DIANA runs an accelerator programme, which provides training, guidance and networking opportunities to innovators through accelerator sites, such as the Palladion Defence Accelerator in Germany, across the Alliance. After a rigorous evaluation process, DIANA selects innovators to participate in the accelerator programme. During the initial six months of the accelerator programme focuses on growing their companies, validating their technology, testing in DIANA’s network of test centres, and building strong connections to potential defence and commercial customers.

DIANA’s mission: accelerating deep tech, dual-use solutions to critical transatlantic challenges in defence and security.

Our commitment to NATO DIANA:

Ensuring the Alliance's technological edge in defence innovation
We are committed to keeping NATO at the forefront of global innovation, providing member nations with the cutting-edge technology and capabilities they need to foresee and address future threats.

Our 2025 first cohort DIANA innovators:

WHAT WE DO

The Palladion Defence Accelerator at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich finds and accelerates defence and dual-use innovation potentials in Germany and across the Alliance. We provide innovators with the resources, networks and guidance to develop emerging disruptive technologies that solve critical defence and security challenges – ranging from operating in denied environments to tackling threats to our collective resilience.

We help the Bundeswehr and our allies maintain their technological edge, protect their citizens, build a peaceful and more resilient future

We give innovators access to defence expertise, end-users, and connect them with investors. We provide them with training, testing, and validation opportunities while providing funding and commercial advice. We help them find solutions to the world's biggest defence and resilience challenges.