The Czech defense industry demonstrated its innovative potential at one of the most important security conferences in the region. Nine domestic startups focused on defense technologies presented themselves to investors and representatives of leading global arms companies during the Pitch Session at GLOBSEC in Prague.
The event was co-organized by CzechInvest in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic. "I am glad that CzechInvest is responding to the changing security environment and that, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense of the Czech Republic and NATO DIANA, we have managed to launch a new Defense Hub and the DIANA accelerator. NATO and the EU as a whole must be prepared to face new security threats, wherever they come from. That is why it is important to support innovation in the defense sector and dual-use technologies. The defense industry can also be a source of growth and competitiveness," said CzechInvest CEO Jan Michal
Technologies with high potentia
Five of the presenting startups are part of the NATO DIANA program, a North Atlantic Alliance initiative aimed at supporting defense innovation, which in the Czech Republic falls under the administration of the CzechInvest agency's Defense Hub. Among them is the Czech company Atomiver, which develops a special graphene-based material for more powerful batteries.
"We have established twenty industrial partnerships with key suppliers and end users. Over the past five months, the program has not only opened doors for us, but also laid the foundations for future cooperation. It has been a truly transformative opportunity," adds Co-founder & CEO of Atomiver Andrew Hladký.
Other companies focusing on energy storage, thermal management, and sustainable fuel technologies also presented themselves as part of the NATO DIANA Accelerator program. Among them was Swedish APR Technologies AB, which develops smart technologies for cooling electronics. In electric cars, for example, it enables batteries to charge faster and hold more energy. The British company Hydrogen Refinery converts waste into environmentally friendly fuels and fertilizers using patented plasma electrolysis, while the American company Inlyte Energy develops batteries from inexpensive and readily available materials—iron and sodium. Scotland's Pure Alchemi focuses on modern solutions for energy and the environment and helps governments and companies transition to cleaner energy sources.
Other alumni startups and participants included Czech and Slovak companies with advanced technologies. Dronetag presented a modern solution for drone safety and compliance with aviation regulations, while Goldilock provides cyber security against large data leaks. RV Magnetics has developed the world's smallest sensor, and Stratosyst focuses on so-called pseudo-satellites that fly in the atmosphere and help with Earth observation, communication, navigation, and technology testing.
Call for new startup
CzechInvest operates a specialized Defense Hub that helps Czech startups prepare to enter international defense programs. Interested parties can currently apply for the NATO DIANA call, which focuses on supporting startups and small companies developing technologies with potential for use in security and defense applications.
Selected participants will receive contractual funding of EUR 100,000, mentoring, access to testing facilities, and the opportunity to join the NATO ecosystem. Applicants also have the opportunity to continue to the Scale phase with additional funding of up to €300,000. Applications for the NATO DIANA 2026 program can be submitted until July 11, 2025, via the program website DIANA Challenges - Start. Information on conditions, calls, consultations, and webinars is available here.
Media contact:
Zdeněk Vesecký
PR Manager and Spokesperson
+420 724 591 667
zdenek.vesecky@czechinvest.gov.cz