Innovation at the Intersection of Defense and Commercial Technologies: NATO DIANA Cohort Visit
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a dynamic group of innovators as part of the NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) program. The visit, organized by the Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center (PNW MAC), brought together six groundbreaking companies working on dual-use technologies that span both defense and commercial applications.
Cultivating Cross-Sector Innovation
The NATO DIANA program represents a forward-thinking approach to defense innovation, focusing on accelerating technologies that can address complex global challenges. What makes this initiative particularly powerful is its emphasis on dual-use applications – solutions that serve both military and civilian purposes, maximizing impact and market potential.
Our facility tour provided these innovators with a glimpse into how Product Creation Studio approaches complex product development challenges. The interactive format allowed for rich discussions and spontaneous collaboration opportunities that extended beyond our planned agenda – a testament to the engaged, curious nature of the cohort.
Showcasing Innovation in Action
The tour highlighted several of our ongoing and recently completed projects:
Medical Innovation: David Desmarais led the group through our Mechanical Engineering lab, showcasing the PatchClamp project – an innovative surgical tool designed to address challenges in minimally invasive neurosurgery. This demonstration underscored our capabilities in developing sophisticated medical devices that require precision engineering and rigorous testing.
Energy & Power Solutions: An unexpected highlight came when Josh Poulsen from Pale Blue Earth joined GM Ogle in our Electrical Engineering lab to discuss battery innovation. This serendipitous collaboration illustrated the kind of cross-pollination that often drives breakthrough technologies, particularly relevant to the Energy & Power Challenge companies in the NATO DIANA cohort.
Human-Centered Design: Emelie Troedson, accompanied by Project Management Director Zack DeCoto, presented the recently launched Willo Autoflo+ pediatric toothbrush system in our Industrial Design space. This demonstration showcased our approach to user experience and design thinking – crucial elements for technologies aimed at enhancing human health and performance.
Building Bridges Between Defense and Commercial Innovation
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the visit was the open forum for discussion, where cohort members shared their projects and explored potential collaboration opportunities. The NATO DIANA cohort includes companies addressing challenges in:
Energy & Power:
Human Health & Performance:
We were also fortunate to have Clive Cook from Precursor SPC join us to share his experience working with our team on forecasting technology. This real-world testimonial provided the cohort with valuable insights into the collaborative process and potential outcomes of working with a development partner.
The Path Forward
"It's clear that the depth of expertise in the room made for a great discussion—so much so that we didn't even have time to get to the prepared presentation." - Sa Faumuina, Mission Innovation Lead at PNW MAC
This kind of energetic, collaborative exchange is exactly what's needed to address today's most pressing defense and civilian challenges. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise—from defense specialists to commercial innovators to product development experts—we create an environment where transformative solutions can emerge.
The NATO DIANA program exemplifies a new approach to innovation acceleration, one that recognizes the value of cross-sector collaboration and the potential for dual-use technologies to make meaningful impacts across multiple domains. We're honored to support this mission and look forward to seeing how these promising companies evolve their technologies in the coming months.
For those interested in learning more about the NATO DIANA program or the Pacific Northwest Mission Acceleration Center, visit PNW MAC's website.