NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator Recap: Five Days of Innovation, Investment & Industry Insights 

Last week, Estonia welcomed back some of the brightest minds in dual-use technology for an action-packed onsite experience at the NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator. Over five days, the 7 teams tackled masterclasses, investment workshops, pitch sessions, and test centre visits, forging connections and shaping their solutions. Here’s a look back. 

Monday – A historic start by the sea 

We gathered by the sea near the historic Patarei fortress. The crisp Estonian air (+5°C) set the tone for an evening of networking and casual re-introductions. Some explored the old prison, others opted for warm layers and seaside views.  

Tuesday – Venture capital & pitch training 

The NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator officially began at Tehnopol with Sandra Golbreich and Erik Bhullar (BSV Ventures) leading masterclasses on raising venture capital and negotiation tactics. Meanwhile, teams stepped in front of the camera, pitching their solutions for the official video – an exercise in clarity and confidence. We can’t wait for you to see the end result. 

Wednesday – Reverse pitches & defence sector insights 

Superangel’s Nicholas Nelson and Jaan Kokk guided startups through financial planning and exit strategies. The afternoon featured a reverse pitch session, where investors and defence end-users outlined their needs. Representatives from 2C Ventures, NEDES, unmanned.vc, and SmartCap provided funding insights, while the Estonian Defence Forces, the Estonian Defence League, and Police and Border Guard Board shared real-world challenges. 

Thursday – Pitches & defence market strategies 

The morning brought the ‘Future of Defence Tech’ event at Tehnopol, where each startup delivered a three-minute pitch to an audience of Estonian dual-use tech peers. In the afternoon, Jaanus Tamm (DefsecIntel) led a session on dual-use negotiations, followed by an industry deep dive from Rene Ehasalu of the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association. 

Friday – Test centres & real-world tech applications 

The final day featured hands-on visits to some of Estonia’s top test centres. At TalTech’s 5G facility, teams explored the Faraday cage and drone testing capabilities. At CR14, they delved into NATO-grade cybersecurity exercises and resilience testing. The tour ended at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, where robotic systems and remote sensing technology were in focus. 

By late afternoon, it was time to say goodbye – exhausted but inspired, with fresh insights and new strategic connections. 

Final thoughts 

The NATO DIANA Estonian Accelerator onsite week wasn’t just about listening to experts—it was about getting hands-on experience with real challenges. Whether it was refining pitches, meeting investors, or impressing defence end-users, every moment was a chance to adapt and improve. Startups learned that venture capital isn’t just about numbers on a slide deck, but about negotiation, relationship-building, and proving real-world impact. The test centre visits reinforced the need to validate tech in real-world conditions before deployment. 

As these startups move forward, the real challenge begins – turning all these insights into action and proving that their solutions can stand up to the demands of the dual-use sector. One thing is certain: the connections and lessons from this week won’t just stay in Tallinn—they’ll shape the future of dual-use tech far beyond Estonia. 

Next up? A week filled with communication-topics in Tartu in April.