Estonian technology companies Telearmy and Wayren have advanced to Phase 2 of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic program with solutions that tackle crucial defense challenges: unmanned vehicle operations and secure battlefield communications.
Selected from more than 2,600 applicants, the firms are among 15 advancing in the program, which provides access to 75 innovation centers worldwide to speed critical technologies into operational use.
Each company will receive non-dilutive funding worth $352,000, access to NATO test centers and guidance through the alliance’s Rapid Adoption Service.
Wayren is developing a hybrid communications platform that automatically switches between satellite, radio and mobile networks to ensure mission-critical voice and data links remain intact despite disruption. “Our reliable communication platform provides rapid decision-making and command and control capabilities even when everything else fails,” said Wayren CEO Henry Härm, noting DIANA’s backing will fast-track deployment to NATO forces.
Telearmy has built a remote driving system that can retrofit any ground vehicle — from light all-terrain vehicles to heavy armored units — transforming them into unmanned platforms for logistics, reconnaissance, or evacuation in high-risk zones.
Enn Laansoo Jr., Telearmy’s chief executive, emphasized that the company’s system is already “war-proven in Ukraine” and that NATO’s endorsement will enable rapid scaling. “Keeping soldiers out of danger and providing flexible options for maneuvering in contested areas is critical on today’s battlefield,” he said.
With two firms advancing, Estonia joins the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as the few NATO nations represented by multiple companies in Phase 2 of the DIANA program.
Three of the 15 companies advancing to Phase 2 are U.S.-based: Tactical Edge Systems, Swaza and Kinnami Software.
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