Banff 
The University of Alberta (U of A) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) have recently been designated as test centers within the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) network, announced the Alberta government today.
Credit: SAIT
Per the news release, this initiative aims to bolster innovation in addressing crucial defence and security challenges through comprehensive support to businesses and innovators, including access to funding, expertise, and a multinational accelerator and test center network.
NATO DIANA, established in 2022, endeavours to utilize dual-use innovation for transatlantic defence and security. The program focuses on solving critical issues such as operating in denied environments and enhancing collective resilience. In its inaugural competitive challenge in June 2023, Canadian innovators showed strong engagement, submitting the second-highest number of proposals, with 211 submissions, narrowly trailing behind the United States.
“The inclusion of two post-secondary institutions in our province in the NATO DIANA network is another way that Alberta is on the map for innovation. This milestone also opens opportunities for Alberta’s tech sector to expand its technology advancements, ” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation in a news release.
U of A, recognized for its leading position in artificial intelligence research, and SAIT, known for its advanced manufacturing and materials research, are expected to play pivotal roles in this global network.
The expansion of DIANA’s network to include these Alberta institutions marks an important step in promoting research and innovation in the province.
NATO DIANA’s Canadian Headquarters is expected to open in Halifax in July.
I live in south Delta, BC. Why am I receiving information on activities in Alberta?