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Maximizing Potential: Area X.O’s Support for Defence Innovators as a NATO DIANA Test Centre 

January 28, 2025

What if your technology could shape the future of global defence?

The answer to this question is a lot more real for tech companies in the Ottawa area. Area X.O, the R&D complex operated by Invest Ottawa, was recently named a NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) test centre.

This isn’t just a feather in Ottawa’s cap; it’s a massive opportunity for tech innovators looking to break into global markets, forge international partnerships, and solve real-world challenges. 

Here’s how this opportunity opens doors for companies in Canada’s capital region. 

Fast-track to Global Defence Markets  

A multi terrain robot navigates a wooden testing environment with onlookers observing in the background.

Imagine having access to a platform where your innovations can be tested, refined, and showcased to NATO allies. That’s exactly what Area X.O now offers as a NATO DIANA site.  

NATO DIANA exists to ensure the North Atlantic alliance stays ahead in technology. Its mission is to bridge the gap between innovators and military operators, focusing on dual-use technologies – those with both civilian and defence applications.

For startups and scale-ups, it’s a unique opportunity to access funding and acceleration programs, to collaborate with NATO allies and global defence leaders, and to test and refine cutting-edge technologies in real-world scenarios.  

Great Place to Grow Defence Tech 

Ottawa is already recognized as a global center for technological innovation, and the designation of Area X.O as a NATO DIANA site only strengthens this reputation.

Launched in 2020, Area X.O is Ottawa’s R&D complex operated by Invest Ottawa. The site accelerates the safe development, testing and adoption of next-gen smart mobility, autonomy and connectivity technologies.

With a NATO Diana test centre here in Ottawa, the city is even more primed to support defence innovation at every level: 

  • A person at a demonstration event is wearing a virtual headset with people watching.

    Ottawa is home to more than 300 defence companies, including industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Thales, plus a vibrant ecosystem of startups, SMEs, and researchers.  

  • The city boasts over 65 government labs, top-tier post-secondary institutions, and Kanata North, Canada’s largest tech park.   
  • Area X.O has capabilities in AI, IoT, and connected mobility, which make it uniquely positioned to help Canadian innovators address the alliance’s dual-use technology priorities. 

Real Opportunities: The ITB Workshop Example 

In the fall, Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa, held an Industrial Technological Benefits (ITB) Workshop, demonstrating how the designation of Area X.O as a NATO DIANA test center represents a game-changing opportunity. The event connected SMEs with prime defence contractors and government representatives and gave participants practical insights into how to meet ITB obligations, leverage Area X.O’s unique infrastructure and technology, and build partnerships that open doors into global defence markets. 

Why This Matters for SMEs  

Being recognized as a NATO DIANA site positions Area X.O as a bridge between Canadian innovators and the vast, interconnected world of defence innovation. Area X.O can now better prepare companies for NATO Diana opportunities and consult on how to navigate the application process for the best results. This is more than a badge of honour; it’s a launchpad for new ideas. For companies at all stages of development, the benefits are big: 

  • Funding and acceleration support: Defence startups in the early stages of development can get better access to the financial backing and expert guidance they need to get their ideas off the ground while navigating complex procurement processes. 
  • Validation and commercialization: Companies in the research phase can use Area X.O’s world-class facilities and expertise to help them test, validate, and refine their solutions. 
  • Access to international markets: Both startups and scale-ups ready for commercialization can build relationships with NATO allies and global players, paving the way to new customers and international sales. 

A speaker addresses a crowd during a presentation.These benefits aren’t just theoretical – they’re already resonating with Canadian innovators. Mike Nelson, CEO of TACTIQL, an Ottawa-based participant of the Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program and a recently named member of the NATO DIANA 2025 Cohort explains: “Area X.O’s designation as a NATO DIANA test center is a real boost for companies like ours. It provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our solutions in a real-world environment, foster relationships with Canada’s allies, and refine our global go-to-market strategies. More importantly, perhaps, it’s a great way for startups like us to build the credibility that buyers are looking for, establish legitimacy from a globally recognized organization, and facilitate access to international markets.”  

With its vast resources and NATO DIANA designation, Area X.O will be able to provide Ottawa companies with practical pathways to global markets and growth. It won’t just help businesses scale, it will position Canadian innovation on the global stage and ultimately contribute to the safety and security of over one billion citizens across 32 NATO nations.

That’s impact on a global scale. 


Interested in learning more about NATO Diana opportunities? Reach out to our Area X.O team to learn more about NATO Diana qualifications, challenges and their application process.  

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