UTEST is pleased to share that two of our portfolio companies, Tightbeam Photonics Inc. and Cohesys, have been selected for the 2026 NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Cohort.
NATO DIANA supports the development, testing, and adoption of deep technologies that address critical defence, security, and resilience challenges across the Alliance. Selection into the programme reflects both the technical maturity of these companies and the relevance of their solutions to NATO and Allied operational priorities.
Tightbeam Photonics is developing next-generation optical ground station technology based on integrated photonic chips for free-space optical communication (FSOC) between satellites and the ground. By leveraging photonic integration, Tightbeam’s approach enables compact, low–size, weight, and power (SWaP) terminals capable of delivering secure, high-throughput, and interference-resistant links. These systems are designed to support resilient satellite communications architectures, including proliferated low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, with applications spanning defence, space situational awareness, and commercial connectivity.
Cohesys has been selected to join the DIANA Challenge Programme, receiving €100,000 in non-dilutive funding and access to DIANA’s network of test centres, technical experts, and mentors. Over the next six months, Cohesys will work closely with the BioInnovation Institute (BII) and other DIANA partners to further develop and validate its technology. Through direct engagement with end users, the company aims to refine system performance, gather early operational feedback, and establish a pathway toward adoption by NATO and Allied stakeholders.
UTEST is proud to support companies translating advanced research and engineering into deployable solutions with real-world impact. We look forward to continuing to work with Tightbeam Photonics and Cohesys as they progress through the NATO DIANA programme and advance technologies critical to defence, security, and resilience.