A branch of the NATO defense innovation accelerator was opened in Krakow

A NATO defense innovation accelerator was established in Krakow to support the production of modern solutions, including: for the arms industry. Its opening is the best example that NATO is developing its capabilities on the eastern flank, said the Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

The official opening of the Polish FORT Kraków – DIANA accelerator within NATO, run by the consortium of the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Krakow Technology Park, took place in Krakow. Its aim is to, among others, development and support of innovative technologies that strengthen the security of the North Atlantic Alliance countries. This includes: o the production of anti-drone systems, solutions protecting critical infrastructure and technologies based on artificial intelligence that could be used by both the military and civilian industry.

Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who was present at the opening of the accelerator, pointed out that it is still a challenge to get innovative projects beyond the conceptual phase and implement them in reality.

FORT KRAKÓW – DIANA – Polish accelerator of NATO defense innovations is launched
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Deputy Prime Minister W. @KosiniakKamysz: We need to focus on acceleration – that is, speeding up. That's what DIANA is for, that's what the Krakow Technology Park is for. Today we have two important events: a cooperation agreement with… pic.twitter.com/5AiISzMouc

— Ministry of National Defense 🇵🇱 (@MON_GOV_PL) January 22, 2026

– Translating from the language of discovery into the language of everyday utility and everyday production is the greatest challenge for Poland today. We have arrears here and we need to catch up. Here we must focus on acceleration, that is, acceleration, said the Deputy Prime Minister. – That's what DIANA is for, that's what the Krakow Technology Park is for – he said.

He added that he wants the arms industry to be the driving force of the Polish economy. Its development is also intended to ensure independence in the supply of equipment to the army. – Without independence in the supply of military equipment to the Polish army and European armies, we will never be safe. The supply chain must be built in Europe. Europe must focus on reindustrialization and reconstruction of industry, he emphasized.

He emphasized that the center being opened in Krakow is “the best example that NATO is developing its capabilities on the eastern flank” and also wants to “build independence in equipment supplies and quickly implement modern technologies.”

The aim of FORT Kraków is to develop and support the commercialization of innovative dual-use technologies that strengthen the security and defense of Poland and the North Atlantic Alliance countries, as well as education and raising awareness of advanced technological needs resulting from the specificity of the modern battlefield and hybrid threats.

In accordance with NATO's decision, Poland was the only country on the eastern flank of the Alliance to host the DIANA accelerator (Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic), ten test centers and the NATO Innovation Fund office. The task of the DIANA network is to combine the competences of scientists, innovators and start-ups cooperating on “deep tech” solutions with units of the defense and military sectors. (PAP)

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