Space technology company ASRO selected from 3,680 applicants for NATO's innovation programme
Aboa Space Research Oy (ASRO) has been selected for NATO's 2026 Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) innovation programme. A total of 150 companies were selected for the programme from among 3,680 applications.
NATO is interested in the handheld, AI-assisted fluorescence microscope developed by ASRO. The device enables real-time analysis of samples outside the laboratory environment without heavy equipment. The solution supports especially field conditions where a quick situational picture is needed to assess CBRN risks, wound infections or radiation exposure, for example.
"Being selected for the Diana programme is a strong indication that the microscope technology we originally developed for space genuinely meets the needs identified by NATO. It opens up a route for us for end-user cooperation and testing, which will speed up the adoption of the technology also outside space," says Kiira Tiensuu, Business Director at ASRO.
The microscope is based on the long-term miniaturisation and automation development that ASRO has carried out for space use in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA). The next development step is to expand the use of the microscope to other challenging environments: field laboratories, disaster areas, monitoring epidemic situations and, for example, environmental research.
The Diana program opens doors for ASRO to a new business environment and strategic partnerships in dual-use technologies.
"We have decades of experience in designing and manufacturing equipment for space – now we are harnessing the same technology expertise for the demanding needs of the defence and security sector. In addition, we carry out product development related to space situational awareness, so perhaps there will be more dual-use products in the future," predicts Jussi Lehti, CEO of ASRO.
Diana provides ASRO a unique combination of testing opportunities, expert mentoring, and operational insight through a network of technology accelerator centers and testing centers. The programme opens up rapid channels for deployment and commercialisation in NATO countries, supporting the Alliance's mission to safeguard the freedom and security of one billion citizens.
A list of selected innovator companies can be found here.
More information about the challenges can be found on the DIANA Challenges website.
Contacts
Jussi Lehti, CEO, Aboa Space Research Oy (ASRO), +358 40 742 0626
Kiira Tiensuu, Business Director, Aboa Space Research Oy (ASRO), +358 50 406 3197
ASROASRO is a technology company founded in 1999 that develops high-performance instruments for space and other demanding environments. The company has extensive experience in demanding international space technology projects, where it has been involved in the development of reliable solutions for radiation measurement and camera systems, among other things. The company's turnover in 2025 will be approximately EUR 2.5 million. More information NATO DIANANATO's Diana programme accelerates innovation by connecting companies with military end-users, mentors and investors, accelerating the development, validation and deployment of technologies to address important defence challenges. In the 2026 Challenge Programme, 150 selected innovators will work on dual-use technologies in ten critical areas, such as advanced communication solutions, energy, biotechnology and infrastructure. From January 2026, participants will receive funding and access to Diana's network, which includes 16 accelerators and more than 200 test centers in 32 NATO countries. |
