NATO ups the ante on disruptive tech, artificial intelligence

NATO has officially kicked off two new efforts meant to help the alliance invest in critical next-generation technologies and avoid capability gaps between its member nations. For months, officials have set the ground stage to launch a new Defense Innovator Accelerator -- nicknamed DIANA -- and establish an innovation fund to support private companies developing dual-use technologies. Both of those measures were formally agreed upon during NATO's meeting of defense ministers last month in Brussels, said Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. Allies signed the agreement to establish the NATO Innovation Fund and launch DIANA on Oct. 22, the final day of the two-day conference, Stoltenberg said in a media briefing that day. He expects the fund to invest €1 billion (U.S. $1.16 billion) into companies and academic partners working on emerging and disruptive technologies.