Three Grant Wins with NATO DIANA      

From breakthrough technology to defence validation.

The Danish deep-tech companies, Alea Quantum Technologies (Alea) and Celare Quantum Communications (Celare), are developing advanced quantum-secure communication solutions. They have applied for funding from NATO DIANA, an accelerator created by NATO to support the development of new technologies that address innovation challenges.

Protecting critical infrastructure and defence systems against emerging cyber threats is more important than ever. As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods face increasing risks. Alea’s and Celare’s technology directly addresses this challenge by enabling quantum-resilient encryption and secure key generation, ensuring robust data protection in a an increasingly complex threat landscape.

At the core of this is Alea’s QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generator), which meets the stringent requirements of NATO allies, delivers a new level of encryption for secure transmission of video, audio, text and data. This was demonstrated during a creation of a quantum-secure communication link between the BioInnovation Institute (BII) in Copenhagen and COVE in Dartmouth in collaboration with another NATO Diana participant.

Celare has created a robust CV-QKD system (Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution) for secure, post-quantum communication over optical fibre. The solution ensures that sensitive and vital information remains protected, both today and in the post-quantum era.

NATO Diana Funding Secured with the Support of Nordic Innovators   

Nordic Innovators has acted as trusted adviser and supported Alea and Celare throughout their funding journey within the NATO DIANA programme. The process highlights how combining deep technical understanding with strategic funding expertise can make a difference in highly competitive programmes.

The funding journey began with NATO DIANA Phase 1 in 2024 where Alea secured a
€ 100,000 grant.  

In 2025, following significant progress in product development and validation of their QRNG solution, Alea was selected for Phase 2 securing additional € 300,000 to further accelerate and test its QRNG solution. Only 15 companies out of 2,600 initial phase 1 applicants have been selected.

Lastly, in 2025, Celare applied again for a Phase 1 funding to validate the use of its CV-QKD technology to secure NATO allies’ communications. This proposal was also successful and Celare joined NATO Diana’s 2026 cohort.

Through its participation in NATO DIANA, Alea and Celare have strengthened their position within the defence and critical infrastructure ecosystem and accelerated the path from innovation to deployment.