USask’s VIDO selected to join DIANA innovation accelerator

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) has been selected to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) program. VIDO is one of 13 new Canadian test centres chosen to be part of the network—and the only centre with biotechnology as its main focus. 

NATO is an Alliance of 32 countries with a purpose to guarantee the freedom and security of its members—Canada joined NATO in 1949. DIANA supports companies working on solutions in key sectors to de-risk and validate their technologies by using its test centre network. Test centres are selected as the very best venues for innovators to develop and evaluate their concepts and technologies.  

As a test centre in biotechnology, VIDO will use its specialized containment and manufacturing facilities to help DIANA innovators advance new technologies to protect human and animal health. VIDO was recommended to NATO by Canada’s Defence Research and Development Canada, Department of National Defence after an internal selection process.  

Announced today, the expanded DIANA network includes 182 test centres focused in key areas including biotechnology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and space.  

 
Quotes: 

“Part of DIANA’s strength is our unique transatlantic network of talent centres and innovation leaders working toward a common purpose. The breadth and diversity of partners in DIANA’s network will accelerate the development and deployment of ground-breaking solutions for defence, security and peace.” 

• Prof. Deeph Chana, Managing Director DIANA  

“Canada is a hub for defence innovation – and Canadian innovators have a great deal to offer our NATO Allies. Today, I congratulate all the Canadian accelerators and test centres for being selected to join NATO’s defence innovation network. The integration of our domestic experts with NATO’s network will strengthen our capacity to develop cutting-edge solutions to the security challenges faced by Canada and our NATO allies.” 

• The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence  

“NATO's DIANA gives innovators the opportunity to solve the defence and security challenges facing the NATO Alliance, ensuring that Canada and the Alliance are technologically ahead of the game as we move into a new defence era. Being part of the NATO DIANA network will be a great opportunity for Canadian accelerators and test centers to work with innovators from across the Alliance.” 

 "Global collaborations are needed for global solutions. The partnership announced today is another example of USask’s VIDO continuing to use its research infrastructure and expertise to drive research and development world-wide."  

“VIDO is excited to play a key role in the DIANA network by using our infrastructure to advance critical innovations that help protect NATO’s one billion citizens.”