Zelim selected for NATO DIANA phase 2 programme

Zelim confirmed for NATO DIANA support

Zelim has reported that it has been chosen to take part in Phase 2 of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Programme.

The Edinburgh-based maritime safety and security technology company said this follows its completion of Phase 1, which included demonstrating its AI-enabled detection system during NATO’s REPMUS naval exercise.

According to Zelim, only 15 firms progressed to the second stage out of the original 75 participants. More than 2500 companies applied to join the programme.

Sam Mayall, founder and CEO of Zelim, said: “DIANA Phase 1 of the Programme proved that Zelim’s ZOE system delivers where traditional detection fails.

“We came away with new defence use cases, relationships with prime contractors, and a clearer route to the market.

“Being selected for Phase 2 is a huge endorsement of ZOE’s capabilities and a springboard for our defence growth strategy.”

Expansion of the ZOE platform

According to Zelim, its ZOE system was initially created to support man-overboard search and rescue for commercial maritime and offshore operations.

The company said the platform was further developed during Phase 1 of DIANA to cover detection and tracking of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and other small craft considered difficult to identify using traditional means.

Andy Tipping, Business Development Director at Zelim, said: “We went in with a proven man-overboard solution, and came out with additional defence industry capabilities.

“Selection for DIANA Phase 2 demonstrates to defence contractors and procurement agencies that ZOE can provide an enhanced capability to counter the threat posed by small, fast, unmanned craft that are often missed by traditional means of detection.”

Outcomes from phase 1

The company reported that Phase 1 included participation in adoption-focused events with backing from the DIANA Rapid Adoption Service.

It explained that this support gave it the opportunity to trial its technology during NATO’s REPMUS exercise and also during the US Navy’s BlueTIDE event.

Zelim added that it was shortlisted as a finalist for a prime contractor’s counter-USV programme, with discussions still active.

According to Tipping, this has produced a growing level of defence sector interest.

Tipping said: “We now have live demonstrations scheduled in front of NATO nations, ongoing collaborations with primes, and interest from navies looking for solutions they can deploy now, not in five years.”

Phase 2 benefits and funding

According to Zelim, Phase 2 will provide up to €300,000 in extra funding.

The company added that the programme includes access to a NATO commercial advisor and a customised plan to align with its technical and commercial targets.

It said this phase moves from group-based activity to direct one-to-one support with the aim of accelerating defence adoption and achieving first contracts.

Tipping said: “Phase 2 is where strategy meets execution.

“We’ll be working directly with our advisor to target specific opportunities, prepare for operational deployments, and strengthen the partnerships that can turn trials into long-term programmes of record.”

Plans for operational deployment

Zelim confirmed that it intends to turn the progress of Phase 1 into active deployments.

Mayall said: “We have the credibility that comes from being part of NATO’s innovation ecosystem, the operational relevance proven through trials, and the structure in place through our Defence Business Stream to deliver at scale.

“Phase 2 gives us the resources and direct support to convert that into operational deployments.”

Upcoming demonstrations

Zelim said it will present its Phase 2 activities and demonstrate the ZOE system at DSEI 2025 in London.

The company confirmed that it will be located at Stand S10-134 between 9 and 12 September.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This announcement shows how AI-enabled detection systems developed for maritime safety can be adapted to defence applications.

For fire and safety professionals, it highlights the trend of dual-use technologies where tools created for commercial safety are expanded into security contexts.

The development also demonstrates how participation in structured innovation programmes can accelerate product adoption and market entry.

Fire and safety professionals may gain insight into how cross-sector trials and demonstrations contribute to the validation and wider acceptance of new safety technologies.

Zelim selected for NATO DIANA phase 2 programme: Summary

Zelim has been chosen for Phase 2 of NATO’s DIANA Programme.

The company is based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

It was one of 15 companies selected from an initial 75.

More than 2500 companies applied to join the programme.

Zelim said its ZOE system was demonstrated during NATO’s REPMUS exercise.

The system was also trialled during the US Navy’s BlueTIDE event.

The company reported that Phase 2 offers up to €300,000 in funding.

It added that support will include one-to-one guidance from a NATO advisor.

Zelim said it will showcase its technology at DSEI 2025 in London.

The company confirmed it will present at Stand S10-134 from 9 to 12 September.