Finnish SEATOM joins NATO’s 2026 defence tech acceleration programme

Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.

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Finnish company SEATOM, specialised in miniaturised nuclear systems for maritime applications, has been selected for the 2026 cohort of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The selection falls under the “Operations in Extreme Environments” challenge, which supports innovative technologies adapted to severe conditions such as the Arctic.

A modular reactor for harsh marine environments

SEATOM’s solution is based on a modular micro nuclear reactor designed to meet specific energy needs in remote maritime zones or under severe environmental constraints. The system targets both civilian and military uses, focusing on mobility, autonomy and energy resilience. Over the next six months, the company will work with the DualTech Accelerator in Turin, Italy, and gain access to DIANA’s network of test facilities and technical resources.

Initial contractual support of €100,000

Under the programme, SEATOM will receive an initial €100,000 ($108,000) in contractual funding, with the opportunity to access additional financing for testing, evaluation, validation and verification activities. The company will also be eligible to participate in operational experiments alongside Allied forces. The funding comes at a time when several NATO member states are re-evaluating their energy capabilities in remote theatres of operation.

Increasing technological maturity for the defence sector

The DIANA programme serves as an entry point for innovative tech companies seeking to address defence and security markets across NATO’s 32 member states. Through this initiative, SEATOM will strengthen the technological readiness of its platform while expanding ties with military end-users. The official programme launch is scheduled for January 19, 2026, followed by an International Demo Day in Paris in June.

Roope Marttila, SEATOM’s co-founder and co-CEO, stated that current regulatory changes and public sentiment are converging to support maritime nuclear as a viable energy solution in the coming years.

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