BDC becomes first Canadian member of NATO DIANA Capital Network, opening global doors for Canadian innovators
MONTRÉAL, QC, September 21, 2026 – Building on its $6 billion Defence Platform, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has become the first Canadian organization admitted to the NATO DIANA Capital Network, a trusted community of investors across NATO’s 32 member nations supporting dual-use and deep technology innovation.
By joining this Network, BDC will gain earlier insight into emerging technology priorities, investment trends and market opportunities across the Alliance, helping it better support Canadian entrepreneurs.
"Canadian innovators are building technologies that can shape the future of defence, security and resilience,” said Peter Dawe, Senior Vice President, Defence Strategy, BDC. “As a member of the NATO DIANA Capital Network, BDC will have a direct view into the Alliance’s evolving technology priorities, helping connect Canadian innovators with the insight, investment and international relationships they need to grow, compete and pursue opportunities in global markets."
"BDC's admission to the NATO DIANA Capital Network strengthens Canada's role in the Alliance's innovation ecosystem. It creates new pathways for Canadian innovators to access capital, partnerships and international markets, while helping NATO identify and accelerate technologies that contribute to our shared security and resilience." Ryan Benitez, Chief Commercial Officer, NATO DIANA.
The NATO DIANA Capital Network connects trusted investors with companies emerging from NATO DIANA, NATO's innovation accelerator for dual-use technologies. With DIANA accelerator sites operated by COVE and Communitech, Canada already plays an active role in the Alliance’s innovation ecosystem. This admission is an important addition to Canada's growing presence within the Alliance.
BDC will help facilitate connections between Canadians investors and the Network and share insights with ecosystem partners across the country. This will help raise Canada’s visibility within NATO’s defence and dual-use innovation community and create new opportunities for collaboration, investment and growth.
The announcement builds on BDC’s $6 billion Defence Platform, which supports Canadian businesses working to strengthen their capacity, readiness and competitiveness in response to rising global demand across defence and security-related industries.
About BDC, Canada’s bank for small- and medium-sized business owners
BDC focuses on small- and medium-sized business owners, providing them financing, investment, and advice. As Canada’s development bank, we also support entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold working with a network of partners and help develop underserved markets to unlock economic potential. Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that drive Canada’s economic growth. BDC is a perennial Canada’s Top 100 Employer and B Corp certified. Learn more at bdc.ca or connect with us on social media.
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