Edinburgh-based maritime safety and security technology pioneer Zelim has been selected for Phase 2 of NATO’s prestigious Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Programme. The achievement builds on a successful first phase, which culminated in Zelim being invited to demonstrate its AI-enabled detection technology in NATO’s largest naval exercise, REPMUS.

The move places Zelim among an elite group of 15 companies, advancing from the initial 75 first-phase participants. More than 2500 companies had applied to join the programme.

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

Originally developed for man-overboard search and rescue in the commercial maritime and offshore segments, the AI-based ZOE platform has been expanded during Phase 1, now providing alerting, detection and tracking of navigational hazards and security threats posed by USVs (unmanned surface vessels) and other small, difficult-to-detect craft.

“We went in with a proven man-overboard solution, and came out with additional defence industry capabilities,” said Zelim’s Business Development Director, Andy Tipping, referring to ZOE Shield – a new product designed specifically to respond to mission-critical requirements.

“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.”

During Phase 1 of the DIANA Programme, Zelim proved ZOE’s operational value through being selected to participate in adoption-focused events with support from the DIANA Rapid Adoption Service. This resulted in invites to participate in live trials at NATO’s REPMUS naval exercise and participation in the US Navy’s BlueTIDE event. Furthermore, the company was shortlisted as a finalist for a prime contractor’s counter-USV programme, with engagement ongoing.

According to Tipping, these opportunities are feeding into a growing pipeline of defence interest. “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,” he said.

DIANA Phase 2 unlocks up to €300,000 in additional funding, access to a dedicated NATO commercial advisor, and a plan tailored to Zelim’s business and technical objectives. Unlike the group-based approach of Phase 1, Phase 2 offers one-to-one support designed to fast-track defence adoption and secure initial contracts.

“Phase 2 is where strategy meets execution,” Tipping said. “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.”

CEO Mayall said the goal now is to translate Phase 1’s momentum into market entry. “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,” he said. “Phase 2 gives us the resources and direct support to convert that into operational deployments.”

Zelim will showcase its NATO DIANA Phase 2 journey and demonstrate the full capabilities of the ZOE ecosystem at DSEI 2025 in London from 9 to 12 September (Stand S10-134).