Thank you, Jean Ellermann-Kingombe for your unwavering support and thoughtful words. Your dedication to advancing innovation and resilience across NATO is deeply appreciated, especially during challenging times. SPACELIS (NATO DIANA) is proud to be part of the #NATODIANA family 🚀🌟 and we remain committed to driving solutions for the future of dual-use technologies. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. 🙏
A Turkish roller coaster ride A couple of days in Istanbul are coming to an end with the full emotional palette having been in use. The mission to discuss how to harness new technologies for security purposes. The occasion: the international SAHA exposition that is the prime regional Defense industry gathering providing a sneak preview into the future of Defense (“un-manned” being the key word!) Saha this year also welcomed NATO’s two programs in support of deep-tech technology innovators: Diana (the defence innovation accelerator for the North Atlantic) and the NATO Innovation fund. This was an opportunity to meet some of the inspiring talent that we are supporting through these programs, including the two Turkish start-ups Spacelis and Qubitrium that are developing fascinating new solutions within the energy resilience and secure information sharing domains. There is no substitute for spending time with people driven by passion and are full off promise for our future. It also meant spending valuable time with the Diana leadership and their Board of directors. This group of people has over the past two years developed a program that is establishing itself as a key player in promoting and supporting talent and start-ups among NATO allies in response to security challenges. All in all - no reason not to leave full of energy and new inspiration… had it not been for the terror attack Wednesday evening in the outskirts of Ankara that struck the Turkish aviation company TUSAS who was represented at Saha, where I got to visit it. NATO response was swift. As stated by Secretary General Mark Rutte we stand with our allies and condemn terror in all its forms and manifestations. Today the Saha exposition continues as victims of yesterday’s attacks are being mourned. Determination and hope, even during a very difficult period.