The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has joined NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Capital Network, becoming the first Canadian organization among the network’s inaugural group of investors.

NATO DIANA announced 20 initial investors on September 16, creating a network designed to connect trusted investors with technology companies developing solutions for defence and security challenges.

BDC’s participation adds a Canadian investment institution to a platform focused on dual-use technologies—innovations that can have both civilian and defence applications.

The development follows BDC’s broader expansion into Canadian defence technology investment. The bank announced earlier this month that it would deploy C$1 billion through its Defence Platform, including funding focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space, advanced materials, quantum technologies and energy systems.

NATO says the DIANA Capital Network is intended to help validated technology companies access capital while connecting investors with emerging technologies that address Alliance security priorities.

For Canada's technology sector, the move creates another international pathway for Canadian deep-tech and defence-tech companies seeking investment, partnerships and opportunities to scale across NATO markets.