Defence engineering firm gains international validation through NATO innovation programme

Yorkshire digital and microwave radio frequency design specialist Slipstream Design has strengthened its international position after completing NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

The NATO DIANA programme is designed to identify and support emerging technologies with potential defence applications across Allied nations. Selected from over 3,200 applicants, Shipley-based Slipstream was one of only 28 UK companies chosen to take part in the six-month programme, where the team focused on developing its ASTRO™ wideband adaptive radio platform.

Launched in 2024, the ASTRO™ platform can send and receive radio signals across a wide range of frequencies. It can also be reprogrammed in the field, allowing effective radio operation in congested electromagnetic environments.

Commercial Director Sarah Gregory says, “The future of defence will depend on how quickly innovative technologies move from development into operational use. That’s the challenge we’ve spent the past six months tackling as part of the NATO DIANA programme, and we’ve learned a huge amount from the experience.

“It has helped us achieve a significant shift in momentum as a business, become more aligned with the direction of travel in the defence sector, and create invaluable opportunities for both the company and our ASTRO™ platform.

“Over the last six months, we’ve had opportunities to test ASTRO™ in the field and receive real-time updates from end-users, which has accelerated product validation by years. The programme has also helped us understand and navigate defence procurement channels more effectively and put ASTRO™ directly in front of end users.”

Significant outcomes of the programme have been securing and delivering two major contracts totalling £1.5 million. Sarah says the experience has shown the business a pathway to frontline technology adoption at pace, as well as connecting the team with people who can provide direct feedback to help the business innovate more quickly. “I am hugely proud of our team, who are working at the edge of what’s possible technically, so that we can do our part to keep societies safe,” she adds.

Established in 2011, Slipstream Design specialises in innovative wireless and digital product development. The Shipley-based team are experts in adaptable digital radio frequency design and are the development partner of choice to many of the world’s leading communication, aerospace and security companies.