Ioan Istrate

Former Senior Advisor, Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (NATO DIANA)

Romania

Ioan Istrate served as a senior advisor at the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), an organization established by NATO to identify and accelerate dual-use technological innovation across the Alliance. DIANA provides resources, networks, and guidance to companies developing deep technologies that address critical defense and security challenges. He designed a program supporting startups across NATO nations that are advancing dual-use technologies aligned with transatlantic values. As an advisor to the Romanian Government, he developed the national AI strategy and secured significant funding for the Romanian AI Hub, directing resources to researchers and early-stage startups. He also contributed to the NATO Innovation Fund, creating a framework for sustained collaboration and innovation.