Among more than a thousand competitors, only 150 companies were chosen. Two are Portuguese: Neuraspace and Connect Robotics, both born and raised in the Porto ecosystem, linked to UPTEC, the science and technology park of the University of Porto. It's no coincidence. It is a consequence of an ecosystem that has matured.

The program is called DIANA — North Atlantic Defence Innovation Accelerator and it is not just another accelerator. It is one of the main global platforms for the development of dual-use technology, that is, solutions that serve both civil and institutional and strategic applications. The selected companies receive initial funding of 100 thousand euros, access to more than 180 NATO test centers, validation in real environments and the possibility of new funding of up to 300 thousand euros.

But the greater value is not only in money. It is in the direct integration into the technological decision-making circuit of the Atlantic Alliance.

Neuraspace works in the space area and develops solutions based on artificial intelligence to make satellites more autonomous, capable of responding to risks such as cyberattacks, collisions or operational failures. The fact that this technology is now being developed in direct partnership with NATO not only reinforces the company's technical robustness but also positions it at the center of one of the most demanding markets in the world: that of global critical infrastructure.

Connect Robotics, on the other hand, operates in the area of autonomous logistics. Its platform, independent of drone manufacturers, allows you to transform existing equipment into intelligent and interoperable delivery systems. It started in the civil sector, with medical, industrial, and infrastructure inspection applications. Now, this same technological base will be adapted to emergency scenarios and highly complex operations, always keeping the focus on reducing human risk.

What these two stories show is something bigger than the success of two companies. They show that Portugal is no longer just a consumer of technology, but a relevant producer of frontier solutions.

They also show the strength of the university and national incubation ecosystem. UPTEC, universities, European funds, national programs and a new generation of highly qualified entrepreneurs have created a foundation that today competes at the highest level.

More than that, they confirm a trend that I have been observing both in Portugal and abroad: international investors are increasingly paying attention to Portuguese companies in deep tech, artificial intelligence, space, robotics and autonomous systems. Not for cheap labor, but for quality, reliability and ability to execute.

The integration of these startups into DIANA opens doors to new markets, new partnerships and a clear acceleration of their international growth. And, at the same time, it sends a very strong signal to the world: Portugal is playing in the main leagues of technological innovation.

This is how economic relevance is built in the 21st century. With talent, science, technology and long-term vision.