Switzerland’s private competence centre for defense, resilience, cybersecurity, and dual-use innovation.

Mission

The Defence Innovation Association (DIA) drives the growth and global integration of Switzerland’s defense technology ecosystem. We:

  • Strengthen ties between startups, SMEs, armed forces, and government bodies

  • Elevate international awareness of Swiss capabilities in dual-use and defense technologies

  • Facilitate strategic partnerships with ecosystems abroad

  • Support member expansion through knowledge, networks, and curated events

  • Publish thought leadership and industry insights

  • Serve as a trusted competence hub for defenders, industry, and policymakers

The Association

Switzerland is rich in dual-use innovations, but lacks a structured interface between innovators and relevant national and international stakeholders.

DIA provides this interface linking Swiss innovators with defense agencies, procurement bodies, and partner ecosystems worldwide.

Leadership

  • Alexander Brunner

    Alexander Brunner

    President

  • Constantin Blümel

    Constantin Blümel

    Vice-President

  • Armando Geller

    Armando Geller

    Board Member

  • Paola Valencia

    Director

Members

Via Technologies

Partners

DEFINE – Defence Innovation Network Finland

DEFINE is Northern Europe’s premier defense-tech ecosystem, initiated by the City of Riihimäki in 2023. It bridges the Finnish Defence Forces, academia, research institutes, and companies—launching initiatives like:

  • The 3‑month DEFINE Accelerator, supported by Redstone VC, guiding defense and dual-use startups through validation, prototyping, and market-launch phases

  • Active involvement in ODIN—a pan-Nordic/Baltic defense innovation network—uniting 20+ regional partners to boost funding, expertise, and export capabilities

Our partnership with DEFINE deepens DIA’s international reach and fosters joint accelerator and ecosystem collaboration.

Get Involved

Interested in DIA? Complete the form below to receive invitation details, membership packages, and upcoming event info.