Estonian Wayren and Telearmy reach the finals of NATO's DIANA defense innovation accelerator

Two Estonian DefenceTech startups Wayren and Telearmy have become finalists of NATO's DIANA defence innovation accelerator. They were selected from 2613 companies that applied for participation. Other representatives of the final stage include 13 startups from the USA, Canada and the UK. Each finalist receives up to €300K in funding, adding to the €100K from phase one. 

Telearmy is an Estonian defense company that is developing technology that allows any car to be turned into a remotely controlled vehicle. The car can be controlled up to 3,4K kilometers away via satellite or radio communication. The startup was founded by Enn Laansoo and Priit Haljak. The year of foundation is unknown.

Wayren was founded in 2020 by three former Cybernetic Command employees, Henry Härm and Oliver Tiit, and Tarmo Aya. Wayren creates communication platforms for critical environments, eliminating dangerous delays in mines and battlefields. The company’s Singularity software was tested with Estonia’s Defence Forces during a HIMARS exercise on Saaremaa island in July.

In 2022, the company received a development grant from the Estonian Ministry of Defense. In 2024, €725K were raised under the leadership of BSV Ventures with the participation of DEPO Ventures and business angels, including Taavi Veskimägi. In April 2025 Wayren raised €7.9M from Greek company EFA GROUP.  

NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) is an organization within NATO that aims to promote the development of dual-use technologies. The organization's program includes a network of gas pedals and test centers where startups, scalable and exiting companies interact with universities, industry and governments. Estonia’s accelerator is managed by Tehnopol Science and Business Park with Sparkup Tartu Science Park. Funding comes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, supported by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, plus the city of Tallinn.

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