Switzerland’s platform for defence innovation, ecosystem exchange, and collective representation.
Mission
The Defence Innovation Association strengthens Switzerland’s defence and dual-use innovation ecosystem through two core roles: connection & representation.
We connect startups, SMEs, established companies, and relevant public stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share contacts, and navigate defence-related challenges such as procurement, regulation, army collaboration, and market access.
Facilitate strategic partnerships with ecosystems abroad
At the same time, DIA acts as a collective voice for Swiss defence innovators by making shared challenges visible and representing shared interests towards politics, the army, procurement bodies, and the wider public.
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.
What We Do
The DIA focuses on two roles that Swiss defence innovators have asked for:
Connection platform
We connect startups with each other and with established companies, industry partners, and relevant public stakeholders. The goal is practical exchange: sharing knowledge, contacts, lessons learned, and “how-to” solutions around army collaboration, public procurement, regulation, international markets, production, subsidiaries, and defence go-to-market strategies.
Collective voice
We represent shared interests externally. The DIA bundles the needs and challenges of Swiss defence innovators and makes them visible towards politics, the army, procurement bodies, and the wider public. The goal is not abstract positioning, but a credible, collective voice that can formulate concrete concerns and recommendations.
Leadership
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Alexander Brunner
President
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Constantin Blümel
Vice-President
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Armando Geller
Board Member
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Céline Neuenschwander
Strategic Initiatives & Ecosystem Development
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Laura Kiviharju
Board Advisor – Critical Digital Infrastructure Governance & Regulation
Members
Our members are companies building technologies that can strengthen Switzerland’s security, resilience, and defence capabilities.
DIA gives them a platform to connect, share experience, learn from each other, and address common challenges together, from procurement and regulation to market access and international growth.
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.
Ways to engage with the DIA
The DIA is building a focused platform for Swiss startups, SMEs, established companies, and ecosystem partners active in defense, security and dual-use innovation. Members join the DIA to exchange practical knowledge, build relevant connections, increase visibility, and contribute to a stronger collective voice for Swiss innovation, resilience and future-proof economy.
The DIA offers different participation formats depending on the role and needs of each organisation.
Different membership packages:
For startups/SMEs
For Corporate/Industry Members
For Ecosystem/Institutional Partners
Get Involved
Join DIA to exchange practical knowledge, build relevant connections, increase visibility, and contribute to a stronger collective voice for Swiss defence innovation. Complete the form below to receive more information about membership, partnerships, events, and upcoming activities.