With its AI‑enabled detection technology enhancing maritime incident awareness and crew protection, Edinburgh‑based safety innovator Zelim has been selected for Phase 2 of NATO’s prestigious DIANA Programme.
The announcement marks a major milestone following Zelim’s successful Phase 1 outcome, which included an invitation to demonstrate its ZOE system—designed to enhance situational awareness—during NATO’s expansive REPMUS naval exercise.
Zelim is now one of only 15 firms advancing from the initial cohort of 75 Phase 1 participants, drawn from more than 2,500 applications—a testament to the ability of its solution to deliver real-world safety impact via AI-powered detection.
“DIANA Phase 1 proved that ZOE performs where traditional systems fail,” says CEO Sam Mayall. “It helped us identify new use cases for defence, build partnerships with prime contractors, and better define our market path. Securing Phase 2 is an endorsement of ZOE’s capabilities and a catalyst for our defence growth.”
Originally developed for man-overboard search and rescue in commercial maritime operations, ZOE has evolved through Phase 1 into a multi-purpose AI platform—now alerting, detecting, and tracking navigational threats posed by unmanned surface vessels and other small craft.
“We entered with a proven man-overboard solution, and emerged with broader defence-grade functionality,” adds Business Development Director Andy Tipping, referring to the new ZOE Shield variant. “Phase 2 confirms ZOE’s ability to address emerging defence threats posed by fast, small-shore craft often overlooked by conventional sensors.”
During Phase 1, Zelim engaged actively with the DIANA Rapid Adoption Service and participated in live trials, including NATO’s REPMUS and the U.S. Navy’s BlueTIDE event. The firm also became a finalist in a prime contractor’s counter‑USV programme—paving the way for ongoing discussions with defence stakeholders.
“As a result, we now have scheduled demonstrations before NATO navies, partnerships with primes, and interest from multiple fleets aiming to deploy solutions now, not years from now,” Tipping adds.
Phase 2 brings €300,000 in funding, a NATO‑assigned commercial advisor, and a tailored defence adoption roadmap. Unlike the broader support delivered in Phase 1, this stage is personalised—with one‑to‑one support geared toward fast-tracking operational deployment.
“Phase 2 is where strategy meets execution,” says Tipping. “With direct advisor support, we’ll target key opportunities, prepare for real deployments, and deepen the partnerships that can turn trials into long-term programmes of record.”
Mayall underscores the ambition ahead: “We now have NATO-level credibility, operational proof via trials, and internal capability through our Defence Business Stream. Phase 2 gives us the structure and resources to convert momentum into deployments.”
