Breakout GPS-alternative startup continues its rapid rise after recent U.S. Army xTech Overwatch victory

TERN, the company redefining position and navigation with its AI-powered Independently Derived Positioning System (IDPS™) has been selected for the 2026 NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) Challenge Programme in the area of Contested Electromagnetic Environment.

This recognition comes immediately on the heels of TERN’s win in the U.S. Army’s xTech Overwatch competition, positioning the company as one of the fastest-rising dual-use innovators in both commercial and defense for alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). 

NATO DIANA’s selection underscores how critical resilient positioning and navigation has become,” said Shaun Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of TERN. “This is about preserving freedom of movement,  for nations, fleets, and the systems that keep them running.”

DIANA selected TERN as one of its 150 finalists from a record 3,680 submissions across 24 NATO countries as astrategic technology for signal-contested environments scenarios where GPS is jammed, spoofed, or degraded. TERN’s IDPS™ delivers continuous, satellite-free vehicle positioning using only onboard sensors, pre-loaded maps, and proprietary AI. As a DIANA finalist, TERN will gain access to NATO test centers, end-user feedback, funding, and adoption pathways across 32 nations.

Two major government wins in rapid succession adds to a streak that also includes:

  • U.S. Department of Transportation PNT contract
  • Multiple commercial pilots with Automotive OEMs, Delivery and Logistics providers and Heavy Industrial Operations
  • TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 special mention

With GPS now recognized globally as a single point of failure, TERN’s software-only approach provides a resilient alternative for defense, fleets, autonomy, emergency services, and critical infrastructure,  without satellites, towers, RF spectrum, or new hardware. Thanks to its DIANA Programme selection, TERN expands its role in shaping the next generation of secure, high-reliability navigation across NATO, government, and commercial sectors. 

“This is further confirmation that global demand is shifting toward advanced, intelligent navigation solutions that surpass the limitations of stand-alone GPS and remain secure against jamming, spoofing, or operational outages,” said Brett Harrison, Co-Founder and President. “TERN was purpose-built to meet that need, and NATO DIANA’s recognition materially advances the path toward deploying resilient positioning capabilities worldwide.”

ABOUT NATO DIANA: NATO DIANA finds and accelerates cutting-edge technologies to deliver battle- winning defence and security solutions for the Alliance, while fostering deep-tech innovation. As a cornerstone of NATO’s innovation and technology strategy, DIANA brings together world-class talent and the latest advancements to maintain the Alliance’s technological edge. Leveraging a network of leading accelerator sites, test centres, expert mentors, and Allied expertise across 32 nations, DIANA empowers innovators working at the intersection of defence readiness, commercial potential, and technological breakthroughs. Discover the full list of innovators and their solutions here.