UniLab Defence is Latvia’s dedicated defence and dual-use accelerator, supported by the Latvian Ministry of Defence and four national science universities. Our mission is to foster defence and dual-use innovation across Latvia, NATO, and allied ecosystems.

In 2025, UniLab Defence will launch two major initiatives:

• The national defence pre-acceleration program.
• The NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic) site program in Riga, operational from 2026.



We are seeking a Program Manager or Program Director (title depends on experience) to lead the design and execution of UniLab’s defence acceleration programs:

• Manage the national pre-accelerator launching in 2025.
• Oversee and support the Riga-based DIANA accelerator site, launching in early 2026.

This hands-on role combines execution, relationship management, and strategic input to ensure our programs meet world-class defence innovation standards.

Through these efforts, the role contributes directly to strengthening Latvia’s defence innovation ecosystem and NATO’s defence technology capabilities.

Program Planning & Coordination: Help design, implement, and continuously refine the program curriculum for defence tech startups.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement: Work closely with NATO DIANA HQ, the Latvian Ministry of Defence, universities, defence industry partners, end-users, investors, and mentors.

Startup Scouting, Selection & Support: Lead recruitment and admissions for the pre-accelerator as well as support cohort companies across both programs with tailored resources, connections, and guidance.

Events Planning: Organise and facilitate mentorship sessions, workshops, and key program events.

Monitoring & Reporting: Track KPIs, gather participant feedback, and prepare regular reports for funders and stakeholders (MoD, universities, NATO DIANA).

• Demonstrated experience in startup ecosystems (e.g., working at an accelerator, VC fund, innovation hub, or related organization).
• 2+ years in an operations-focused role such as program, project, event, or investment management.
• Interest in defence technologies (prior experience or network in the defence sector is not required).
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, event coordination, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Latvian and English (written and spoken).

• A mission-driven role at the intersection of innovation and NATO’s collective defence.
• The chance to build Latvia’s defence tech ecosystem from the ground up.
• Work alongside top-tier startups, experts, investors, and NATO-aligned stakeholders.
• Significant ownership, autonomy, and creative input within a fast-moving team.
• Competitive compensation (gross monthly salary in the range of €2,500 - €4,000, depending on experience), flexible work setup, and growth opportunities.

Indicative start date: December 1, 2025.

Please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line “Program Manager/Director – UniLab Defence”:

1. Your CV.
2. A cover letter briefly outlining:

• Your experience with startup ecosystem programs.
• Your interest in defence tech.
• Why you're excited about this role and what you would bring to the team.