Margot McDonnell is a seasoned leader in dual-use innovation, defence, and security, with a proven track record of driving transformative initiatives across NATO, the UK Ministry of Defence, and Kongsberg Innovation. At NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), she led the creation of accelerator network and curriculum, built strategic mentorship programs, and engaged with global stakeholders to foster innovation.

As a Business Change Manager at NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT), she spearheaded modernisation efforts, implementing strategic policies and leading cross-command initiatives. At the UK Ministry of Defence, Margot directed the successful UK-Estonia bid for the DIANA HQ and developed strategies for emerging technologies.

Now a Venture Builder at Kongsberg Innovation, she applies her leadership expertise to guide startups in scaling dual-use technologies, bridging innovation with defence and commercial applications.

She has also founded ODIN (the Organisation for Defence Innovation in the New Nordics) in February 2025, which is an association of incubators, government stakeholders, and corporates which acts as a platform to improve defence innovation collaboration across the Nordics.