Team CATALYST Advanced to NATO Program Sprint 3

The multinational group has reached the third stage of the NATO competitive evaluation for simulation technology.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Software

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Team CATALYST has advanced to the third sprint of NATO's Next Generation Modelling and Simulation Programme, marking a significant step in the Alliance's digital modernization. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Team CATALYST, led by By Light Professional IT Services LLC, has advanced to Sprint 3 of the NATO Next Generation Modelling and Simulation Programme. The group is one of five bidders continuing in the procurement process to modernize Alliance training and planning capabilities.

Why it matters

The program serves as a core enabler of the NATO digital transformation and Multi-Domain Operations agenda. By modernizing simulation tools, the initiative changes how the Alliance conducts wargaming, operational planning, and analysis.

Team CATALYST integrates six companies using a multi-domain synthetic environment simulation engine. The framework utilizes advanced simulation distribution technologies designed to be open, adaptable, and data-centric.

The players

Team CATALYST

A multinational team of technology providers led by By Light Professional IT Services LLC.

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance consisting of 32 member states.

The details

The team, which includes By Light, ETE Technology, Thales, Leonardo, Horizon Strategies, and Liberty Business Associates, will demonstrate a scalable synthetic environment during the next phase. This technology aims to connect national and Alliance capabilities into a unified operational framework.

Timeline

  1. September 29, 2026: Team CATALYST announced its advancement to Sprint 3.

The Tech Race

This effort represents a significant step in the broader shift toward integrated digital wargaming environments within defense sectors. It marks a transition from fragmented national simulation systems to a unified, data-centric framework favored by modern military alliances.

The advancement of this simulation engine directly influences the development of standardized training tools for military analysts and operational planners. Enhanced simulation interoperability can lead to more accurate wargaming scenarios and improved decision-making workflows.

The takeaway

The move to Sprint 3 highlights the growing importance of interoperable, multi-domain digital environments in modern defense strategy. Success in this program indicates a high capability to integrate diverse corporate and national systems into one coherent, secure platform.

Further reading

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More information

View the By Light product and solution portfolio for additional technical information.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.

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Should private companies lead the development of critical military technology and simulation platforms?