TLDR:
- The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) announced its first investments from a €1B Fund to advance defense, security, and resilience sectors.
- The investments include direct investments in emerging deep tech startups and support for venture capital fund managers focusing on deep tech.
The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) recently revealed its initial deep tech investments from the €1 billion fund, aiming to enhance defense, security, and resilience with advancements in manufacturing, air travel, AI, and autonomous robotics. The Fund’s direct investments include ARX Robotics for scalable robotic systems, Fractile for transformative computing technology, iCOMAT for advanced composite manufacturing, and Space Forge for manufacturing semiconductor materials in space. The Fund aims to promote dual-use ecosystems across the NATO Alliance to address critical challenges and boost growth.
Moreover, the NATO Innovation Fund supports venture capital fund managers investing in early-stage deep tech startups in regions with high funding demand, such as Southern and Eastern Europe, and grows deep tech startup ecosystems like the Nordics. The fund will assist expertise and interest in various deep tech solutions, from space tech to quantum cryptography and AI. Ventures supported by the Fund include Alpine Space Ventures for space sector investments, OTB Ventures for deep tech investments in Central Europe, Join Capital for deep tech investments in industrial and enterprise tech, and Vsquared Ventures for groundbreaking technology developments.
Backed by 24 NATO Allies, the NATO Innovation Fund focuses on financing innovators in emerging technology sectors like energy, AI, space, and biotechnology. The Fund aims to provide support for up to 15 years to deep tech entrepreneurs to commercialize and implement their solutions at scale. This investment initiative underscores the importance of deeptech investments in tackling global challenges and leveraging advanced technologies to address pressing societal issues.
