NATO Venture Fund

History

2024: Allocation of $1.1 billion for the development of artificial intelligence, robotics and space technology

On June 18, 2024, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) announced its first investment in startups developing new dual-use technologies. These include artificial intelligence, big data processing, quantum systems, biotechnology, new materials, power solutions, robotics, space projects, etc.

It is assumed that the NIF program, designed for 15 years, will help bring to life those emerging technologies that can improve security and strengthen the innovative ecosystem of the North Atlantic Alliance. In total, $1.1 billion has been allocated to support startups. The first investments under the fund were received by four European companies: ARX Robotics, Fragile AI, iCOMAT and Space Forge.

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The German firm ARX Robotics specializes in the development of unmanned robots with functions ranging from lifting and moving cargo to surveillance. In turn, the London startup Fragile AI designs computer chips that can speed up the work of large language models (LLM). The UK-based iCOMAT is creating next-generation lightweight materials for the transport sector, while Welsh firm Space Forge is developing technologies to make semiconductor products in orbit using space conditions such as microgravity and vacuum.

It is also said that NIF actively interacts with four venture capital funds - Alpine Space Ventures, OTB Ventures, Join Capital and Vsquared Ventures. They have experience in science-intensive fields such as space technology, quantum cryptography and AI.

Providing access to strategic technology is key to ensuring a safe and prosperous future for one billion alliance citizens, "said Andrea Traversone, managing partner of the fund.[1]

2022: NATO sets up $1 billion venture capital fund to invest in tech startups

On June 30, 2022, NATO leaders signed a document pledging to ensure the work of an innovation fund aimed at combining the efforts of governments, the private sector and academia to strengthen the technological superiority of the alliance. The fund will invest in private companies working on a range of dual-use technologies with great military potential.

Alliance Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the fund provides for initial investments of $1 billion in new projects and other technology funds in 22 NATO member countries. Stoltenberg added that the goal of the fund is to develop promising technologies in the next 50 years to strengthen the security of the alliance.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

The statement released at the end of May 2022 by the leaders of the countries of the NATO military-political bloc noted that the organization is drawing up a plan to accelerate the introduction of defense innovations and is launching a multinational innovation fund to unite the efforts of governments, the private sector and academia to strengthen technological superiority.

The fund is intended for long-term investments in startups and other organizations developing new technologies in which the alliance is interested, including artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, big data processing, quantum technology, biotechnology and human enhancement, new materials, power, propulsion and space.

{{quote 'The NATO Innovation Fund, which runs until 2037, will help bring to life the emerging technologies that can transform our security in the coming decades, strengthen the Alliance's innovation ecosystem, and strengthen the security of a billion of our citizens. Together with a new accelerator of defense innovation for the North Atlantic, the fund will help the alliance use the best new technologies to ensure transatlantic security, said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. }} During the summit, NATO also presented a new strategic concept, which emphasizes the need to introduce new technologies to increase the alliance's defense capability. The United States will also facilitate this initiative by facilitating access to U.S. test facilities and other accelerator technology sites in the vast and diverse U.S. innovation sector, the White House said in a release.^[2]

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