NATO Innovation Fund Investing €1 Billion in Deep Tech Innovation For Its 1 Billion Citizens

Insider Brief

• The NATO Innovation Fund aims to address the significant underfunding of the market for deep tech innovation.
• Verticals include artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, energy & propulsion, manufacturing and space technologies.
• The fund aims to adapt its investment strategy accordingly, aligning with emerging trends and breakthrough developments.

The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has been established to propel the Alliance’s unique innovation ecosystems forward, investing a total of  €1 billion in deep tech initiatives aimed at ensuring the security and prosperity of its 1 billion citizens. Recognizing the world-leading talent and research capabilities within the Allied nations’ Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, the NIF aims to address the significant underfunding of the market for deep tech innovation.

Through the NIF, the funds will serve as a commercialization machine, supporting both private and public sectors in advancing cutting-edge technologies and securing the future of the Alliance’s citizens. The fund functions as an independent venture capital entity with a dedicated budget of €1 billion, providing vital backing to innovative founders developing emerging and disruptive technologies.

The NIF has identified several high-impact verticals that align with its mission to foster innovation and shape the future. These include artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, energy & propulsion, manufacturing and space technologies. The fund’s interests lie in promoting advancements in autonomy, hypersonics, new materials, and quantum technologies, with a strong emphasis on bolstering both hardware and software capabilities.

Embracing the rapid pace of innovation in today’s world, the NIF has centered its focus on NATO’s Emerging and Disruptive Technologies (EDTs). As the innovation landscape continues to evolve, the fund aims to adapt its investment strategy accordingly, aligning with emerging trends and breakthrough developments.

The NIF marks a significant step forward for the Alliance’s commitment to fostering technological progress and strengthening its position in the global innovation ecosystem. By addressing the underfunding challenges in deep tech, the fund aims to unlock the immense potential of Allied talent and research capabilities, creating a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.