A consortium of NATO allies has announced the first round of funding for companies under its one billion euro ($1.1 billion) innovation fund, aimed at bolstering defence technologies following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The fund, supported by 24 NATO member states including recent additions Finland and Sweden, seeks to invest in technologies enhancing defence, security, and resilience.
The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) confirmed on Tuesday that it has allocated funding to four European tech companies. Among them is Fractile AI, a London-based firm focused on accelerating large language models (LLMs) like those powering ChatGPT. Also included is Germany’s ARX Robotics, specializing in unmanned robotic systems for tasks ranging from heavy-lifting to surveillance.
Additionally, British manufacturer iCOMAT received funding for its advancements in lightweight materials for vehicles, while Space Forge, based in Wales, secured support for its innovative semiconductor production technology utilizing space conditions such as microgravity and vacuum environments.
According to Andrea Traversone, managing partner of the fund, “Enabling access to strategic technologies is key to securing a safe and prosperous future for the alliance’s one billion citizens.”
The NIF has also formed partnerships with venture capital firms Alpine Space Ventures, OTB Ventures, Join Capital, and Vsquared Ventures to further bolster investment in deep tech across Europe.
The initiative marks a concerted effort by NATO to leverage innovation in addressing contemporary security challenges, underscoring a commitment to technological advancement and resilience within the alliance.
