On June 30, 2025, the NATO Innovation Fund, a €1 billion pan-European initiative established in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, announced a strategic investment in the UK-based startup Portal Biotech. The company specializes in the development of advanced biological sensors powered by artificial intelligence, designed to rapidly detect biological threats — including those that are synthetic or engineered. The deal, reported today by Reuters, includes a total funding round of $35 million, co-led by investors such as Hoxton Ventures and General Catalyst. The aim is to accelerate the deployment of portable devices capable of analyzing environmental or biological samples in real time delivering results within hours without requiring centralized laboratory infrastructure.
The NATO fund, headquartered in Stockholm, has chosen Portal Biotech as its first biotech investment to strengthen the Alliance’s readiness against emerging biological threats. As noted by Portal CEO Andy Heron, the technology could also have civilian applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, and drug discovery.
Massimo Serresi
