For its first investment, the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has chosen to back a UK-based biotechnology startup, Portal Biotech.Portal Biotech utilizes AI-backed technology combined with biological sensors capable of single-molecule protein sequencing to detect engineered threats.The capability is made for field deployment, giving rapid on-site results within hours instead of days. Additionally, operators can use it to detect known and unknown pathogens, Portal CEO Andy Heron informed Reuters. NIF is “the world’s first multi-sovereign venture capital fund,” in which 24 NATO allies committed 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) to invest in startups providing solutions to strengthen defense and security. The fund is co-leading a $35-million fundraising round for Portal Biotech, alongside Earlybird Venture Capital (VC), Science Creates VC, Pillar VC, 8VC, We VC, and the British Business Bank.Dual-Use TechnologyPortal Biotech’s solution aligns with NATO’s broader initiative of supporting dual-use innovations for enhanced defense against evolving threats, including those related to biotechnology.Beyond defense-related uses, it was designed “for everything from measuring diseases to better pandemic prevention…you can take this out of large labs with long turnaround times and into the field,” said Heron. In addition, it can be used to help with drug discovery and precision medicine, as well as assist in continuous environmental monitoring. The post NATO Fund Backs UK Startup for Enhanced Biotech Warfare Defense appeared first on The Defense Post.