Our priorities
We build long-term partnerships with strategically aligned businesses and venture firms where there is clear demand from the UK’s NS&D community. Our goal is to meet today’s capability needs while futureproofing for tomorrow’s challenges.
We focus on four core technology themes to support UK NS&D priorities:
AI & Data
The AI & Data theme remit comprises a lot of the NSSIF customer demand signal for Work Programmes, Investment and Insight. Through focus on priority industries, including advanced analytics, AI security and assurance, edge AI, trust infrastructure, autonomy and fintech, we aim to identify, develop and invest in data-centric capabilities. This reflects the strategic government direction contained in the 2025 Spending Review, Strategic Defence Review, Defence Industrial Strategy & AI Opportunities Action Plan.
Quantum, Semiconductors & Advanced Compute
We support the National Quantum Strategy with a focus on supporting and developing the UK quantum ecosystem and developing relationships with UK quantum start-ups. We prioritise advancements in quantum computing, sensing and semiconductors to ensure that NS&D can take full advantage of these emerging technologies. At least 4% of UK quantum investment is from NSSIF.
Space & Comms
We prioritise dual-use technologies that underpin critical space infrastructure and support UK interests in space. This includes advanced satellites and antennas, in-orbit service and manufacturing, position, navigation and timing and a range of future advanced communications. We work across government and with wider partners in support of the National Space Strategy and Defence Space Strategy.
Emerging Technology
We are investing in emerging technologies that have the highest potential to deliver a step-change in capability for NS&D, including, but not limited to, engineering biology, advanced materials and novel power and energy. Our ambition is for the UK to be at the cutting-edge of these disruptive technologies as set out in the National Vision for Engineering Biology.
