What we do
We drive impact through targeted investments, collaborative work programmes, and strategic insight - advancing innovation where it matters most.
NSSIF is a partnership between the NS&D community and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) that backs breakthrough technologies that strengthen our collective security and defence. We invest in early-stage companies, align government demand with start-up supply, and help founders scale with capital, contracts, and insight.
Founded in 2018, we combine mission-driven investment with innovation-led growth - working across government, venture capital, and industry to accelerate adoption of critical technologies.
Our model blends equity investment, tailored research and development work programmes, and strategic partnerships to close the gap between NS&D needs and emerging capabilities. We prioritise UK SMEs, collaborate globally, and support jobs across borders.
As part of the 2025 Spending Review, NSSIF received a major uplift in capital to scale its impact and expand its focus on Horizon 3 technologies.
How we drive impact:
Investments
We invest in early-stage start-ups developing dual-use technologies with potential to transform National Security and Defence (NS&D). Our capital is deployed through:
- Direct equity investments
- Partnerships with aligned venture funds
We typically invest at Seed and early growth stages, working alongside other government investors to help founders scale. Every investment is guided by strategic relevance to NS&D and commercial potential.
Work Programmes
We fund targeted R&D programmes that connect high-potential tech companies with government users. These contracts accelerate product development, shape roadmaps with real-world feedback, and solve mission-critical challenges.
Insight
We provide strategic insight on emerging technologies and markets to guide NS&D technology decision-making. Our analysis helps hundreds of policymakers in government every year understand trends, technology sectors and pioneering capabilities that underpin future innovation.
Related pages
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.
About us
The National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) is the UK Government’s deep tech venture capital fund for National Security and Defence. We back pioneering dual-use technologies with both commercial and strategic potential.