Protein sequencing tech gets €30 million NATO support
The NATO Innovation Fund invested €30 million in Portal Biotech, a spin-off of the University of Groningen active in protein sequencing.
Published on July 3, 2025
© Portal Biotech
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Portal Biotech, a spin-off of the University of Groningen active in protein sequencing technology, has recently secured €30 million in Series A funding. This investment, led by the NATO Innovation Fund and Earlybird Venture Capital, marks a significant milestone for the company and highlights the potential of its innovative technology in both commercial and defense applications.
The company's technology is centered on nanopore-based protein sequencing, a method that enables the identification and analysis of proteins at the single-molecule level. This approach leverages nanopores—tiny holes that can detect changes in ionic current as molecules pass through—to sequence proteins with high accuracy and speed. The technology is portable, cost-effective, and capable of delivering results 10 to 100 times faster than existing methods. With protein driving nearly all biological processes, Portal Biotech offers a solution to bridge the existing gaps in reading them.
Unlocking protein sequencing potential
Portal Biotech's platform can sequence full-length, intact proteins at the single-molecule level. This innovation enables the comprehensive characterization of all protein mutations and modifications. By integrating advanced AI methods, the platform provides researchers with an unprecedented, detailed view of the proteome's complexities, surpassing the capabilities of traditional technologies. This breakthrough lays the foundation for new AI models of the dynamic proteome, promising to revolutionize our understanding of protein biology and accelerate advancements across the life sciences.
"Our platform is designed to be where the work happens and provide researchers with unique insights – not only identifying proteins but also pinpointing where their key modifications are," said Andrew Heron, CEO. "By making high-resolution protein analysis faster and more insightful, we’re helping R&D teams unlock better diagnostics and more effective treatments."
Protein sequencing dual use
The dual-use nature of Portal Biotech's technology makes it particularly valuable. In the commercial sector, it has significant applications in drug discovery, diagnostics, and precision medicine. By providing detailed insights into protein structures and modifications, the technology enables researchers to develop more effective treatments and enhance diagnostic accuracy.
In the defense sector, the technology's ability to detect engineered threats and unknown pathogens makes it a crucial tool for biodefense. The NATO Innovation Fund's investment underscores the potential of Portal Biotech's technology to enhance the Alliance's capabilities in countering biological threats. The portability and rapid results of the technology make it ideal for field deployment, allowing for quick identification and response to bioterrorism threats.
