UPDATE: NestAI, a Finnish startup, has just announced a groundbreaking funding round of €100 million to establish Europe’s premier “Physical AI” defence lab, with significant backing from Finland’s sovereign investment fund Tesi and telecommunications giant Nokia. This urgent initiative is set to revolutionize artificial intelligence applications in defence and critical infrastructure.
The funding will expedite NestAI’s mission to develop cutting-edge AI technologies, focusing on unmanned vehicles, autonomous operations, and advanced command-and-control systems. The implications of this funding are profound, as it positions NestAI at the forefront of the defence tech industry, aiming to enhance security and operational efficiency across Europe.
Co-founder Peter Sarlin, who previously sold his AI startup Silo AI to AMD for a staggering $665 million, is now steering NestAI as chairman. Sarlin’s experience and connections, supported through his family office, PostScriptum, were pivotal during NestAI’s stealth phase and are expected to drive further growth.
NestAI’s unique approach, termed “physical AI,” distinguishes it from competitors by embedding sophisticated AI technologies into robotics and physical systems that operate in real-world defence scenarios. This innovative strategy contrasts sharply with others in the field, such as Avalor AI, Arondite, and Helsing, which primarily focus on digital applications.
The startup boasts a team rich in expertise, with executives drawn from industry leaders like Intel, Kongsberg, Palantir, and Saab. This diverse background equips NestAI with the technical knowledge necessary to create AI systems that are robust, secure, and interoperable in mission-critical contexts.
Looking towards the future, NestAI plans to significantly expand its physical AI lab and deepen collaborations with European defence forces, including dedicated support for the Finnish Defence Forces. As concerns over national security and technological advancement escalate, NestAI’s work could have a transformative impact on how defence operations are conducted across the continent.
This development not only highlights the growing importance of AI in defence but also underscores the urgency of innovation in safeguarding critical infrastructure. As NestAI prepares to roll out its ambitious plans, the tech and defence sectors will be watching closely.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for NestAI’s upcoming announcements that could reshape the landscape of defence technology in Europe.
