NATO backs 52North tech for nuclear emergency preparedness programme

A University of Cambridge spin-out whose product can be used to treat radiation sickness following a nuclear attack, has secured further recognition with NATO. Based locally at the Hauser Forum, 52North has been recognised for a second time by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is headquartered in Belgium.

Credit – NATO.

It is one of only 15 innovative technology companies from across the world chosen to progress into the final phase of NATO's defence innovation accelerator programme, DIANA.

The programme offers €300,000 in funding, taking the total 52North received from NATO DIANA to €40k: in addition to continued support to help 52North win defence contracts and accelerate commercial adoption. The company's selection highlights the unique proposition offered by its Aster™ platform technology.

This new category in diagnostics offers the world’s first portable platform for measuring cells. A new product, ARC™ has been built to strengthen the medical resilience capability of the NATO Alliance. It enables remote triaging, and treatment monitoring, of those at risk of radiation sickness - ensuring those in need receive quick access to life-saving drugs.

“This exciting announcement from NATO cements 52North’s position as an upcoming leader in diagnostics,” said Umaima Ahmad, CEO of 52North. “It highlights the major markets vying for 52North’s remarkable remote cell measurement technology. We are working in partnership with key NATO stakeholders to support nuclear safety and protect people from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.”

52North’s technology use spans triage support for cancer patients with Neutrocheck® and those at risk of radiation sickness with ARC™.

The DIANA journey began in 2024 when 52North was selected from around 3,000 global applicants for Phase 1 of the DIANA Accelerator Programme. Embedded at the BioInnovation Institute in Copenhagen, 52North undertook six months of robust engagement with senior stakeholders across the NATO Alliance, verifying the company's unique capacity to solve for a critical need in the field.

52North has subsequently secured major adoption interest from critical stakeholders in key organisations across NATO countries, accelerating the company’s progression in the defence sector.

James Appathurai, Managing Director of NATO DIANA, commented: “DIANA is NATO's innovation engine. We are finding the most innovative technologies from the market; we are helping these talented innovators fine-tune their technologies and grow their businesses; and we are connecting the companies to end users so that NATO defence ministries can adopt new technologies at the speed of relevance, including through DIANA’s Rapid Adoption Service. Phase 2 is a pivotal stage in our Accelerator Programme, and I congratulate these companies for making and taking this next step.”

52North is a medical technology company on a mission to make urgent care pathways safer and more effective. Awarded breakthrough status for its first product Neutrocheck® by the UK Government in 2024, 52North builds innovative diagnostic and digital solutions to transform patient journeys in urgent care.

Its award-winning, multidisciplinary team based in Cambridge is backed by leading UK and US hospital venture funds, Meridian Health Ventures and Cedars-Sinai Intellectual Property Company, and other partners, including the University of Cambridge and OKG Capital.

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