Spain, 2026 - AseBio has prepared this document with the aim of assessing the role of biotechnology in the field of security and defence, providing information on funding opportunities that have so far been largely unknown to companies in the sector, and analysing how biotechnology is defined as a dual-use technology.

Over the past year, AseBio has received invitations from various organisations to participate in events exploring the role of innovative sectors in the fields of security and defence. We have also received information from members interested in submitting proposals under NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) initiative. In addition, biotech companies have expressed concerns regarding the complex process involved in exporting biotechnology products and determining whether they should be classified as dual-use items.

By way of context, the European Commission (EC) presented the European Economic Security Strategy, including proposals on the screening of inbound and outbound investment in the EU, the coordination of export controls, the promotion of R&D in dual-use technologies, and the strengthening of research security. Furthermore, in a Recommendation, the European Commission identified biotechnology as a critical strategic technology for Europe’s economic security.

Source: ASEBIO