Dr Israel Gago

Advanced materials and manufacturing · Aerospace, security, defence and dual-use systems · Founder

1. Summary:

PhD engineer experienced in advanced materials for defence and dual-use applications. Integrated graphene, metal oxide and ceramic nanotechnologies into scalable polymer composites, enabling additive manufacturing of multifunctional components. Delivered master classes on spin-offs from universities and instructed operators on advanced protection systems.

Founded two SMEs, including a public university spin-off based on nanotechnology. Matured R&D innovations up to TRL 7 with field-validated prototypes and obtained three granted patents. Secured EUR 1.2 million in competitive public and private funding. Coordinated multidisciplinary teams in close collaboration with stakeholders, end-users and public bodies.

Independent expert evaluator for DG DEFIS and NATO, assessing technical viability and defence market fit for over 150 deep-tech proposals within official procedures and panels. Delivered R&T projects for the Spanish MoD and EDA, contributing to Force 2035 workshops, Materials CapTech and NATO STO publications under STANAG, AEP and AQAP requirements.

2. Experience:

- Independent expert: dual-use and defence deep-tech advisor and evaluator for VC funds, DGDEFIS and NATO (2019–present).

- Co-founder and CTO: Nanocarbonoids; SME in sustainable dual-use nanotechnologies enabled by graphene (2018–2024).

- Researcher: Technical University of Cartagena; nanotechnology applications for defence and dual-use systems (2010–2023).

- Founder and CEO: ARQVIMEDES; SME in 3D CAD and VR simulation for architecture and construction (2006–2009).

- Team coordinator: Momentum Task Force; direct sales of energy, IT and fintech services to SMEs (2004–2006).

3. Achievements:

- Start-up building: scaled a dual-use university spin-off to TRL 7 (three granted patents); secured Ports 4.0 non-dilutive funding via consortia formation, defence-to-civil business modelling and equity story pitch deck (EUR 190 000).

- Technical dissemination: authored >25 publications; speaker at NATO STO panels and Force 2035 workshops; presented at Graphene Week, DESEi+d and AuxDefense conferences on disruptive nanotechnologies for defence applications.

- Strategic assessment: evaluated >150 proposals for defence programmes, validating excellence, feasibility and alignment with operational capabilities; reached consensus with international experts to identify weaknesses and de-risk investment.

- R&D management: led >10 projects under ERDF, COINCIDENTE and EDA frameworks, securing EUR 1.2 million; built a defence-focused team of engineers and showcased dual-use innovations at international exhibitions.

- Operational expertise: developed defence and security applications for 10 years in close collaboration with the Spanish MoD, Navy and Marine Corps: ballistic protection, EMI shielding, low observability and CBRN-E systems.

4. Education:

- PhD in Industrial Technologies (Nanotechnology) awarded by the Technical University of Cartagena.

- MSc in Chemical Science and Technology awarded by the National University of Distance Education.

- BEng in Naval Architecture and Marine Systems Engineering awarded by the Technical University of Cartagena.