The Leiria-based deeptech company behind the 3D sound technology used in films such as Dune, Mission: Impossible, Oppenheimer, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars is expanding into the defense sector — and already has pilot projects underway.
Founded and led by Nuno Fonseca, Sound Particles built its reputation in cinema, TV series like Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, and video games such as Fortnite. The company has also collaborated with Grammy-winning artists, including Justin Gray and Peter Gabriel. Now, it is applying its AI-driven sound simulation capabilities to areas such as drone detection and underwater sonar systems.
According to the CEO, the move into defense emerged after realizing that many sector challenges could be addressed through artificial intelligence applied to sound. The company’s core strength lies in generating massive volumes of highly realistic synthetic audio data — a critical requirement for training AI systems.
Drone detection and underwater applications
In drone detection, traditional systems such as radar and cameras face limitations, particularly with small objects or nighttime conditions. Using 3D microphones combined with AI, drones can be detected and localized through sound. The bottleneck, however, is the need for thousands of hours of precisely annotated audio data.
Sound Particles’ technology can simulate vast quantities of drone and environmental sounds, enabling the training of complex neural networks and significantly improving detection accuracy.
Another key area is underwater defense. In marine environments, sound is the primary sensing mechanism, as radar and cameras are ineffective. The company believes its expertise in 3D sound and AI can bring disruptive advances to sonar-based systems.
Several pilot programs are already in progress, and the company recently presented its technology at a NATO event abroad. While specific partners remain undisclosed due to NDAs, Fonseca confirms engagement with leading public and private defense stakeholders in Portugal.
Investment round underway
To support this new phase, Sound Particles is preparing a new funding round and aims to close it in the coming weeks. As a deeptech company operating in complex areas such as underwater systems, investment needs could reach several million euros. The target amount has not been publicly disclosed.
The expansion comes amid increased European focus on defense capabilities, particularly in drones and anti-drone technologies. The European Commission has proposed €400 million to strengthen drone-related capabilities, while broader defense financing programs such as SAFE allocate €150 billion across member states, with Portugal securing €5.8 billion.
Team growth and operational challenges
Sound Particles currently employs 20 people, including four PhDs, and has recently strengthened its expertise in computational physics and critical systems development.
At the same time, the company continues to deal with the aftermath of Storm Kristin, which severely impacted infrastructure in central Portugal. Beyond operational disruptions, Fonseca highlights the human cost, with employees facing property damage and prolonged power outages. The company has allowed flexibility for staff to reorganize their personal lives, acknowledging the short-term impact on productivity.
From Hollywood sound design to defense-grade AI systems, Sound Particles is positioning itself at the intersection of audio simulation, artificial intelligence, and strategic technology — this time, far beyond the cinema screen.
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