How Enschede Became a Hardware Haven for Deep Tech Startups

From photonic quantum computers to microfluidic systems and smart food sensors, Enschede-based startups are developing breakthrough technologies with global implications. What sets this region apart is its rare mix of academic excellence, industrial know-how, and a startup ecosystem built around engineering rather than hype.

Live Story raises €2.7M

Plans to become the go-to CMS for business users in the digital experience economy

Live Story, the no-code visual CMS designed for marketers and content teams, has raised €2.7 million in seed funding, led by Vertis, one of Italy’s most prominent early-growth venture capital firms. The investment will power international expansion, AI-driven product development, and hiring, as the company sets its sights on exceeding €10 million in ARR by 2027.

Thinking Machines Lab: Mira Murati’s $10B AI Powerhouse Redefining Human‑Centric Intelligence

In February 2025, ex–OpenAI CTO Mira Murati founded Thinking Machines Lab, a Public Benefit Corporation aimed at closing critical gaps in AI—specifically in reliability, transparency and human–AI collaboration. With zero products yet, the startup has already raised $2 billion in seed funding, valuing it at approximately $10 billion—the largest ever seed round for an AI firm.

EIB Funds PulPac’s Scalable Alternative to Single-Use Plastics

PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber is more than a clever technical invention—it’s a scalable, sustainable packaging solution with real commercial and environmental potential. Backed by the EIB and aligned with the EU’s green goals, it’s poised to reshape how we think about disposable packaging in a circular economy.

Safe E-Bike Charging at Work

Using AI to Revolutionize Precision Medicine

How To Produce More Seafood - Without Catching More Fish

Smarda Wins SIA Leader Award

Smarda founders and managing directors Horst Schalk and Alexander Wenzl (photo and image rights: Smarda) Austrian startup Smarda has been awarded the prestigious SIA Leader Award at the Summit International Awards (SIA) in Portland, Oregon—recognition that underscores the company’s role as a global pioneer in barrier-free, legally compliant e-commerce.

Lakka Bets Big on Greener Concrete

Finnish partnership aims to cut emissions and transform one of the world’s dirtiest industries

Greener concrete with Carbonaide’s carbon-binding technology.

McDreams Hotels automates cleaning with Nexaro technology

Cleanliness at the touch of a button

How can a hotel chain with high guest volumes and limited personnel resources ensure consistent cleanliness? McDreams is one of the first hotel chains in Germany to embrace fully digitalized processes. Over 50 Nexaro NR 1500 autonomous vacuum robots and several Nexaro trolleys were integrated into the family-run budget hotel group's nine properties.

Finally! A solution to the lost umbrella problem

New shared-umbrella concept rolled out in the Netherlands

New off-road solution

App promises a more intelligent and reliable experience

“No Roads™ is a powerful example of what happens when we blend rugged, embedded electronics with smart, connected software,” added Billy Aldridge, SVP, Managing Director – Electronics Segment. “We’re excited about what this means not just for recreational adventurers, but for the future of embedded systems across multiple markets.”

Ecohelix wins Green Product Award 2025

Esteemed recognition celebrates WOODMER® Seal as a groundbreaking and sustainable solution for the packaging industry

TEKEVER confirmed as Europe's newest unicorn

New funding by existing investors

Company launches bold five-year program to enhance European security by building Defence innovation ecosystem.

Revolutionary tech to reduce food waste

Innovative scanner predicts the shelf-life of fresh produce

Dutch start-up OneThird has created technology that helps to address the persistent, global challenge which directly impacts food scarcity.

Wonderskin closes $50M Series A Round

New investment for beauty brand behind TikTok's viral peel-off Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque

Wonderskin, the innovative beauty brand behind TikTok's viral peel-off Wonder Blading Lip Stain Masque and many other award-winning, disruptive, tech-infused cosmetic products, has secured a $50 million minority investment in its Series A funding round.

New open-source alternative to Microsoft SharePoint

OpenCloud is a modern open-source solution for file management, file sharing and content collaboration, serving as a high-performance, GDPR-compliant alternative to proprietary solutions such as Microsoft SharePoint, Google Drive or Dropbox.

World’s first safe 3D ultrasonic sensor for autonomous robots

Norway-based Sonair, an award-winning deep tech startup, will debut Sonair ADAR to North American audiences on May 12 at Automate 2025, one of the world’s leading automation trade shows.

Deep tech photonics venture raises €15 million in seed funding

Seed round to give cameras perfect eyesight

Netherlands-based Eyeo, a deep tech photonics venture, has raised €15 million in seed funding to bring its breakthrough light-splitting technology to market. The round was co-led by imec.xpand, Invest-NL, joined by QBIC fund, High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and Brabant Development Agency (BOM).