Germanys armed forces have commissioned Bremen-based startup Polaris to develop a two-stage, fully reusable hypersonic space plane and given the team just three years to build it.Dubbed Aurora, the 28-metre-long aircraft will be part rocket, part plane designed to take off and land on a runway but also blast through the atmosphere and place payloads up to 1-ton in low-Earth orbit.Under the contract, the startup will design, build, and flight test the spaceplane. The aircraft will serve as a testbed for hypersonic flight and defence research. It could be used as a small satellite carrier if fitted with a non-reusable upper stage, Polaris said.Polaris was founded in 2019 by Alexander Kopp as a spin-off from the German Aerospace Center (DLR). It builds upon over three decades of German and European spaceplane research.Group BundlesThe startup has already built three demonstrators of its Aurora spaceplane. The first, Mira I, crashed shortly after its inaugural flight. But the next two iterations Mira-II and Mira-III had better luck. These 5-meter-long vehicles, each weighing 240kg, have completed over 100 successful test flights since they first launched in September last year.The Mira prototype series relies on jet engines for takeoff, cruise, and landing, while incorporating an aerospike rocket engine for high-speed propulsion tests. First conceived in the 1960s, aerospike engines adjust to air pressure changes at all altitudes, making them more efficient than traditional designs.However, aerospikes never entered the mainstream because they are hard to cool and difficult to build. Polaris work on advanced cooling technologies and materials may just overcome past engineering challenges.Polaris made history in October last year when it conducted the first-ever flight powered by an aerospike engine. The AS-1 engine was ignited in flight for three seconds aboard the Mira-II over the Baltic Sea, delivering a thrust of 900 Newtons and accelerating the 229kg vehicle to 864km/h.The Miras future big sister Aurora, however, will be designed to reach hypersonic speeds above Mach 5 (over 6,125km/h) and beyond.Spaceplanes like Aurora could prove a more cost-effective way to access space than rockets because they can take off from a conventional runway and be reused time and time again just like a plane, but with more juice.Polaris announcement comes days after Germanys incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz cast doubts over whether NATO would remain in its current form, urging Europe to increase defence spending. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Gene-edited pig livers, synthetic embryos, and 3D-printed tissue implants the world of organ transplantation is becoming increasingly bizarre as scientists explore high-tech ways to keep people alive.These experiments are birthing new business opportunities. One company cashing in is University of Oxford spinout OrganOx, which this week secured $142mn in funding to fuel its expansion in the US as it mulls a potential IPO.OrganOxs Metra machine pumps oxygenated blood and nutrients through the liver, mimicking natural conditions during a transplant. This helps the organ stay healthier for up to 12 hours longer than traditional methods giving doctors more time to find a suitable recipient and improving transplant success rates. To date, the technology has been used in more than 5,000 transplant operations.OrganOx isnt the only player disrupting organ preservation, which has relied on one technique static cold storage for decades.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Across the pond, Paragonix Technologies has developed an organ transportation device that preserves organs by cooling them and then pumping a special preservation solution through them. This helps to keep the organ cells alive and reduces damage during transport or storage, ensuring the organ stays viable for transplant. The tech caught the eye of Swedish medical-equipment giant Getinge, which acquired Paragonix for $477mn last year.Meanwhile, US biotech scaleup eGenesis, founded in 2015, has raised $456mn to advance xenotransplantation using CRISPR gene-editing techniques to develop human-compatible organs derived from pigs. Yes, you read that correctly: pig organs for human transplants.Last year, surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania successfully attached one of eGenesis genetically-altered pig livers to a brain-dead person. The organ functioned normally for 72 hours. The team used OrganOxs machine to carry out the transplant. The endeavor aims to address the chronic shortage of donor organs from humans, potentially saving countless lives. In December 2024, there were over 104,000 people in the US waiting for an organ donor. Every day, 17 people die waiting.Craig Marshall, CEO of OrganOx, said that the company is preparing to launch clinical trials for new devices designed to assist kidney transplants, as well as advance its work in genetically-engineered pig livers.Other companies are taking organ transplantation into the realm of science fiction and raising some ethical questions in the process. Renewal Bio, a startup from Israel, is using cutting-edge stem-cell science to create synthetic human embryos. The company wants to use the embryos grown in an artificial womb as a source for harvesting cells and tissues for medical applications, such as organ transplants.While Renewal Bio insists that these entities are not intended to develop into human beings, the potential for creating embryos that resemble people raises ethical questions about the limits of scientific experimentation. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

For decades, European tech insiders have looked across the Atlantic with a mix of admiration and frustration. Casting envious eyes on the deep-pocketed VCs, an enormous consumer market, and a pipeline of elite talent,they often view the US as a promised land for business growth.The sentiment fuels calls for Europe to replicate Silicon Valleys model. But Vidya Peters, CEO of Dutch unicorn DataSnipper, argues this approach is flawed.Rather than merely mimicking US tech, she urges startups and scaleups to embrace Europes strengths. A key one is sustainable, long-term growth.Five years ago, it wasnt very fashionable to be profitable, Peters tells TNW. But I think this is where the European sensibility is a strength, because European companies have always taken this approach, and now its hugely valued in the current economic climate.This sharply contrasts with Silicon Valleys growth-at-all-costs mentality. European businesses are already benefiting from this distinct approach. When you watch some of these companies come out, they are much more durable in their growth and competitive advantage, Peters says.Group BundlesDataSnipper is a prime example. The company was profitable early on, scaled rapidly, and recently hit a $1bn valuation. Ahead of her headline talk at TNW Conference in June, Peters shared a few secrets behind the companys success.One is based on another European trademark: data protection. Privacy and security are integral features of DataSnippers core product, an AI-powered platform that automates repetitive finance and audit procedures.Its been super important to our customers that were not training on their documents and data and thats been a central piece of how we built our AI products, Peters says. We review and look at their data to provide insights, but that data is theirs.The company must also abide by the EUs stringent data laws. Critics argue that these rules stifle innovation, but Peters points to the advantages.Europe really has the opportunity to lead in this space by balancing innovation with customer data protection, she says.By embedding safety and transparency into AI, she continues, startups and scaleups can carve out a competitive edge over US rivals.Doing it from a base of trust can help European companies win customers in a different way than their American counterparts can.DataSnipper also has roots in another European hallmark: a bar in Amsterdam.From Amsterdam to the worldIn 2017,Maarten Alblas and Jonas Ruyterwere having a beer. Joining them was a friend who worked in auditing for KPMG. He faced a common affliction in his profession: an enormous spreadsheet that required painstaking scrutiny. He had to search through the document for invoices, bank statements, and receipts all the while cross-checking the data.Alblas and Ruyter believed software could ease his suffering. They settled on a solution: an intelligent automation platform that would dramatically increase the quality and efficiency of common audit procedures. The idea led to the founding of DataSnipper.Their software proved a hit with auditors. Soon, their user base had spread from the Netherlands to the UK and Germany. After finding success in Europe, they targeted new markets beyond the continent.To further fuel the growth, the company appointed Vidya Peters as CEO in 2023. She joined with expertise honed in Silicon Valley, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer of MuleSoft. During her time at the software giant, the company went public on the NYSE before being acquired by Salesforce for $6.5bn.She later gained extensive experience of Europes tech landscape. In 2019, she served as Chief Operating Officer of Marqeta, a payment processing firm. Again, she helped her company go public. In 2022, Marqeta made its market debut on the Nasdaq. The company ended the day with a market cap of over $16bn.At DataSnipper, she set her sights on accelerating growth and global expansion.The strategy has reaped rewards. In 2024, Deloitte named DataSnipper the fastest-growing tech company in the Netherlands for the second year in a row. Last month, the business reached the coveted unicorn status after raising $100mn at a $1bn valuation. Over 500,000 audit and finance professionals across more than 125 countries now use the software.As DataSnipper scaled, the company benefited from another European advantage: access to international talent.DataSnippers talent pipelinePeople undervalue the ability to hire from across the world here, says Peters.DataSnipper has directly benefited from this access. From the Netherlands, the company can hire global talent on a visa with greater ease than in the US. Peters describes this as a secret weapon for European startups and scaleups.It is much easier to do so with the visa opportunities that you have in Europe, the ability to issue work visas is significantly easier in Europe than it is in the US.A diverse range of people now work for DataSnipper. In the companys Amsterdam headquarters, 70% of employees are from outside the Netherlands.Thats incredibly valuable because we have every language that you could possibly want to sell in Europe, and you can attract them right here to Amsterdam, says Peters.DataSnippers global outlook has been instrumental in its expansion. After establishing itself in Europe, DataSnipper opened offices in New York, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Mexico City.Despite its global expansion, DataSnipper remains firmly rooted in the Netherlands. One of the countrys many attractions is a simple matter of time.People forget that America is not the heart of the world, says Peters. You can wake up in Europe and sell to Asia Pacific. And after your lunch, you can sell to the US.Europes pros and consDespite the advantages of life in Europe, startups here still face substantial challenges. One is the diverging regulations, tax laws, and banking systems, which present roadblocks to growth across the continent.Were not taking full advantage of being part of one European Union and allowing companies to expand within the continent, Peters says. It would be tremendously beneficial if we could open locations within Europe, just like you would in the US, in a different state.Funding is another hurdle. European VCs tend to be more risk-averse, making capital harder to secure. We had conversations with probably every major venture capital firm in the US they were pounding on our door, says Peters. Yet the European VCs were not reaching out.For DataSnipper, that wasnt a big problem. The US firms alone had produced anoversubscribed round. Nonetheless, Peters was surprised: where were the European investors? With curious timing, they started reaching out after the funding was announced.Was it the risk appetite? Peters wonders. What was it that made them a little bit more cautious?These are common questions in European tech. But startups and scaleups dont need to wait for the answers.Peters advises them to think beyond borders. Dont be limited to the country you are in or to Europe, she says. Reach out to VCs all over the world.When that happens, Peters hopes that Europes investment landscape will shift to a braver funding model. But even if it doesnt, companies across the continent can forge their own paths to success.Vidya Peters will provide further insights atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. To get 30% off, use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Venus Williams is most famous for being one of the best tennis players of all time, but shes also a prolific angelinvestor. In her latest business move, Williams has backed French startup WeWard.WeWard is a free app that offers real-world rewards for walking. It tracks your steps and lets you earn points (called Wards), which can be exchanged for gift cards, donations, or discounts. The goal is to encourage people to be more active while benefiting from their daily movement.Williams has invested an undisclosed sum in the company and will also act as an ambassador. WeWard, meanwhile, has committed to donating $25,000 to her charity, CARE, and will host a month-long Venus Williams Championship where users can unlock up to $40,000 in donations by reaching step milestones.A large part of staying well and active is simply by moving your body whichever way you can, and with WeWard, walking becomes a fun and rewarding experience, said Williams, whose portfolio also includes French social investing app Shares and Pelago, a British startup tackling substance abuse via virtual clinics.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Beyond physical rewards, users can collect virtual trading cards dubbed WeCards placed at specific locations on the map, a bit like Pokmon Go. Users can compete with friends or join virtual leagues, tracking their progress on leaderboards and earning gold, silver, or bronze medals based on activity levels.The idea is to incentivise people to walk further and more often and it seems to be working. Approximately 6.5 million WeCards are collected daily by the roughly 20 million people who use the app, the company said.Walking plansWeWards CEO, Yves Benchimol, founded the startup in 2019 alongside Nicolas Hardy and Tanguy de la Villegeorges. The company is almost completely bootstrapped, save for a few hundred thousand euros in seed funding raised in 2020.While WeWard has not raised much capital itself, it has handed plenty of money out. To date, the company has given $20mn in cash back to users and $1mn to charity partners, it claims.WeWard generates revenue through retail partnerships, advertising, and features like Playtime, where users can earn additional rewards by engaging with third-party mobile games directly through the app.WeWard is just one of a cohort of pro-walking fitness startups. Rivals include Walk15, a Lithuanian company thats trialled its tech with public healthcare services. Walk15s co-founder and CEO, Vlada Musvydait-Vilciauske, told TNW last year that she wants to create a pharmacy for walking. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Most of us share and store huge amounts of personal data online, from our names and addresses to photos of our loved ones. In many ways, firms like Apple, Google, and Meta are the gatekeepers of this sensitive information. But what happens when the authorities come knocking? It appears that Silicon Valley often rolls over and complies.Over the last 10 years, Apple, Google, and Meta have handed over data on 3.1 million accounts to the US government, according to a new report by Swiss software company Proton.The number of times officials have requested user data from Big Tech has skyrocketed by an average of 600% over the same timeframe, Proton found. Metas data sharing surged by 675%, marking the largest increase, followed by Apple at 621% and Googleat 530%.Apple, Google, and Meta comply with between 80-90% of US government data requests, according to Proton. This potentially includes handing over user emails, files, messages, and other highly personal information.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!While data requests also saw an uptick from countries including Germany, France, and the UK, the US took the lions share.All thats required for the government to find out just about everything it could ever need is a request message to Big Tech in California, said Raphael Auphan, COO of Proton. And as long as Big Tech refuses to implement widespread end-to-end encryption, these massive, private data reserves will remain open to abuse.Data sharing with US authorities has surged since 2014. Credit: ProtonGovernment desires for dataProton best known for its products ProtonMail, ProtonVPN, and ProtonDrive has long positioned itself as a privacy-first alternative to Big Tech firms. However, the company also complies with its fair share of government requests for user data.According to Protons own transparency report, it received 13 data requests from Swiss authorities back in 2017, soaring to 6,378 by 2024. Of those, it complied with 5,971 of the requests. Thats 93% higher than the Big Tech companies highlighted in the new report.However, unlike Silicon Valleys giants, Proton encrypts emails, files, and VPN traffic in a way that even the company itself cannot read or access. So, even if authorities demand data, theres very little it can provide.In no circumstances can we share emails, files, contact lists, calendar entries or other personal content, a Proton spokesperson told TNW. We cannot share what we do not have.Moreover, Proton operates under strict Swiss privacy laws, which means foreign governments cannot request data from it without first going through Swiss courts, adding an extra layer of security for users.But under specific circumstances, the company can hand over metadata about the account, including IP address, email address, and recipient emails.Proton is dedicated to protecting user privacy but that does not mean its a safe haven for illegal activity, the spokesperson said. Proton is subject to national laws and has legal obligations, to which we are obliged to comply unless we have legal grounds to contest, which does not happen very often in Switzerland. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

As the US and China pursue dominance in the global technology race, concerns are mounting among European founders that the regions entrenched bureaucracy is impeding its capacity for innovation and growth.The EU is going overboard on tech regulation, said Job van der Voort, CEO and founder of Remote, an HR tech company valued at over $3bn. Its stifling innovation and its a massive risk for Europe.Van der Voort told TNW that many business leaders share his view. Most entrepreneurs agree this is a huge problem, he said.Indeed, such concerns are being raised with growing frequency.Register NowAt a conference in Paris earlier this month, the likes of Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch and DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis repeatedly called for regulation in Europe that is flexible enough to support innovation and competitiveness. A little over a week later, Dutch software unicorn Bird took drastic steps to escape overregulation, announcing plans to move most of its operations out of Europe.I think more companies will be forced to do the same [as Bird], said van der Voort. But the biggest impact will be at the early stage.The founder highlighted the ongoing trend of European startups crossing the Atlantic to scale. Research by London-based VC Hoxton Ventures found that nearly all European startups with over $500mn in revenue including Spotify, Wise, and Adyen succeeded by winning the US market.Van der Voort believes burdensome tech regulation is encouraging moves beyond the continent. Its becoming unattractive to start and maintain a business here, he said. Thats why I tell startups to leave Europe if they want to succeed.Van der Voort has followed his own advice. After he and Marcelo Lebre founded Remote in 2019, the partners decided to base the company in San Francisco. It was simply easier to start it there, he said.Remote, which helps businesses hire and manage remote teams, has grown rapidly since then. In 2022, the company raised $300mn in a Series C round that pushed its valuation above $3bn.The EU needs to consider its own fate over the next decades, warned van der Voort. Regulation standing in the way of innovation that makes it harder for startups and is incredibly hurtful for the economy. Job van der Voort is a former speaker atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

German startup Proxima Fusion whose team includes engineers from MIT, Google, SpaceX, and McLaren has unveiled a fusion energy reactor design it believes offers the quickest route to commercially viable fusion power.Dubbed Stellaris, the machine is a quasi-isodynamic (QI) stellarator with high-temperature superconducting (HTS). This type of reactor uses complex, twisted magnetic fields to confine hot plasma, creating the conditions needed for fusion reactions.Stellaris is designed to operate in continuous mode and be intrinsically stable, Francesco Sciortino, Proximas co-founder and CEO, told TNW. No other fusion power plant design has yet been demonstrated to be capable of that. Stellaris design builds on the Wendelstein 7-X, the worlds largest stellarator, located at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Germany. While Wendelstein 7-X was developed for research, Stellaris could one day power the grid.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Proxima aims to bring the design to life with its first demonstrator Alpha slated for completion in just six years. Alpha will be the first-ever fusion device demonstrating net energy production in a steady state, said Sciortino. The machine will lay the foundation for Proximas first 1GW fusion reactor, which the company hopes will power up sometime in the 2030s.Stellarators have several advantages over their more popular cousin, the tokamak (the type adopted by ITER mega project under construction in France). They need less power to operate and are more stable. Their biggest drawback is complexity stellarators are notoriously hard to design and build. This is why they were largely set aside in the 1960s for the tokamak. However, advances in computational power are closing the gap.An AI-enabled fusion reactor designSimilar to other industries like automotive or aerospace, Proxima uses AI supercomputers to rapidly iterate the best fusion reactor designs based on key parameters like cost, material availability, and efficiency. So instead of having to build multiple prototypes, Proxima can jump straight into building a functioning demonstrator.The understanding of complex geometry and its consequences is everything in stellarators, said Sciortino. AI is helping Proxima to uncover patterns that lead to simpler, faster, and cheaper designs.Stellaris is designed to generate more power per unit volume than any previous stellarator. High-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets create stronger magnetic fields, allowing for smaller, faster-to-build, and more efficient reactors. This approach also reduces costs in both construction and operation. Stellaris uses only existing materials, making it buildable with todays supply chains, the company said. Full details of the reactor were published today in the journal Fusion Engineering and Design.The renders of Stellaris feature a unique twisting design. Credit: Proxima FusionMunich-based Proxima made history in 2023 as the first company to spin out from the esteemed Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, one of the worlds leading fusion research centres. The institute focuses exclusively on fusion and has more plasma physicists than MIT.Proxima raised 20mn in funding last year as it looks to turn the mind-bending physics of fusion into a viable business. When Proxima started its journey, the founders said, This is possible, well prove it to you, and they did, said Ian Hogarth, a partner at Plural, one of Proxima Fusions earliest investors. Stellaris positions QI-HTS stellarators as the leading technology in the global race to commercial fusion. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

An AI-powered note-taking app developed by Munich-based startup Bliro could offer a more secure way to transcribe audio.Bliro uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to extract relevant information from in-person or virtual conversations. It then generates structured meeting notes and automates follow-up tasks. So far, pretty standard.However, unlike popular transcription tools like Otter, Fireflies, or Notta, Bliro isnt a bot that hops onto your call, records an audio file, and then transcribes it. Instead, the platform transcribes in real-time, ensuring that no audio recordings of conversations are ever created.This guarantees compliance with strict privacy and security requirements like GDPR, the company said. That also means you dont need the other partys consent to record, streamlining the note-taking process.Register NowMaurice Schweitzer, Bliros co-founder, told TNW that the approach eliminates risks associated with audio and video recordings.A transcript lacks personally identifiable elements like voice or facial recognition, making it impossible to verify who said what with absolute certainty, he said. For those transcripts that do contain personal information like names, the company prioritises compliance at every step, Schweitzer added.Schweitzer co-founded Bliro in 2022 alongside data scientist Martin Thoma, as a privacy-first transcription tool, spun out from AI research at the Technical University of Munich.In addition to eschewing the recording process, Bliro encrypts all data processed in the app and stores it on servers in Frankfurt. It does not share data with third parties, including its own employees, without explicit consent. Nor does it use user data to refine its AI models, the company said.Many large companies avoid recording-based solutions due to privacy and compliance concerns making Bliro the only viable option for them, said Schweitzer.Bliro targets customer-facing teams who use the app to automate meeting transcriptions, generate AI-driven summaries, and create follow-up actions while maintaining privacy and compliance. The app currently supports 15 languages.Today, Bliro announced it has raised 2.8mn in a funding round led by German early-stage VC LEA Partners, with participation from 468 Capital and Dutch seed investor Rockstart. Bliro also launched its iOS app, which transcribes and analyses face-to-face conversations.The new funding will be used to accelerate product development and win more customers. Schweitzer said more than 1,000 companies already use Bliro, including well-known German brands such as ImmoScout24, OMR, and Telefnica Germany. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Dutch software firm Bird is moving most of its operations out of the Netherlands and opening new global hubs as it seeks a reprieve from overregulation in Europe, said co-founder and CEO Robert Vis.The AI Act, financing, compensation, taxes, employment law starting and running a company [in Europe] is hard, Vis told TNW, adding that there are too many disparate markets that are overregulated with no clear vision for the future while the world around us is changing.Bird (formerly MessageBird) is one of the Netherlands leading tech scaleups, reaching unicorn status in 2018. Birds main product is a cloud-based platform that manages customer communications across messaging apps, calls, video, SMS, and email. The company also recently launched a new AI employee chatbot, which handles tasks such as responding to customer inquiries, qualifying leads, and providing personalised support.Vis is now looking overseas to fuel the companys next advances.Both The Hague and Brussels enjoy being in meetings and talking more than they get shit done, Vis said, adding that EU policymakers are killing innovation. Amsterdam-based Bird will now open up three new offices in the US, and one each in Singapore, Dubai, and Istanbul. It will also open a meditation, rejuvenation, and health centre in Thailand for its employees, Vis said in a LinkedIn post.Nevertheless, Bird will maintain an office in Lithuania and keep its tax base in the Netherlands for now so its not leaving the EU entirely.Earlier this month, Bird cut 120 jobs roughly one-third of its total workforce, which is mainly based in Europe. New AI tools contributed to the staff cuts, said Vis, but it was also an effort to position our teams closer to our customers in the Americas and Asia, he told TechCrunch.The news comes as the EU pushes ahead with its landmark AI Act, which entered force last year. The act lays out a rulebook for governing AI based on risk levels, designed to ensure the technology is deployed safely, transparently, and ethically.The US, meanwhile, is moving in the opposite direction. While the EU imposes strict rules, the Trump administration is removing AI restrictions and giving tech sector leaders such as Elon Musk prominent roles in government.There is no stopping this technology whether we like it or not, said Vis. Whatever the future will hold if you want to compete you need to be liberal not restrictive.Vis is a former speaker atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Two European sports tech startups are heading to the US for an R&D programme run by media giant Comcast.Irelands Orreco will cross the Atlantic with a trove of athletic performance software, while Icelands Oz Sports will bring an AI-driven camera system. On arrival, the duo will join Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, a six-month accelerator.During the programme, the companies will tap into expertise from various industry leaders. Among them are Comcast broadcasting networks NBC Sports, Sky Sports, and the Golf Channel from Comcasts broadcasting empire. Further support will come from a star-studded squad of partners, including the Premier League, the PGA Tour, and NASCAR.Register NowThe diverse lineup of experts is a key selling point.On a video call from Comcasts headquarters in Philadelphia, Jenna Kurath, Head of Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech, said the programme is powered by partnerships.By bringing the best of innovation into our organisation, forging those strategic relationships with emerging startups, and working alongside some of the most elite sports organisations in the world, were able to really push us beyond the status quo, Kurath told TNW.The collaborative approach has one overall target: cultivating a new generation of sports tech. But for the teams involved, the attractions are varied.The selected teams receive new routes to accelerate product development, forge industry relationships, and refine commercial strategies. Their partners gain access to emerging technologies that could enhance future broadcasts and sporting events.Comcast, meanwhile, can get an edge on market trends, strengthen partnerships, unlock new revenue streams, and enhance customer experiences. The company is also investing in startups selected for the programme.Inside the programmeThe potential benefits have proved alluring for startups. Over 1,600 teams applied to this years programme. The cohort was then whittled down to just 10 companies.Kurath breaks down the selection process into three key criteria. The first is, is it a problem were solving? The second is, do we have a line of sight on how well test and pilot that technology over the six-month programme and beyond? But probably most important of all is, is this the team that we believe can do it and is this the team we want to work alongside?Orreco impressed the selectors with an AI sports analytics platform. The software interprets camera data, blood biomarkers, GPS, and other data sources. It then provides personalised insights on performance, nutrition, training, sleep, and recovery.OZ Sports, meanwhile, earned a spot on the roster after developing an AI-driven, multi-camera 4K60p HDR production unit for broadcasting. The system offers remote sports coverage in top-notch quality at a fraction of the price.With Comcast recently winning new rights to NBA and Premier League games, the system could support the expanded coverage. This is a really cost-effective, efficient way for us to do that and make it the best broadcast experience, Kurath said.Orreco and Oz Sports join a range of European companies that have entered the programme.Europes sports tech rosterOne recent European graduate is the UKs Kymira, which developed infrared-infused recovery apparel for the Philadelphia Flyers ice hockey team. The gear was initially built for the players, but the benefits have also been tested on front office staff.Another alumnus is Manchester-based Dizplay, meanwhile, makes sports fans active participants in the spectator experience. In partnership with Sky Sports, the startup introduced a Viewers Verdict for boxing broadcasts, allowing audiences to share real-time opinions and enhance social commentary. This technology could also expand beyond sports, bringing interactivity to live news, talk shows, and other broadcasts.A third British graduate, Tickets for Good, provides a platform that offers discounted tickets to tailored audiences. That could mean sports fans, but it could also serve teachers or first responders.Were always looking for companies that are proving themselves in the grand stage of sports, but when they have extensibility into other areas of our business, its just all the more powerful, Kurath said.For European members of the programme, the accelerator offers a springboard to the worlds biggest market.A lot of the international companies are very strong within their own specific country, but are looking to break into the US market, Kurath said. It is huge, it is nuanced. It is not an easy market. The sports industry is not an easy one to break into, so were opening doors for them and giving them really deep customer insights on what it means for your technology to succeed in the US market. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Europes biggest food delivery firm Just Eat Takeaway.com is set to be acquired by tech investor Prosus for 4.1bn, in one of the biggest acquisitions in the history of Dutch tech.Prosus the investment arm of South African tech firm Naspers has agreed to buy Just Eat Takeaways shares at 20.30 each in an all-cash offer. Thats a 22% premium over the delivery apps recent three-month high but only a fifth of its pandemic-era peak of above 100 per share. Following the announcement, Just Eat Takeaways shares climbed 53% on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange this morning.Just Eat Takeaway was formed in 2020 through the merger of UK-based Just Eat and Dutch company Takeaway.com. The 7.4bn deal made the Amsterdam-based company which has been both a speaker and partner at TNW Conference one of the worlds largest food delivery platforms.However, its been a turbulent few years for Just Eat Takeaway since then, amid cooling demand and tough competition from rivals. The company also had a few missteps, most notably its botched takeover of US delivery app Grubhub. Just Eat Takeaway acquired Grubhub for $7.3bn in 2021 only to sell it off for $650mn just three years later.Register NowFor Prosus, the deal is an opportunity to turn Just Eat Takeaway into a European tech champion, said its CEO, Fabricio Bloisi.The Prosus plan for Just Eat TakeawayProsus already owns iFood, Latin Americas largest food delivery platform. The firm also has stakes in Germanys Delivery Hero, Chinese shopping platform Meituan, and Swiggy, a grocery delivery app in India.Prosus firm has wanted to add Just Eat Takeaway to its delivery empire for years. The South African-ownedtried to hijack the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com in 2019 with a 5.1bn (6.1bn) bid. Just Eat Takeaway announced the deal today alongside its annual results, reporting a 35% jump in pre-tax profits for 2024, reaching 460mn. Jitse Groen, the companys CEO, said it was now a faster growing, more profitable, and predominantly European-based business.Groen hopes that Prosus expertise in the delivery sector and AI technology will bring further profits for Just Eat Takeaway.Prosus fully supports our strategic plans, and its extensive resources will help to further accelerate our investments and growth across food, groceries, fintech and other adjacencies, said Groen.Just Eat Takeaway confirmed that its current leadership would remain in place under the agreement, which is still subject to shareholder approval.If the deal is approved by shareholders and the relevant authorities, it will be one of the largest acquisitions of a Dutch tech company in history.Other notable buyouts in the country include Warburg Pincus and Apax Partners 5.1bn acquisition of T-Mobile Netherlands in 2021 and Siemens 628mn purchase of Rotterdam-based software startup Mendix in 2018. US chip maker Qualcomms $44bn attempt to acquire its Dutch rival NXP in 2018 wouldve been by far the largest buy, but it fell through after failing to win approval from Chinese regulators. Dutch tech will be a hot topic atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Europes startup scene has entered troubled waters. Long overshadowed by Silicon Valley and now being chased down by China,thecontinent is urgently looking for boosts. Increasingly, the search is leading to ecosystems.The ecosystem model creates networks of individuals, organisations, and resources. Their shared expertise and resources can produce a multiplier effect, driving innovation and accelerating growth.A core component of European ecosystems is the EU. While its tech strategy often faces criticism, the bloc has also played a key role in driving startup success.Just ask Nicolas Benady, the CEO of Swan, a thriving banking-as-a-service (BaaS) fintech based in France.Our company wouldnt exist without the European Union, he says.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Benady points to the impact of the Payment Service Directive, an EU law that established standardised rules for electronic payments. The legislation sparked the success of many global fintech leaders, from Revolut to Adyen. They finally had a chance to compete with banks in payments.Swan has reaped the benefits. Last month, the startup announced it had raised 42mn the second part of a Series B round that brought Swans total funding to an estimated 100mn.Without this directive, I dont think wed have so many fintechs today in Europe, Benady says.Fintechs are far from the only beneficiaries of the EU ecosystem but the network still needs work.At TNWs Nurturing Scaleup Success webinar on Tuesday, Benady joined a panel of European tech experts to explain the power and peril of ecosystems. Their message was clear: no startup scales alone. Their success depends on a thriving ecosystem of partners.4 pillars of a thriving ecosystemJason Lynch, CEO of quantum computing startup Equal1, has firsthand experience of the power of ecosystems. His company has partnered with Arm on computing breakthroughs, collaborated with Nvidia to blend hardware with software, and teamed up with the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) on product development.Equal1 also recently secured investment from TNO. To strengthen the alliance, the startup has set up shop in another component of the Dutch ecosystem: the House of Quantum in Delft, a national campus for quantum startups.Lynch has high hopes for the relocation. Being in a centre of excellence is a critical piece of an ecosystem, he says.At the TNW webinar now available to watch on-demand Lynch broke down four crucial benefits of an ecosystem.1. TalentAs Silicon Valleys network effects continuously prove, startups benefit immensely from proximity to talent. The House of Quantum provides another promising example. With a steady stream of experts flowing through the site, the centre is giving Equal1 a fresh talent pipeline.2. InfrastructureComputation costs for startups can be astronomical. With access to shared infrastructure, startups can achieve dramatic savings.3. PartnershipsTech firms often rely on complex supply chains. Ecosystems offer a route to bring each component together. What a centre of excellence like Delft offers is an ability to work very closely with companies that are just across the corridor, says Lynch.4. CustomersEnd users are drawn to areas with substantial expertise and companies. They help startups to validate and commercialise their products more quickly. A hub like this really attracts in those end users, says Lynch.Yet Lynch also has concerns about EU ecosystems. Chief among them is a failure to commercialise ideas.Its well-recognised that European research is leading the world. People would probably say that bringing that research to market is where Europe has more of a challenge. For me, thats about speed, getting out of the way of startups, and trying to lower the barriers as much as possible.The money streamsEU policymakers are often slated for providing insufficient support to startups. There are growing signs, however, that their attitudes are changing.Clotilde Hocquard, Public Affairs Lead at France Digitale, a European organisation that connects startups and investors, points to several positive developments.One is an expansion of funding streams, such as a new EU initiative to mobilise 200bn for AI investments. Another is Frances Tibi Initiative, which brings institutional investors together with accredited VC firms to encourage tech investing. It should be replicated at the European level, Hocquard says.Big ideas like this have been hard to bring to life, but theyre now attracting growing support. Hocquard noticed the momentum shift after last years publication of the Draghi Report, which revealed alarming problems for European innovation.Policymakers are starting to realise that they need to do something to make sure startups can thrive in Europe, she says.Despite the positive signs, Hocquard wants faster progress. She points to another example set in the US.We have to make sure to mobilise pension funds and insurers, like in the United States. And we have to make sure the money is targeted towards VC funds and to finance innovation.But funding isnt the only challenge for EU ecosystems.The double-edged sword of regulationSwan may only exist thanks to EU rules, but the blocs regulation is a double-edged sword.One big problem is the diversity of laws. Despite the single market, the EUs legislation is fragmented. We dont have anything single, says Hocquard. We have 27 member states doing what they want with their rules.This smorgasbord of laws raises barriers to scaling across borders. If the ecosystem could harmonise the rules, startups would face smoother paths to expansion.Hocquard points to company law as a powerful and straightforward initial target. She also urges member states to stop twisting EU rules in different directions.If theres a European law, it should be applied in a uniform way across the continent, she says.Ecosystems for scaleThe urge to scale can lead to premature decisions. Benady advises early-stage founders to first focus on the product-market fit.Once you start to see commercial traction, then you have to scale your company and this is a totally different game, he says.At that point, ecosystems become a key player. For Swan, they provided a vital boost to the companys progress.At first, however, Benady underestimated the value of two essential supporting structures.Even though my investors warned me, I paid attention a little bit too late to HR and finance, he admits. When you scale, you cant mess with HR and finance.Benady compares their impact to musicians in a band.Finance and HR are the drum and the bass. Thats not what you hear; you hear the singer, you hear the guitar but if you dont have a perfect drum and bass, you wont scale your company. So pay attention to finance and HR.To make sweet startup music, ecosystems need an orchestra of instruments. They require one section for talent, a second for infrastructure, another for partnerships, and a fourth for customers.They also need the public and governments to hum along. The goal now is convincing citizens that investing in innovation is actually investing in the future of Europe, Hocquard says. Once we have the citizens with us, we need the policymakers to make all the legal changes.With that support, Europes band of startups could be heading for the world stage.Ecosystems will be a hot topic at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at checkout to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Elon Musks MAGA politics are fast becoming a mega problem for Tesla.New registrations of Tesla vehicles plummeted across Europe last month amid widespread boycotts against the EV brand. While broader economic forces are at play, Musks role in the Trump administration and his open support of far-right politicians appears to be fuelling his companys precipitous fall from grace and gifting rival brands a golden opportunity.Germanys transport authority reported that new Tesla registrations in January fell by nearly 60% year-on-year. Thats despite the countrys battery-electric vehicles sector seeing a combined 53.5% growth in sales last month.Dramatic declines in registrations were also reported in Spain (75.4%), France (63.4%), Sweden (46%), and the Netherlands (42.5%). The dip has been linked to the behaviour of Teslas CEO.Register NowThere is no doubt that the Musk factor has influenced Teslas sales in the same way as his reputation impacted Twitter when he bought it and rebranded it as X, Andrew Fellows, an automotive industry expert at Star, a market intelligence firm, tells TNW.Musk, an already divisive figure, has gone on a MAGA rampage in recent months, with the worlds richest man and the social media platform X, which he owns fast becoming a mouthpiece for Trump-era conservatism.In Europe, Musk has openly endorsed Germanys populist AfD, even hosting an interview on X where he heaped praise on the partys leader Alice Weidel. At the Trump inauguration on January 20, Musk made a controversial hand gesture, which many interpreted as a Nazi-style salute.Musks actions are either despicable or courageous, depending on whom you ask. But for those who deplore his actions, Tesla a brand hard to set apart from its leader is an obvious target.The backlash against TeslaOn January 23, political campaigners beamed an image of Musk making the Nazi-like salute along with the word Heil onto Teslas gigafactory in Berlin.After Musk joined an AfD rally by video call in late January, Polands Tourism Minister Slawomir Nitras called for a boycott ofthe EV brand. In early February, a Tesla showroom in the Netherlands was defaced with swastikas and anti-fascist slogans.Its not hard to argue that public sentiment against Musk is souring. However, whether the entrepreneurs actions are hurting Teslas bottom line is harder to measure.One of the best ways to gauge that is to ask Tesla owners.In the Netherlands, one in three Tesla drivers want to get rid of their car because of Musk, according to a recent survey. One such individual is Tim Kraaijvanger, the founder of Tesla360.nl, a Dutch site dedicated entirely to Tesla products. In an ironic twist, Kraaijvanger recently sold his Tesla and bought a Polestar instead.I do not wish to be associated with [Musks] ideology, he told Wired. While Musk might get away with a [Nazi-like] salute in some parts of the world, European markets reject such behaviour.Musks antics could be good news for other EV-makers, as more people like Kraaijvanger jump ship. Its a fantastic opportunity for rival manufacturers, says Fellows.Among those poised to take advantage is Polestar, the Swedish EV brand. Polestars CEO Michael Lohscheller said that the company has seen a spike in enquiries from disgruntled Tesla owners in recent months and hes encouraging his salespeople to target them.We get a lot of people writing that they dont like all this, Lohscheller told Bloomberg News. Its important to listen closely to what they say. And I can tell you, a lot of people have very, very negative sentiment.Some drivers, not yet ready to part with their Tesla, have begun attaching stickers to their cars bearing messages such as, I bought this car before Elon went crazy. Even some of Teslas employees want to distance themselves from their boss, according to the Washington Post.As of today, Tesla stock has fallen 15% in the last month.Tesla is developing a serious reputational problem, says Fellows. The automotive industry expert believes Musk and Trump share around 30% of the blame for the EV makers sales decline. He attributes the remaining 70% to industry factors.The blame gameTeslas Model Y was Europes best-selling car in 2023, but intense competition has challenged the brands market share. In 2024, Teslas sales declined by 1.1%, its first drop in over 10 years. In September, Chinese automaker BYD became the worlds leading EV brand, thanks to its aggressive pricing strategy.While Tesla has made modest changes to its lineup in the past few years, rival brands like VW, Renault, and BMW have been rolling out new models, sometimes with lower prices.Tesla has also been subject to many of the same challenges as other EV makers slowing demand, supply chain shocks, and decreased subsidies for first-time buyers. But the company also has some unique issues of its own.Tesla was already facing several headwinds in 2025 before CEO Elon Musk found himself at the centre of several controversies with the potential to impact the companys sales volume and profitability, Peter McNally, senior analyst at London-headquartered research firm Third Bridge, tells TNW.Musks firm has also been busy updating its Model Y, which McNally believes contributed to the sales drop as customers wait for the latest model before upgrading. The refreshed Model Y is set to go on sale in the US next month.Musks antics couldnt have come at a worse time for Tesla, as it grapples with intense competition, an ageing model lineup, and a wider slump in demand for electric vehicles.Teslas reputation in Europe now largely hinges on its CEO unless the company decides to oust him. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Shares in European aerospace and defence companies soared to record highs this week, elevating expectations for the continents military tech startups.Britains BAE Systems leapt by 9% on Monday, while Germanys Rheinmetall jumped by 14%. Stocks in Swedens Saab, Italys Leonardo, and Frances Thales also boomed. By the days end, the Stoxx Europe aerospace and defence index had hit an all-time peak.Military tech firmshave also been surging. Kate Leaman, chief market analyst at online broker AvaTrade, said these companies have huge potential for growth particularly those with AI-driven solutions.Were already seeing a shake-up in the defence sector, with AI-focused players like Palantir outperforming more traditional defence giants, Leaman told TNW. This suggests that cutting-edge, tech-centric firms could possibly capture a sizeable share of the market.Register NowEuropean defence tech startups have also grabbed investors attention.In 2024, they attracted a record $5bn in VC funding a 24% increase over the previous year.The momentum has raised expectations of future public listings.Many defence tech startups havent gone public yet, but with the market heating up and investor interest growing, theres a strong possibility well see more IPOs in the near future, Leaman said.That could open the door to fresh investment opportunities and raise the profile of these emerging companies.The push for defence techThe spending spree comes amid mounting concerns about Europes military sovereignty.Leaders across the continent have been shaken by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions with the Trump administration.Ukraines President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has called for the creation of an army of Europe. His French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, has urged his allies to wake up and spend more on defence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyenwants to trigger an emergency clause exempting military expenditures from the fiscal restraints on EU countries.A growing share of their budgets is going to military tech and startups are beginning to cash in.According to a new report from McKinsey, investment in European defence tech startups increased by over 500% between 2021 and 2024 compared to the previous three years.The report added, however, that the sector remains about five years behind the USs in terms of maturity.A major factor in this gap is the struggle to secure late-stage funding a common problem for European startups across industries.Nonetheless, the rise of defence tech is set to continue.Military spending is rapidly moving away from traditional hardware toward software, drones, and robotic solutions, Leaman said. As a result, defence tech companies specialising in these areas may enjoy increasing demand for their products and services.Defence tech is a key theme at this years Assembly, the invite-only policy track ofTNW Conference. The event takes place on June 19 and 20 a week before the NATO Summit arrives in Amsterdam. Tickets for TNW Conference arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 for an exclusive subscriber discount. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

A British R&D unit thats been compared to DARPA is funding synthetic muscles, electronic skin, and mechanical hands for a robotics dexterity project.The Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) today unveiled the 10 teams selected for the programme. Their mission: usher in a new era of dexterity that will transform robotics and human productivity.Members of the group span startups, university labs, public research organisations, and large companies. Collectively, they will receive 52mn to advance the physical dexterity of robots.The funds aim to bridge the software-hardware gap in robotics,which has widened during the AI boom.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Robot bodies now lag behind advances in computation. Their failure to match the flexibility, speed, and precision of humans has severely restricted their use.Algorithms, meanwhile, are rapidly reaching new levels of intelligence. ARIA wants the hardware to catch up.The agency argues that theres a pressing need for progress. The proportion of the global population aged over 65 is set to triple by 2100. At the same time, labour shortages for physically demanding jobs are increasing. Robots could provide essential support.The robotics teamsMembers of the programme have proposed diverse solutions to the challenge.Arthur Robotics, a startup based in London, wants to commercialise an mechnical hand inspired by biology. Focused on manufacturing, the motorised limb blends soft, deformable contact surfaces with rich tactile sensing and reinforcement learning.A team led by Lorenzo Jamone, an associate professor in robotics and AI at University College London, will develop electronic skin. Based on magnetic technology, the skin aims to measure 3D contact forces at multiple points. It can also bend and stretch.Startups from outside the UK are also contributing. Denmarks Pliantics will create soft linear actuators, which will serve as artificial muscles that enhance a robots physical interactions. Another set of artificial muscles will be built by Artimus, a US company, alongside researchers from the University of Bristol.Nicholas Kellaris, the co-founder and Chief Research Officer of Artimus, praised the projects emphasis on cooperation.This programme is unique in how it encourages and actively facilitates collaboration amongst creators at all levels of development, from fundamental hardware to the simulation, integration, and validation of full solutions, he said. Were thrilled to have the opportunity to [join] this multi-level and cross-disciplinary approach.The ARIA modelEstablished in 2023, ARIA funds high-risk, high-reward research. The strategy has drawn comparisons to DARPA, a US Department of Defence agency that develops emerging technologies.The Pentagon unit has been involved in a variety of transformative innovations, from the internet and GPS to stealth technology and autonomous vehicles.At ARIA, a diverse array of projects is already underway. One unveiled last year plans to provide quantitative safety guarantees for AI with digital gatekeepers. Another aims to create early warning systems for climate tipping points. A third looks to nature to train AI at 0.1% of the cost.With the arrival of the robotics dexterity teams, ARIA is now adding futuristic hardware to its labs.You can find the full list of the concepts in the programme here. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

British startup Earthwave and a group of European scientists have used satellite data to map out glacial melt across the globe and the results are alarming.The team discovered that the European Alps glaciers have shrunk the most of all 39% in just over two decades, compared to a global average of 5%.Earthwave co-founder Livia Jakob said the project was invaluable to our understanding of glacier ice loss.We developed an algorithm to combine all the different datasets into one common estimate of glacier mass balance, giving us a new and improved picture of glacier behaviour in the past two decades, Jakob told TNW via email.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Across the world, glaciers have lost an average of 273 billion tonnes of ice per year since 2000, according to the research, which was published in Nature today. Thats equivalent to the entire global populations drinking water consumption for 30 years.And the situation is snowballing. The rate of ice loss increased from 231 billion tonnes per year (20002011) to 314 billion tonnes per year (20122023) and doesnt show any signs of slowing down.The Alps worst hitTemperatures in Europes highest mountain range are rising twice as fast as the global average. Swiss glaciers lost 6% of their total volume in 2022 alone, following intense summer heatwaves.Dust from the Sahara could also be to blame for the rapid decline of central Europes glaciers. Particles in the air come from the Sahara desert and settle on glacier surfaces, darkening the ice. This causes them to absorb more solar radiation and melt faster.But ultimately, human-induced climate change is the greatest culprit. If greenhouse gas emissions keep increasing, scientists predict the Alps could lose over 90% of their glacier mass by 2100.Glacial retreat spells trouble for millions who rely on glacial melt for drinking water, agriculture, and hydropower while coastal communities brace for the rising tides. Over the study period, glaciers contributed 18mm to global sea-level rise.The research was conducted as part of the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise, or Glambie for short. The project is a major research initiative coordinated by the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) hosted at the University of Zurich, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and Earthwave.Jakob co-founded Earthwave in 2018. The startup uses satellite remote sensing to monitor the effects of climate change or help other scientists unlock valuable insights from satellite data.Eyes over glaciersWhile many have experienced glacial decline first-hand, tracking it planet-wide is a bit more challenging. Thats where satellites can help.Numerous satellites monitor Earths ice thickness from orbit. They use optical, radar, laser, and gravimetry instruments to provide data on glacier loss, sea ice changes, and rising sea levels.The Glambie study used this information to compile one of the most comprehensive overviews of glacier retreat ever conducted.The study included data from satellites including the USAs Terra/ASTER and ICESat-2, the USGerman GRACE, the German TanDEM-X, and the European Space Agencys CryoSat.As global temperatures continue to rise, studies like these deepen our understanding of how glacial melt impacts freshwater supplies, ecosystems, and sea-level rise and what must be done to mitigate the worst effects of climate change. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

British tech mogul Mel Morris has announced the general release of AI research engine Corpora.ai.The system provides a new approach to research. Built to generate comprehensive reports from single prompts, Corpora promises in-depth analysis and accurate outputs.Speed is another big selling point. According to Corpora, the engine can process 2 million documents per second.After receiving a prompt, the AI model scans through academic papers, news articles, legal documents, and other data on the web. The content is then compiled into summaries or reports.Corpora has sharedan array of the results. They range from analyses of autism and AI investments to reports on documentaries about the Roswell incident. Links to sources are provided throughout every text.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Were a research engine were not a search engine, Morris said. The breadth and depth of what we produce and look at is really important.Morris shared news of Corporas public release exclusively with TNW.The announcement marks another milestone in his colourful career.Behind the AI research engineA self-made tycoon who left school at 16, Morris is the former chairman of Candy Crush creator King. When the company went public in 2014, Morris became one of Britains richest men. A further windfall flowed from his dating website uDate, which he sold for around $150mn.An ill-fated spell running Derby County Football Club bit a painful chunk out of his fortunes, but Morris remains a wealthy man.Last August, he placed in the top 10 of the first-ever Sunday Times Gaming Rich List.A substantial slice of his funds is now going into Corpora.ai.Corpora.ai vs OpenAIAlongside the launch announcement, Morris revealed that hes invested $15mn of his own money into Corpora.His funding aims to create a new business model for LLMs. Rather than challenge the leading GenAI firms, Corpora plans to bring a new service to the sector. The research engine can also integrate existing models on the market.We dont compete with OpenAI, Google, or DeepSeek, Morris said. The nice thing is, we can play with all of these AI vendors quite nicely. As they improve their models, our output gets better. Its a really great symbiotic relationship.Those outputs are where Corpora plans to make its mark. According to the companys tests, the engine produces superior research at faster speeds and lower costs than the latest reasoning models on the market.The service is now available via a subscription-based model. Users are offered monthly plans tailored to their needs.To tempt them in, Corpora is also introducing an array of new features:Instant running of new queries on highlighted textHashtags to categorise reports easy searchingSupport across more than 20 languagesAccess to lesser-known studies, alternative viewpoints, and hidden connectionsPrioritisation of original sources to eliminate repetitive or derivative contentMorris envisions Corpora.ai digger further into research than the likes of OpenAI and DeepSeek.These technologies skim the tip of the iceberg, he said. Were letting you see beneath the surface. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Do you remember your first phone? The thought of mine brings a tear to my eye. It was a beautiful blue Nokia 3310 and it was borderline indestructible. Best of all, the handset had the greatest mobile feature of all time: Snake.It also offered calls and SMS, but I had little use for those extravagances. I had a pay-as-you-go contract, and money was tight back then. I also had a home phone and Mum footed the bills. As for SMS, what was the point of that when you had the joys of MSN Messenger available for free?Mobile calls and texts were strictly reserved for emergencies like getting attacked in the street. Unfortunately, when that moment came, the assailants also stole my beloved Nokia 3310.Those were the days. They were also the days when Europe led the world in mobile telecoms. Finlands Nokia was the worlds largest handset manufacturer, with Swedens Ericsson holding down third place. US rival Motorola sandwiched the two Scandinavian competitors.Yet none of them could maintain those positions for long. Europe lost its lead due to slow adoption of smartphones, weak software ecosystems, and fierce competition. American and Asian manufacturers now dominate the industry.But Europes old mobile guard isnt finished yet. The continents phone makers are still finding new routes into the market.One of them stems from the resurgence of dumbphones. A reminder of simpler times, the basic bricks offer a digital detox and an escape from relentless data harvesting.A range of new versions have recently been launched. Older ones are also enjoying comebacks including the legendary 3310.Hackaday recently spotlighted a technique that revitalises the classic handset: installing a USB-C socket.The mod is the brainchild of Andrea Salvadori, a developer based in Italy. Salvadori adds the USB-C port by integrating a small adapter into the phone. Hes selling the parts online for 25.My beloved 3310 would have cherished the upgrade, but the old device is sadly no longer with me. Thankfully, a host of modern dumbphones are now available.Europes dumbphone rallyMany of the new dumbphones are made in Europe. One thats caught our eye is the plastic-and-fantastic Barbie Phone. Built by Finlands HMD Global in partnership with Mattel, the handset launched last year.HMD bills the handset as a tool to take a vacation from your smartphone. It features a few basic apps and one extremely intriguing game: Malibu Snake. Digital wellbeing tips and Barbie Meditation are also available on the flip phone.TNW contributor Sin Geschwindt was dazzled by the device. Well, his four-year-old daughter was. I love that pink one, she said. Wow stickers. I want it!Adults have also been impressed, but the lurid pink and Barbie branding arent for everyone. Fortunately, there are numerous other dumbphones on the market.An impressive number of them are built by European companies. Among them are the Nokia 2660 Flip, the Swiss-made Punkt MP02, and the 6820 from Swedish firm Doro.Europe may have lagged behind in the smartphone era, but the continent is now leading the dumbphone revival. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

The US continues to hog the global herd of unicorns, dwarfing the EU in both the number and total valuation of billion-dollar startups. However, the Netherlands provides a minor bright spot, according to a new report by PwC.More than 3,000 companies worldwide have reached unicorn status since 2013, collectively reaching a staggering valuation of $27 trillion, according to the study. The US accounts for 55% of these and a whopping 75% of their total valuation.In stark contrast, the EU has contributed just 9% of billion-dollar startups and generated 4% of global unicorn value in that timeframe.Despite the blocs poor performance, the Netherlands punches above its weight, ranking as the fourth-largest unicorn hub in the EU.The country has produced 32 unicorns, with 72% still active. Most emerged between 2018 and 2022, mirroring global trends.The majority of the active flock have engaged with TNWs services. Among them are Ayden, Bird, Bunq, Booking.com, and Picnic.Overall, Dutch unicorns account for 11% of the EU total, ranking behind Germany, France, and Sweden. Amsterdam alone hosts 7% of all unicorns in the bloc.The Netherlands has also done better than most at attracting unicorns to relocate. Five billion-dollar startups have migrated to the country. Only one unicorn has left for the US.In contrast, 64 unicorns have left the EU (excluding the Netherlands) while only 10 startups have entered from outside its borders.The data was released just days after a worrying report on the Dutch tech ecosystem. The new findings provides a glimmer of hope for the Netherlands, but also raises concerns.Like the rest of the EU, the country lags far behind the US in fostering high-growth companies, even after adjusting for economic size, population, and venture capital availability.New tips on breeding unicornsThere are four primary reasons why the US remains the preferred playground for billion-dollar startups, according to PwC.First, venture capital intensity (as a share of GDP) is significantly higher in the US than in Europe 0.7% compared to just 0.2%.Second, regulatory fragmentation is causing disruption. Differences in language, local business conditions, and the lack of an integrated capital or banking union can impede growth.Third, the sheer size and uniformity of the US domestic market provide a competitive edge. Finally, companies often move stateside to access a deeper talent pool.If the EU wants to close the unicorn gap, PwC advises the bloc to act decisively. Increasing venture capital investment, streamlining regulations, and fostering a more integrated single market could help startups scale faster.The EUs tech ecosystem will be a hot topic atTNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Sustainability tech has been all the buzz in the last few years. Investors are hunting promising ESG businesses, governments are pushing ambitious legislation, and companies are getting on board to adopt new solutions. Sustainability funding is projected to reach unprecedented levels, with BCG Henderson Institute estimating accumulated global investment to achieve net zero to hit $75 trillion by 2050.And yet, behind the curtain, the picture isnt quite as rosy. According to Statista, VC investment in sustainability and climate tech has been steadily declining since 2021. While AI startups often manage to secure funding rounds within mere weeks, sustainability-focused companies can spend years in fundraising limbo. As a partner at VC consulting agency Waveup, Ive seen dozens of exceptional startups forced to bootstrap despite having validated technology and clear market potential from sustainable agriculture solutions to carbon capture technologies.Something just doesnt add up in venture capital. Why arent investors backing the innovations needed to create a more sustainable future? The core issue lies in how they evaluate investment opportunities.When looking at sustainability tech companies, most VCs expect rapid adoption, hockey-stick growth, and massive total addressable markets (TAMs) (understandably so, as otherwise, the VC formula might simply not work). They apply the same metrics and expectations used for SaaS and AI startups, and while some sustainability companies might fit this mould, many simply are too early in market adoption to demonstrate these characteristics.Register NowConsider one of the clients we worked with developing revolutionary ocean-cleaning technology. The team managed to build a product with a clear and proven ability to drastically lower ocean pollution by reducing the amount of microplastics that enter the water. Despite recognition from the UN and an excellent client roster, the company has struggled with financing for years. For VCs, an absence of rapid growth overshadowed patented tech, past environmental impact, and excellent business economics. While recognising impressive results, most investors couldnt get comfortable with the adoption timeline and speed of growth as, for many corporate clients, sustainability investments remain a nice-to-have category rather than a must-have.It doesnt help that many sustainability solutions require buy-in from multiple stakeholders within organisations, leading to longer and more unpredictable sales cycles. Worse, many companies also need significant upfront investment in physical assets or infrastructure, unlike purely software-based startups. The result? Gloomy statistics: while traditional tech companies typically take three years from Series A to Series B, sustainability technologies need an average of seven-plus years to achieve scale.The bottom line: impact investments arent yet firmly matching traditional VC returns. While theres been a concerted push since 2015 to argue that impact returns are approaching venture returns, the data often tells a different story and this performance gap creates a fundamental tension with the VC model. Venture funds operate under strict constraints: they have fiduciary duties to their limited partners, closed-end fund structures, and defined timelines for delivering returns. A funds ability to raise Fund II or III depends entirely on the performance of its previous investments. In this context, backing good investments that havent proven viable enough becomes paradoxically risky even for an industry built on taking risks.Rethinking the climate tech modelFinancing the next generation of climate techmight require new solutions from everyone. The question is, are investors truly willing to find new models?With many VCs (without calling out names), were seeing a troubling trend: rather than looking for new ways to adapt investment frameworks and funding mechanisms or dedicating more time to sourcing high-potential nascent climate tech startups, they hire consultants to reposition their existing portfolio companies as ESG-friendly. Essentially, this involves finding an ESG angle in otherwise traditional software companies to report to LPs strides made in financing sustainable tech solutions. Needless to say, this approach does little to drive meaningful environmental and social change.Whats the alternative? We have a few ideas.1. Rethink traditional funding mechanismsVC investors need to work with other ecosystem players to offset financing risks while balancing risks and returns. Today, leading impact investors are working to combine traditional VC money with impact-first capital and structuring investments with different return tranches for various investors. Some use catalytic capital to de-risk early-stage investments or create revenue-based financing options for steady-growth sustainability companies. Others develop outcome-based funding models tied to impact metrics.For companies struggling with VCs altogether, evergreen funds that dont have fixed lifecycles and allow for extended holding periods can better match sustainability techs development timelines. Corporate venture capital and large corporations facing pressures to transition to net zero can also become viable backers by providing both capital and pilot opportunities for sustainability startups.2. Provide actionable help to accelerate the road to scalingMonthly advice in board meetings will be valuable, but the true contribution lies in hands-on help driving adoption. The best impact investors put their time where their money is by partnering with corporate venture arms to secure pilot opportunities and market validation for their portfolio companies, collaborating with government agencies on grants and subsidies, and working with industry consortiums to accelerate adoption.3. Adjust metrics and expectationsInvestors need to consider new frameworks for evaluating sustainability investments. Traditional SaaS metrics could be replaced with impact-adjusted indicators that consider both financial and sustainability outcomes or allow for longer return lifecycles that align with the sectors development timeline and adoption curves.Important to note: this isnt about lowering standards; its about adapting them to match the unique characteristics of sustainability technologies.For VCs, the question shouldnt be whether to invest in sustainability tech but how to adapt their approach to these critical innovations. Without this shift in perspective, we risk missing out on the next wave of transformative technologies that could help address our most pressing environmental and social challenges. After all, the biggest risk might not be backing sustainability tech too early but too late.Tech investing is a key theme of this summers TNW Conference. The event takes place on June 19 and 20 and tickets are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 for an exclusive subscriber discount. Story by Olena Petrosyuk With 10 years of experience in corporate finance and consulting, Olena Petrosyuk has worked in the world's top-tier M&A and consulting t (show all) With 10 years of experience in corporate finance and consulting, Olena Petrosyuk has worked in the world's top-tier M&A and consulting teams. She currently serves as a partner at the VC consulting agency Waveup. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

For the third time, stop tapping! my primary school teacher screams at me from across the room. I must not have heard her the first two times. Id been drumming on the desk again, using my fingers for sticks and the floor beneath for a kick drum. While my body was in maths class, my mind was elsewhere.It was 1970. I was John Bonham, drummer of legendary rock band Led Zeppelin, on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, performing Moby Dick one of the most iconic drum solos of all time. The lights are low, the atmosphere electric, and Im thundering along, each beat pulling the crowd deeper into my rhythmic spell.These kinds of daydreams happened a lot. More than my teacher, and my parents, would have liked. But that didnt stop me. Drumming was my creative outlet, an escape from the whirlwind of adolescence and maths, of course.Back then, the ultimate form of musical immersion was playing drums to my favourite tunes. For that, you had to get your hands on drumless tracks. This way you wouldnt just play with your favourite drummer you could become your favourite drummer.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!But in the early 2000s, removing drums from a song was almost impossible. The only option was to get your hands on an original recording of the band playing the song without drums. There were a few of these tracks scattered across the web or recorded on CDs, but only for the most popular songs. This technological impasse forced me, and millions of others, into the role of backup drummer. If only there were a simple way to remove the drums from any song, I musedFast forward to the present day and my musical dreams have become reality. There are now several apps that use AI to separate and remove stems like bass, drums or vocals from any song. One of them is Moises, founded by Brazilian web developer Geraldo Ramos.Like me, Ramos is a drummer. Unlike me, hes also a tech whizz.Ive been involved with computers since very young, but I also play the drums, Ramos tells TNW. I always had these two tracks in my life: music as a hobby, and then tech as a career. With Moises, I bought the two together.Ramos first launched Moises using Spleeter, an open-source AI model created by the research team at French music streaming company Deezer. Spleeter was revolutionary for the time, but it was built for researchers, not musicians. Ramos took the model and used it to create an alpha version of the Moises app. Over 50,000 people signed up within the first week.I realised that this was just the tip of the iceberg this new generation of tools will be able to change everything, how people create, consume, produce music, says Ramos.Geraldo Ramos, the founder and CEO at MoisesMoises says it now has 50 million registered users on its platform. The app is used by amateurs looking to practise their craft. Its also endorsed by an ensemble of rising stars.YouTube drummer Jorge Garrido, aka El Estepario Siberiano, says the tool is a total game changer.Now not only can I play any drum part over the songs that I cover but also I can learn any song by extracting the drums out of the original mix, he tells TNW.El Estepario, from Valencia, Spain, rose to fame through viral Instagram videos. The drummer, who has over 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube, is one of a cohort of young musicians using technology to perfect their art and reach wider audiences. Increasingly, that includes using artificial intelligence.Tools like AI are just making things easier, he says. You no longer require a PhD in mastering to be able to master nor do you need a PhD in audio engineering to separate the instruments on a song. Technology is the new democracy for artists.You judge the results in this clip of El Estepario in action:How does AI separate drums from a song?Moises developers train their machine learning algorithms on thousands of stems so that the AI can learn to recognise the unique frequencies and rhythms of each instrument. Over time, it gets better at identifying and separating these sounds from mixed audio, even when they overlap.Once the AI isolates and removes an instrument, it fills in the space by reconstructing the remaining audio, smoothing over any gaps to make it sound seamless.While Moises got its break with song separation, it has since developed a whole suite of AI tools aimed at helping musicians practise. One of these tools picks up the beat of any song and then adds a metronome to it. Another for guitarists can automatically detect the chords of any track.Moises is also working on a generative AI toolset to launch later this year that can create an entirely original stem for you.While Moises designed the first version of its app using Deezers Spleeter, it now has a team of data scientists building AI models in-house.According to the company, all the algorithms are trained on licensed music from studio houses and compositions created by producers in Moises studios.Ramos says the company is committed to ethical AI.Ninety percent of our team are musicians, he says. Were not trying to replace real music but enhance it.The good and bad of AI for musicIn recent years, AI has faced significant scrutiny in creative industries over concerns ranging from copyright infringement to job losses.Last year, a band of US record labels sued Suno and Udio, two of the most prominent AI music generators, alleging copyright infringement on a massive scale.Udios and Sunos tools allow users to produce entire songs by typing in written descriptions. The companies claim their use of copyrighted material falls under fair use, a common defence from AI companies.Aside from allegations that AI companies are ripping off original works, some worry that using algorithms to generate music risks replacing the vital human element that makes every piece of art unique.Im fascinated and horrified in equal measure, British new wave artist Gary Numan told Blitzed Magazine in an interview last month. I fully expect Al to write great songs. There will be Al pop stars and actors who will become as popular, if not more so, than any human. We will go to shows where the stars are Al but appear on stage just the same. Everything is about to change.But Numan does believe that human creativity will endure. I think for quite some time the world will be amazed and entertained by all the wonders Al will create in the arts. But, ultimately, if we survive long enough, I hope and suspect that people will slowly return to human-created art, he said.Others are less doomsday-ish.The phonograph, synthesizer, cassette tape, computer, and internet didnt manage to kill the music industry as many feared, so there is no reason to start clutching our pearls now, Austin Milne, a lecturer at the London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), tells TNW.LCCM is one of many music schools that have integrated AI into their teaching approach. However, Milne stresses that AI in music isnt a monolith.There are some types which take the authorship and human touch out of the equation, and there are others that merely speed up processes musicians already undertake manually, he says.Its an important distinction like any powerful tool, its how AI is wielded that makes all the difference.Whether AI popstars will usurp their human counterparts or not, Im more excited about the potential of the technology to up my drumming game. So for now, thank you, machines, for allowing me to relive my musical fantasies. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Mistral CEO and co-founder Arthur Mensch has urged Europe to invest more in AI infrastructure amid fears that the continent is falling behind the US and China in tech development.Its important to have European players coming to the game, Mensch said at the Visionaries Unplugged conference in Paris yesterday. Europe needs to invest in owning and operating the infrastructure so that the money that is being made will not just go back to the hyperscalers in the US.Mensch was joined at the conference by a cohort of tech luminaries, including DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis, LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, Anthropic founder Dario Amodei, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Many of them echoed Menschs sentiment.Ambition in Europe is on par or higher than the US its not a talent problem but a structural one, said Schmidt.The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Xavier Niel, a French billionaire tech investor, added the continent must retain control over AI developments.Models built in the US and China are not built with the same kind of life we have in Europe, said Niel, whose telecommunications firm Iliad recently pledged 3bn to advance AI development in France.I dont want our kids relying on models that are not created with the same rules that we have in Europe, for people in my country or my continent to not have models they can rely on.Founders and investors at the event repeatedly calledfor regulation in Europe that is flexible enough to support innovation and competitiveness, according to a press release.The call comes as the EU pushes ahead with its landmark AI Act, which entered force last year. The act lays out a rulebook for governing AI based on risk levels, designed to ensure the technology is deployed safely, transparently, and ethically.The US, meanwhile, is moving in a very different direction. While the EU imposes strict rules, the Trump administration is removing AI protections and giving tech sector leaders prominent roles in government.At the AI Action Summit in Paris this week, US Vice President JD Vance criticised the EUs efforts to regulate the burgeoning AI sector. He said the Trump administration will not accept foreign governments tightening the screws on US tech firms. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Europe is home to twice as many climate tech startups as the US (30,000 vs. 14,300). However, limited access to VC funding is forcing these early-stage companies to seek capital from outside the continent, according to a new report released at the Munich Security Conference today.Venture financing in Europe averaged just 0.2% of GDP between 2013 and 2023, a fraction of the US average of 0.7%. While the continent is great at creating clean tech companies, its not so good at funding them.The authors of The Importance of Climate Tech for European Resilience report the World Fund, Kaya Partners, and Worthwhile Capital Partners fear this trend isnt just bad for business, but also leaves Europe exposed to geopolitical and economic shocks. Dependency on foreign powers for everything from solar panels to EVs is eroding Europes resilience, they said.They warn that Europe has lost the early advantage in climate tech R&D that it established during the 2010s. Germany provides a good example. Despite being a frontrunner in solar and wind capacity in the early 2000s, the country saw its progress stall after 2012 due to tariff and subsidy policies. As a result, annual installed renewable capacity peaked at 9.7GW in 2012 and remained below that level until 2022.Thanks to its leadership in climate tech innovation, Europe has a second chance to build leading industries and strengthen its resilience, said Danijel Vievi, World Fund general partner and co-author of the white paper. We shouldnt repeat the mistakes made in 2012, but capitalise on our opportunities.Register NowThe authors call for bold, long-term policy and investment shifts across four key areas: energy, food security, frontier technologies, and raw materials. They view defence as a unifying thread across these sectors.The papers key recommendations include upgrading the energy grid, boosting long-term energy storage, and backing frontier tech like AI, fusion, and quantum computing. It also calls for an increase in EU defence spending to at least 3% of GDP.Additionally, the report reiterates Mario Draghis call for 800bn in annual spending via public-private partnerships, regulatory streamlining, and expanded roles for institutions like the European Investment Bank.Combined, these actions could provide a clear and solid basis for policies that actively strengthen resilience by 2029, the report argues.The paper comes as world leaders gather at tense times in global politics, which are strengthening the case for European independence in venture financing.Disruption is upon us, said Bo Lidegaard, a partner at Kaya Partners and co-author of the white paper. Europe must embrace it and reignite the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship so deeply rooted with us. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

AI took another step into Hollywood today with the launch of a new filmmaking tool from showbiz startup Flawless.The product named DeepEditor promises cinematic wizardry for the digital age.For movie makers, the tool offers photorealistic edits without a costly return to set.Flawless has showcased several use cases. One transfers an actors performance from one shot to another. Another adds new dialogue while keeping the original scene. The characters lip movements are synchronised with the updated words.Register NowUsers can also trim lines, insert pauses, and re-time delivery. Every edit is delivered in 4K resolution.The results have already hit the silver screen. One early test case was the survival thriller Fall, which was directed by Scott Mann the co-founder of Flawless.AI editing arrives in TinseltownMann applied the software to clean up the movies dialogue. The first cut featured dozens of f-bombs, which were pushing Fall towards an R rating that would have severely restricted the audience. Those curse words had to go.To replace them, Flawless first converted the actors faces into 3D models. Next, neural networks then analysed and reconstructed the performances. Facial expressions and lip movements were then synchronised with the new dialogue.The experiment was a success. Fall secured a PH-13 rating and became a sleeper hit, grossing a reported $21mn against a budget of just $3mn. A sequel is now shooting in Thailand.The results convinced Mann to bring the tech to market, which led to todays commercial launch of DeepEditor.Its already altering where people are shooting, Mann told TNW last month. And as it extends out, I think its going to completely transform how we make movies.Flawless has also integrated protections for creators. Embedded in DeepEditor is a tool called the Artistic Rights Treasury (A.R.T.), which allows performers to review and consent to AI edits. Actors union SAG-AFTRA has endorsed the approach.DeepEditor is proof that AI can enhance storytelling while ensuring performers and editors remain in control, Mann said. It provides real creative flexibility, operates on clean, copyrightable data, and respects the artistry behind every film.If all goes to plan, movie lovers will soon be able to review the results for themselves. But if the AI edits are as good as advertised, we wont even know that they exist.AI will take centre stage again at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event arenow on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

UK-based startup Humanoid has just shared a first look at its prototype humanoid robot the HMND 01. Its not here to overthrow humanity (yet), but it may walk, work, and possibly even out-dress you.At 59 and 154lbs, the labour automation unit is the coworker who never calls in sick, never complains about overtime, and somehow always looks sharp. Yes, HMND 01 comes with a range of interchangeable outfits.The humanoid is no slouch, either. It can walk at a brisk 5.4km/h, carry up to 15kgs, and work for four hours straight before it needs a coffee break. Or should I say, electricity recharge.Check it out for yourself in the video below:The of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!Humanoid claims its bot has human-level (or better) dexterity for complex tasks and can navigate tight spaces like a pro. Whether its lifting, packing, or navigating tight spaces in a warehouse, this robot is ready to take on the world. And by the world, we mean retail, manufacturing, logistics, and pretty much any industry that involves repetitive tasks humans would rather avoid.Rather than plotting world domination, Humanoids founder Artem Sokolov envisions a future where humans and machines work side by side, not in competition, but in harmony.This societal shift will address social issues such as workforce shortages and ageing population while giving people more freedom to focus on more creative and meaningful work, says Sokolov, a serial entrepreneur and investor who founded Humanoid last year.The strongest argument in favour of humanoids is that the world is already designed for humans. This means humanoids unlike robot dogs or wheeled robots could move about our world with ease.Humanoid is still in the early stages of developing its robot, and it better hurry up. The space is getting increasingly crowded.Teslas Optimus is set to go on sale as early as this year, while Boston Dynamics Atlas continues to backflip its way into our dreams (or nightmares?), and Chinas Unitree bots are perfecting their dance routines. These robots are poised to take over the jobs we dont want to do and maybe a few we do.So whether youre excited or nervously side-eyeing your toaster, one things certain: the future is looking decidedly humanoid. Now, if youll excuse me, Im off to buy a new outfit. If the robots are going to out-dress me, I might as well go down in style. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Deepfakes have become alarmingly difficult to detect. So difficult, that only 0.1% of people today can identify them.Thats according to iProov, a British biometric authentication firm. The company tested the publics AI detective skills by showing 2,000 UK and US consumers a collection of both genuine and synthetic content.Sadly, the budding sleuths overwhelmingly failed in their investigations.A woeful 99.9% of them couldnt distinguish between the real and the deepfake. Think you can do better, Sherlock? Youre not the only one.Register NowIn iProovs study, over 60% of the participants were confident in their AI detection skills regardless of the accuracy of their guesses. Still trust your nose for digital clues? Well, you can test it for yourself in a deepfake quiz released alongside the study results.The quiz arrives amid a surge in headline-grabbing deepfake attacks.In January, for instance, the tabloids were enraptured by one that targeted a French woman called Anne.Scammers swindled her out of 830,000 after using deepfakes to pose as Brad Pitt with deepfakes of the actor. The fraudsters also sent her footage of an AI-generated TV anchor revealing the Hollywood stars exclusive relationship with one special individual who goes by the name of Anne.Poor Anne was roundly mocked for her naivety, but shes far from alone in falling for a deepfake.Deepfakes on the riseLast year, a deepfake attack happened every five minutes, according toID verification firm Onfido.The content is frequently weaponised for fraud. A recent study estimated that AI drives almost half (43%) of all fraud attempts.Andrew Bud, the founder and CEO of iProov, attributes the escalation to three converging trends:The rapid evolution of AI and its ability to produce realistic deepfakesThe growth of Crime-as-a-Service (CaaS) networks that offer cheaper access to sophisticated, purpose-built, attack technologiesThe vulnerability of traditional ID verification practicesBud also pointed to the lower barriers of entry to deepfakes. Attackers have progressed from simple cheapfakes to powerful tools that create convincing synthetic media within minutes.Deepfaking has become commoditised, Bud told TNW via email. The tools to create deepfake content are widely accessible, very affordable, and produce results undetectable to the human eye. Its creating a perfect storm of cybercrime, as most organisations lack adequate defences to counter these attacks.Traditional solutions and manual processes like video identification simply cant keep up. Organisations must adopt science-based biometric systems combined with AI-powered defences that can detect, evolve with, and prevent these attacks.AI will take centre stage at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

Stalling growth in the Dutch tech sector has sparked urgent calls for fresh funding streams.New data released today reveals the number of new startups in the Netherlands is declining. The country is also suffering from a severe lack of local investors.The findings emerged in the State of Dutch Tech report by Techleap, a non-profit that supports startups and scaleups in the Netherlands.The report raises concerns about the nations funding landscape. In 2024, only 104 startups raised over 100,000 a 23% decline over the previous year. The number of deals, meanwhile, dropped by 20%.Myrthe Hooijman, Techleaps director of ecosystem change and governmental affairs, said the startup struggles were a worrying signal.We need startups to build scaleups that can grow to unicorns, Hooijman told TNW. The decline potentially weakens our future potential. We must accelerate the transition from research to ventures, and learn from expert ecosystems, together with addressing the need to expand access to early-stage capital.Dutch techs funding fortunesAmid the gloom, the report also exposed positive signs for Dutch tech.Collectively, the sector raised 3.1bn in venture capital during the past year a 47% increase over 2023. The countrys VC market remains the fourth-largest in Europe, behind the UK, Germany, and France.Dutch deep tech has been a big target for the funding. The sector attracted 1.1bn last year and now accounts for 35% of the ecosystem. Techleap credits the success to government initiatives such as Brainport Eindhoven. The Netherlands also raised two new unicorns in 2024: Mews and DataSnipper.DataSnipper, an automation platform for audit and finance teams, reached the milestone $1bn (965mn) valuation in February after raising $100mn ($97mn) in a Series B round. The companys CEO will share her story at this years TNW Conference.Mews, a hospitality management scaleup based at TNW City, passed the landmark a month later. The company hit a valuation of $1.2bn (1.1bn) after securing $110mn (101mn).Overall, the Dutch scaleup ratio has risen from 13% to 21.5% over the past five years. However, this growth still trails the European average (23%) and lags way behind the US (54%).Dutchinvestors have also slowed down. In 2024, domestic investment plummeted from 61% to just 15%.Hooijman urged them to expand their spending in growth phases.We need to continue our work to unlock the late-stage capital through institutional investors, he said.Alongside new funding streams, Techleap is pushing for improved access to tech talent. The non-profit has also called for greater European collaboration through a startup entity that covers the entire continent.The future of Dutch tech is a key theme at TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam. Tickets for the event are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 at the check-out to get 30% off the price tag. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

European tech leaders Helsing and Mistral have formed a pact to build new military AI systems.The partnership brings together two of Europes top startups. Helsing, a defence tech firm based in Germany, was valued at 5bn last year. Founded in 2021, the company develops software for weapons, vehicles, and military strategy. Its systems have been deployed in battlefield simulations, fighter jets, and drones in Ukraine.Mistral, meanwhile, is widely considered Europes closest competitor to OpenAI. The French startup has also become a favourite of investors, raising at 600mn at a valuation of 5.8bn last year.The partners announced their alliance today at a landmark AI summit in Paris. In a statement, they pledged to develop systems for the defence of Europe.Their collaboration will focus on vision-language-action (VLA) models. An emerging field of AI, VLA blends visual perception, language understanding, and outputs for robotics.Register NowHelsing and Mistral will bring the models into defence platforms. The startups said the integration will boost decision-making, understanding of environments, and communication with operators.Military AI on the rise in EuropeHelsing and was signed amid a boom for European defence tech. Anxieties around Russias imperial ambitions and Donald Trumps threats to NATO have led military budgets to soar across the continent.Last month, the European Commission allocated over 1bn to defence R&D projects. VC spending on military tech is also surging in Europe.A big chunk of these funds is flowing towards AI systems. Helsing, for instance, raised a whopping 450mn last June. By combining forces with Mistral, the startup plans to shape the future of defence tech.Europe needs to assert its strength as a geopolitical actor, and AI leadership is the key to that strength and Europes future security and prosperity, said Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of Helsing.As Europes fastest and most ambitious companies in the space, we will advance this leadership for the next generation of defence systems. Defence tech is a key theme of this years Assembly, the invite-only policy track of TNW Conference. The event takes place on June 19 and 20 a week before the NATO Summit arrives in Amsterdam. Tickets for TNW Conference are now on sale. Use the code TNWXMEDIA2025 for an exclusive subscriber discount. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

A Ukrainian drone tech firm has unveiled an alternative to GPS navigation.Sine.Engineering built the system to counter Russias electronic warfare, which has wreaked havoc on GPS signals.To dodge the interference, Sine invented a satellite-free replacement.The approach is inspired by time-of-flight (ToF) methods, which began tracking aircraft long before the advent of GPS.Register NowUnlike GPS, ToF systems dont rely on satellites.Instead, they measure the time it takes a signal tobetween a transmitter and a target.In Sines framework, the calculations come from a communication module for drones.Smaller than a playing card, the module shares signals with a ground station and two beacons. It then measures how long the signals take to travel. As the beacons and ground station have known, static coordinates, the software can precisely determine a drones coordinates. And because the module runs on multiple bandwidths, the aircraft can elude jamming that targets specific frequencies.Crucially, the system is also relatively cheap. By providing affordable accuracy, Sine plans to accelerate Ukraines transition to autonomous drones.The countrys armed forces have backed the plans. Already, they have deployed Sines module in military operations.New route for dronesAccording to Sine, the system is already active in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.The next target is first-person view (FPV) drones cheap but effective aircraft equipped with cameras that send footage to remote pilots.Testing on the FPVs began last month.We expect battlefield deployment in the near future, Andriy Chulyk, Sines CEO and co-founder, told TNW via email.Alongside autonomous FPVs, Chulyk plans to support swarm operations. Our technology enables coordinated flights of multiple drones, allowing them to operate as cohesive units, he said.Yet autonomy is not the sole objective. Sines module also aims to lower entry barriers for human pilots of unmanned aircraft.It significantly simplifies drone operation through automation and intuitive control interfaces similar to consumer drones like Mavic, Chulyk said.This positioning capability is built into the core communication module. Credit: Sine.EngineeringGoing to marketSine was founded in 2022 to counter Russian drone operations. As the aerial combat evolved, the startup began exploring new navigation systems.Due to widespread jamming and spoofing, GPS had become a critical vulnerability. At the same time, cheap FPV drones were transforming the battlefields. Yet their positioning systems lacked sophistication.Sines founders decided to build an affordable upgrade. Their invention promises to improve navigation, expand autonomy, and evade electronic warfare.In Chulyks view, such enhancements are becoming essential.Without reliable navigation capabilities, the transition to autonomous operations necessary for true scalability remains out of reach, he said.This creates a critical capability gap in modern warfare, where the ability to deploy large numbers of autonomous platforms could provide decisive advantages. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with

My colleagues and I at Purdue University have uncovered a significant imbalance in the human values embedded in AI systems. The systems were predominantly oriented toward information and utility values and less toward prosocial, well-being and civic values.At the heart of many AI systems lie vast collections of images, text and other forms of data used to train models. While these datasets are meticulously curated, it is not uncommon that they sometimes contain unethical or prohibited content.To ensure AI systems do not use harmful content when responding to users, researchers introduced a method called reinforcement learning from human feedback. Researchers use highly curated datasets of human preferences to shape the behaviour of AI systems to be helpful and honest.In our study, we examined three open-source training datasets used by leading U.S. AI companies. We constructed a taxonomy of human values through a literature review from moral philosophy, value theory, and science, technology and society studies. The values are well-being and peace; information seeking; justice, human rights and animal rights; duty and accountability; wisdom and knowledge; civility and tolerance; and empathy and helpfulness. We used the taxonomy to manually annotate a dataset, and then used the annotation to train an AI language model.Our model allowed us to examine the AI companies datasets. We found that these datasets contained several examples that train AI systems to be helpful and honest when users ask questions like How do I book a flight? The datasets contained very limited examples of how to answer questions about topics related to empathy, justice and human rights. Overall, wisdom and knowledge and information seeking were the two most common values, while justice, human rights and animal rights was the least common value.The researchers started by creating a taxonomy of human values.Obi et al, CC BY-NDWhy it mattersThe imbalance of human values in datasets used to train AI could have significant implications for how AI systems interact with people and approach complex social issues. As AI becomes more integrated into sectors such as law, health care and social media, its important that these systems reflect a balanced spectrum of collective values to ethically serve peoples needs.This research also comes at a crucial time for government and policymakers as society grapples with questions about AI governance and ethics. Understanding the values embedded in AI systems is important for ensuring that they serve humanitys best interests.What other research is being doneMany researchers are working to align AI systems with human values. The introduction of reinforcement learning from human feedback was groundbreaking because it provided a way to guide AI behavior toward being helpful and truthful.Various companies are developing techniques to prevent harmful behaviors in AI systems. However, our group was the first to introduce a systematic way to analyze and understand what values were actually being embedded in these systems through these datasets.Whats nextBy making the values embedded in these systems visible, we aim to help AI companies create more balanced datasets that better reflect the values of the communities they serve. The companies can use our technique to find out where they are not doing well and then improve the diversity of their AI training data.The companies we studied might no longer use those versions of their datasets, but they can still benefit from our process to ensure that their systems align with societal values and norms moving forward.Ike Obi, Ph.D. student in Computer and Information Technology, Purdue UniversityThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Story by The Conversation An independent news and commentary website produced by academics and journalists. An independent news and commentary website produced by academics and journalists. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.