EU're Up Next #8
Multilingual AI research and development, Startup Factories in Germany, AgriTech real-world testing facility, Open Innovation program in Portugal, Life Science in Milano, & more.
In the News 🗞
A roundup of this week’s most relevant European updates in tech, innovation, and sustainability
🧬 EU greenlights first saliva-based contraceptive – Hormone-free and user-driven: Europe's biotech sector signals a new era for reproductive health. TNW
🌾 Over one-third of UK farmland soil degraded – Intensive farming and poor land stewardship threaten food systems, says new report. The Guardian
📈 Portugal attracts climate tech talent – New visa scheme for founders building clean energy and resilience solutions. Forbes
Insight of the Week
Multilingual AI isn't just a technical challenge — it's a cultural and political one.
A new push from European researchers to develop large language models (LLMs) in multiple languages goes beyond inclusion. It’s a sovereignty move. Current AI models — trained primarily in English — often underperform in local languages, missing critical nuance, expression, and use cases.
Expect multilingual AI to become a strategic frontier in EU AI regulation and funding — with implications for education, public administration, and regional startup ecosystems.
🗣️ Learn more about multilingual AI in the news here or explore the state of research for Multilingual large language models here.
Spotlight: Germany’s EXIST Startup Factories – A New Era for Deep-Tech Innovation
Germany is launching a transformative initiative to bolster deep-tech entrepreneurship through the EXIST Startup Factories program. Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), this initiative aims to create up to 10 flagship startup ecosystems across the country, each designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
🔍 Key Features:
Public-Private Partnerships: Each Startup Factory is a collaboration between universities, research institutions, and private sector partners, ensuring a sustainable and impactful ecosystem.
Focus Areas: Emphasis is placed on green technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and data science, aligning with Germany's strategic innovation priorities.
Support Structure: The program offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, to accelerate the commercialization of research-driven startups.
Implementation Timeline: Following a competitive selection process, the program is set to commence in June 2025, with funding provided over a five-year period.
🌍 Why It Matters:
The EXIST Startup Factories initiative represents a significant step towards transforming Germany into a global leader in deep-tech innovation. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the program aims to cultivate a thriving startup ecosystem that drives economic growth and technological advancement.
For more information and updates on the program, visit the official website: EXIST Startup Factories
👥 People to Follow: European Business Voices on TikTok
EU-Startups just published a list of 20 creators reshaping how we talk about business, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the continent. From startup storytelling to VC explainers and productivity hacks, these creators are making EU business culture more accessible, relatable, and fun — one 60-second clip at a time.
Bastian Krautwald — CEO, Oskar 🇩🇪
@bastian.krautwald
Berlin-based fintech founder who breaks down startup life, VC funding, and building a product from zero — all with honesty and a sense of humor. A great window into the early-stage ecosystem in Germany.
Kenza Lahlou — General Partner, Outlierz Ventures 🇫🇷🇲🇦
@kenzalahlou
VC with a pan-European and African lens, sharing startup lessons, investor tips, and ecosystem trends. Her cross-continental POV is especially valuable for founders looking to scale between markets.
👉 See the full list of 20 creators
💰 Funding & Soft Landing Opportunities
🎯 AgriFoodTEF: Funding & Testing for AgTech Startups
The EU’s AgriFoodTEF program offers up to €100,000 plus access to real-world testing facilities for startups working in AI, robotics, and data technologies in agriculture.
📅 Apply by September 29, 2025
👉 More info & apply
🎤 Pitch Black: No Slides, Just Storytelling
Startup Festival Malta’s Pitch Black invites founders to pitch live without slides to top investors and ecosystem leaders—a unique chance to gain visibility and funding.
📅 Event: October 8–10, 2025 | Malta
👉 Submit your pitch
🇮🇹 Yes Milano Soft-Landing Program: Life Sciences Edition
Milano&Partners, Assolombarda, and Lendlease offer tailored support for life sciences startups to establish in Milan, including legal, networking, and workspace assistance within a thriving ecosystem of 250+ pharma and biotech companies.
📅 Rolling admissions
👉 Learn more
💡 Ageas Insure Open Innovation Program
Global startups can collaborate with Grupo Ageas Portugal to develop and validate solutions improving protection, quality of life, and customer experience. Includes paid Proof of Concept (PoC) and opportunities for integration and corporate venture connections.
📅 Application closed by 23.09.2025
👉 Discover more
📅 Upcoming Event
🤝 Summer European Networking Event
American-European Chambers of Commerce in California
Join the American-European Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations for a relaxed networking evening with entrepreneurs and professionals involved in cross-border business. This event draws international business leaders from across Europe and offers a great chance to connect in a casual, European-inspired atmosphere.
Date: July 16, 2025 | California
👉 Register here
La FrenchTech in NYC
Join La French Tech NYC for the third edition of our Afterwork sessions, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts from the French and NYC startup ecosystems! Whether you're a founder, innovator, or simply curious about the French Tech scene, this is the perfect opportunity to connect and exchange ideas.
Date: July 16, 2025 | NYC
👉 Register here
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