Berlin Innovation Agency (BIA)’s Post

As we kick off 2025, Professor Rod B. McNaughton, Academic Director at CIE, looks ahead at the key trends set to shape the startup sector. These include the rise of generative AI, advancements in health tech, the continued evolution of remote work, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. Startups are also exploring alternative financing models and leveraging local ingenuity to tackle global challenges. Innovation, inclusivity, and growth are on the horizon, with new opportunities for startups to lead the way.

Do you know the show Dragons' Den, in which people with original business ideas give a pitch in front of "the dragons" in an attempt to raise money? KInIT and The Spot bring a kind of similar (yet very different 🤔) format to the Slovak innovation ecosystem. I think it has a potential to be amazing! How it works? 0. You don't pitch for money. ❌ 💰 vs. ✅ 💡 1. You have an innovative idea for an AI project. 2. Before you invest (or raise) big money into implementation and maybe even if you already did, you can introduce your idea to a panel of experts. 3. You get an honest feedback, advice and ideas. It's kind of like a thesis defense, but instead of getting expelled if the idea has some major flaws, you get the hints how to refine your concept before you invest more resources, which gives you a better chance to succeed. Yet another great idea coming from Jakub Šimko (I say it often, but it was a privilege to have him as a bachelor's thesis supervisor... just saying... you know, we also have PhD program... multi targeting on its finest...).

👋 European tech startups are making waves, but are they making the right moves? 🤔 1. AI IN PROTEIN DESIGN 💉 Cradle just raised $73 MILLION to enhance their protein design technology. CEO Stef van Grieken describes it as a game changer for medicine and industry. WHY DOES THIS MATTER? 👉 AI could revolutionize how we understand and manipulate proteins. 👉 Faster testing means quicker advancements in drug and material development. 👉 But are we ready for the ethical implications? Are we risking safety for speed? 💡 PROVOCATIVE INSIGHT: Will this unprecedented access to protein manipulation empower innovators or create unchecked risks? Could this technology disrupt traditional medicine in ways we haven’t prepared for? 2. BATTERY TECHNOLOGY DISRUPTION 🔋 Molyon, the Cambridge spin-out, aims to change the battery game with lithium-sulfur (Li-S) tech. Investors are eager, seeing immense potential in a market ready for change. WHY IS THIS EXCITING? 👉 Li-S batteries promise higher energy density and sustainability. 👉 Their success could redefine electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. 👉 But can they scale fast enough to meet soaring demand? 😳 REAL TALK: What happens if these startups don't deliver? Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment while the giants dominate? Where’s the balance between hype and reality? 3. A CLOUD OPERATING SYSTEM FOR AI AGENTS ☁️ /dev/agents raised $56 MILLION at a whopping $500 MILLION valuation. Their goal? A cloud-based OS for AI that connects across various devices. WHAT'S AT STAKE? 👉 This tech could streamline our digital lives like never before. 👉 Integration of AI across personal devices might boost productivity. 👉 But will this make us too reliant on AI? Are we handing over too much control? 🧐 THE REAL QUESTION: Is this interconnectedness a pathway to efficiency or a slippery slope to privacy invasions and over-dependence? Where do we draw the line? 🔮 WHAT’S NEXT? Exciting innovations are reshaping European tech, but the underlying challenges are significant. What’s your take on these developments? How can startups lead responsibly in these groundbreaking tech fronts? Let’s hear your thoughts below! 👇 🫡 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐧𝐨𝐰: https://femaleswitch.app 🔈🔈🔈 🫵 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬, 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐅𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 #startups #femalentrepreneur #zerocode #ai

🚀 Great News: KINIT x Vacuumlabs x The Spot Collaboration! 🚀 Do you have an idea for an AI application? Are you a startup or project using Artificial Intelligence to solve real-world problems? Ready for some expert insights? We’re excited to announce a new collaboration between Kempelen Institute of Intelligent Technologies, Vacuumlabs and The Spot, as part of our Community Fridays at the largest coworking space in Slovakia! Together, we’re launching 🍗  "AI Roast" 🍗 - an initiative where AI-based ideas receive critical feedback from our experts. Here's how it works: ⭐ We’re looking for AI-based projects, startups, or ideas to pitch their concept and get it "roasted" by AI researchers from KINIT and Vacuumlabs. ⭐ Our experts will offer honest, constructive feedback to help you refine your concept and increase your chances of success. ⭐ Audience members will join the session live at The Spot for insights, learning, and networking. ⭐ Contact The Spot to be a part of the AI Roast. If you know someone who could benefit from expert feedback, please share this post with your network! ⭐ We will announce the dates of the events when we select projects for the first round. #AI #startups #innovation #feedback #KINIT #vacuumlabs #TheSpot #AIroast #artificialintelligence #community

Proud to Share Our Success and Explore Global Opportunities! As the Programme Coordinator of the Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester AI Accelerator, I’m delighted by the impact we’ve made on the AI tech ecosystem. Over the past months, we’ve: 🤖 Supported 40 AI-first startups 👩💼 Delivered 88 mentoring sessions 🗣️ Held 40 workshops and seminars 🍻 Organized public events with hundreds of attendees Coming soon, we’ll share exciting updates on how our startups are: 💷 Raising investment 👩🏻💻👨🏼💻 Expanding teams 📈 Growing sales and customers 🛼 Pivoting for better product-market fit As I’m halfway through my contract, I’m starting to explore my next project or role that will allow me to drive business development locally and globally through new partnerships and revenue generation. If you have opportunities to share, I’d love to connect! I’m also happy to invite you to the Demo Day I’m currently planning. If you're passionate about AI, innovation, and the future of tech - see you there!  #AI #TechInnovation #Startups #Partnerships #GlobalTech #BusinessDevelopment #ManchesterTech #DemoDay #Networking #TechEcosystem

With 3 days to go to the largest gathering of investors, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Southern California, our next session at TechCon SoCal will explore AI use cases across industries and sectors. Moderated by Misti Cain, Investment Manager at Techstars, the panel includes Badri Raghavan, VP of Data Science and AI/ML at ResMed, SK Sharma, Chief AI Officer at Universal Music Group, Ramsey Pryor, Head of Global Sales at Rumi.ai, and Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova, CTO and Co-Founder of Good Face Project. These experts will discuss how AI is transforming their respective fields. In today's landscape, AI is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to entertainment and beauty. The panelists will share insights on AI-driven personalized healthcare, music creation and distribution, sales optimization, and cosmetic product development. By leveraging AI, businesses are enhancing precision, improving customer experiences, and unlocking new revenue streams, showcasing AI's transformative power. Reflecting on the past, AI has evolved from theoretical research to practical applications. Initially limited to academic settings, advancements in technology have brought AI into the mainstream. Past TechCon SoCal sessions may have focused on AI's potential, but now the focus is on real-world implementations and success stories, highlighting AI's role as a key driver of innovation across various sectors. Don't miss this transformative AI session at TechCon SoCal—join us and get ready for industry insights! OPEN Silicon Valley TIE San Diego Interlock Capital Orange County OC Startup Council The Brink SBDC EvoNexus UC San Diego SDSU College of Sciences Pismo Ventures Cross Ocean Ventures Startup Steroid - Deal Flow | SPVs | Demo Day Platform Alliance for Southern California Innovation Spark Growth Ventures SoCal Startup Day Reflect Ventures Wharton Alumni Angels NuFund Venture Group Flok Labx Ventures Mercury Pankaj Kedia Serhat Pala Neal Bloom David Saxton Cheryl K Goodman Ellen M. Chang Niraj Desai Akash Pai Sufyan Subzwari Jonah Peake 🐺 Ella Napata Stephen Silver Fred Grier Scott Fox 🦊 Atlás Blake Eric Eide #TechconSoCal2024 #IndustryExperts #TechConference #InnovationSummit #TechTalks #startupsteroid #innovations #technologynews #networking #artificialintelligence #digitalhealth #robotics #startups #AngelInvestors #vc #SandDiegoStartup #founders #consumertech

Don’t get me wrong: Supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is crucial. National strategies and grant programs are important in fostering growth and competitiveness. But sometimes it feels like governmental agencies and politicians back in the Nordics are overly focused on launching (and funding) new startups from their region and forgetting an important resource that already exists. Read my weekly column and articles from the week here: www.svnordicbeat.com #CES2025 #Bioscience #CRE #AI #XR

🌟 Let’s Hear it for Our Amazing Accelerator Partners! 🌟 Our Accelerator Partners are the heartbeat of innovation at World Summit AI, where startups, scale-ups, and unicorns come together to change the game.🚀💡 The World Summit AI Startup Accelerator is where innovators meet investment. It’s designed to empower startups across the AI ecosystem to grow faster than ever. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, our partners are showcasing their cutting-edge solutions, fueling growth, and creating endless possibilities for the future. 🌐💫 It’s not just about connections – it’s about collaborations that count. This is where innovation meets opportunity and growth becomes inevitable. With our Accelerator Partners, the future of AI is bright and limitless! Learn more 👉 https://hubs.li/Q02PYqzz0 Rhite iqast - intelligent forecasting software Innovation Agency Lithuania | Global AIminify FEHRMANN MaterialsX PrivateAI SupWiz (a Puzzel company) Kosmoy Apply Quantum Veriom RisKey Twin AI LangWatch Silatus isLucid Leya AI AQ22 Milda.ai FitSpace Pitch Avatar (formerly ROI4Presenter) #WSAI24 #AIStartups #DoAIDifferent

🚀 Calling All AI Startups! 🚀 Ready to inspire top #hospitality industry leaders and showcase your innovative #AI solutions? Here's your chance! Apply now to present at HSMAI Fall 2024 Curate on November 12th, 2024 in Washington, D.C., and put your #startup in front of senior executives from major #hotel brands, #tourism, and beyond. 🌟 What You’ll Get: Visibility: Present to key decision-makers. Networking: Connect with strategic investors and partners. Feedback: Gain insights from industry leaders. Inspiration: Show how your AI solutions can transform industries. 🔑 Eligibility: AI must be a core component of your business. All stages welcome: student-led, early-stage, and equity-backed. 📝 How to Apply: Submit your company profile, presentation outline, and contact details by September 27th, 2024 using this form https://lnkd.in/exV-G-kG Selected startups will showcase their #innovations, network with executives, and receive personalized feedback. Note: No selling, just showcasing and collaboration! Don't miss out on this opportunity to accelerate your growth. Apply Now! Learn more about HSMAI Curate: https://lnkd.in/eSaRP_XS

Calling All Start-Ups! Be Part of Future Labs Live Basel 2025! Are you ready to showcase your innovation and connect with industry leaders? Join the Start-Up Zone at Future Labs Live Basel 2025 🧪 Here’s why YOU should be there: ⭐ Exposure: Gain direct access to decision-makers from leading pharma, biotech, and R&D organizations. Position your solution as the next big breakthrough. ⭐ Networking Opportunities: Connect with investors and collaborators who are actively seeking the next game-changing technology. ⭐ Showcase Innovation: Present your ideas alongside the brightest minds in the industry. Tell your story and build your brand with a global audience. ⭐ Grow Your Business: Seize opportunities for partnerships, funding, and scaling. ⭐ Shape the Future: Be part of the movement driving the next generation of smarter, more efficient, and sustainable labs. Whether you're working on cutting-edge AI, robotics or sustainability, this is your chance to shine. Are you ready to innovate and inspire? Contact me at diane.agleron@terrappin.com to secure your spot in the Start-Up Zone today! #FutureLabsLive2025 #StartUp #Innovation