In recent years, European startups have been at the forefront of innovation, leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle real-world challenges. This article explores how founders are harnessing these cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and create impactful solutions
The Rise of AI in European Startups
Artificial Intelligence has become a cornerstone of innovation in the European startup ecosystem. A recent report highlights that 68% of European tech startups are already leveraging AI to drive innovation, with many more planning to adopt this technology in the near future3. This widespread adoption is transforming various sectors, from customer experience enhancement to data-driven decision-making.
One notable example is Ogre AI, a London and Bucharest-based startup founded in 2021. Ogre AI has developed an artificial intelligence platform for energy management that supports financial and operational decision-making through machine learning. The company has raised €5.6 million to provide insights on consumption, network/grid technical aspects, and market forecasts1.
Blockchain Innovations Reshaping Industries
Blockchain technology is experiencing a resurgence in Europe, with startups leveraging its potential across various industries. The first quarter of 2025 saw $386 million invested in European blockchain startups across 68 deals, signaling renewed confidence in the sector8.
SettleMint, founded in 2016, is a prime example of blockchain innovation. The startup provides infrastructure for simplifying blockchain application design through a scalable and low-code BPaaS (Blockchain Platform as a Service) platform4.
Energy Sector Disruption Through Technology
European startups are driving significant innovation in the energy sector, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. ACCURE, a battery analytics company founded in 2020 in Aachen, uses software and AI to optimize battery performance and longevity. Their platform continuously monitors battery health, detects issues early, and enhances performance1.
Another notable startup is Emulate Energy, based in Lund and founded in 2020. It offers a SaaS platform for mid-sized electricity utilities, enabling behind-the-meter services that offer end customers demand flexibility. The company has raised €5 million to develop virtual battery technology1.
Fintech Revolution: Crypto and Beyond
The fintech sector, particularly in cryptocurrency, continues to evolve rapidly in Europe. DappRadar, a Lithuanian startup founded in 2018, aims to ease the pain associated with decentralized applications by tracking these apps across different blockchains. Their goal is to produce quality market intelligence that traders can benefit from4.
zkSync, another innovative startup, is known for its scalable Ethereum low-cost payments. The company focuses on providing zero-knowledge proofs and on-chain data to ensure the safety of user funds, addressing key challenges in the crypto space4.
European Union Support for Tech Innovation
The European Union is actively fostering innovation in emerging technologies. The European Blockchain Sandbox, launched by the European Commission in 2023, provides a confidential platform for innovative blockchain use cases. The program supports 20 projects annually over a three-year period, aiming to increase legal certainty and contribute to the development of best practices2.
Additionally, the EU has introduced the AI/Blockchain Investment Support Programme, which represents the first dedicated investment program for AI and Blockchain at the European level. This initiative aims to support the development of new markets focused on innovative AI and Blockchain technologies6.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While European startups are making significant strides in emerging technologies, they face challenges such as intense competition and the need for continued investment. However, the future looks promising, with 58% of startups planning to keep or increase their technology investments despite economic uncertainties3.
The European Commission’s 2024 EIC Tech Report has identified a watch list of 34 emerging technologies that could change the future of European innovation. These include advancements in green technologies, healthcare, digital transformation, and space exploration5.
In conclusion, European startups are at the cutting edge of innovation, leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems across various sectors. With continued support from the EU and a thriving ecosystem, these startups are well-positioned to drive technological advancement and economic growth in the coming years.
