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Showing posts from March, 2023

TNW València has arrived! Here are some highlights from Day 1  

TNW València is finally here! Founders, investors, business leaders, and tech enthusiasts descended on València’s marina this morning to discover the next in tech, now. Before long, the venue — nestled between the historic inner city and the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean — was bustling with talks, deals, pitches, and a whole lot of fun. TNW València is officially open! It’s #Time4València and you are all invited to enjoy the @FinancialTimes #tech festival and to discover the Valencian innovative ecosystem. Let the future of technology surprise you! 🖤👾 pic.twitter.com/e1oAse7yEF — VLC Tech City (@VLCTechCity) March 29, 2023  … This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/y1DagMo

Stockholm is a world-class tech hub: 6 startups and scaleups to watch

Once predominantly known for IKEA, Ericsson, and Volvo, in the past decade, Sweden has emerged as one the most valued tech ecosystems in Europe, with Stockholm ranking as the fifth top performer in 2021. The success of Swedish startups such as Tink and Spotify has turned the capital city into a world-renowned tech hub, attracting the attention of international investors — and for good reason. Stockholm is home to nearly 3,000 startups and scaleups, and counts 208 VC investors and 101,000 tech employees. The city has also bred more tech unicorns per capita than any other region in the world… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ieDyEg2

Opinion: The AI pope coat is the shape of hyperreality to come

By now, you’ll have seen it. Pope Francis walks across the frame, his focus on the mid-distance. He’s brightly lit as though it’s early morning. A silver cross hangs from his neck, dangling over his snow-white, Balenciaga-inspired puffer jacket. It’s the baller bishop, the steezy father, his holy drippiness — and he’s been ordained from on high. If you were on social media at any point over the past weekend, you would have seen the image. And — if you were anything like me and seemingly millions of other people — you didn’t immediately realise it was AI-generated. In history… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/t0kiKFM

Why third-party app stores are good for Apple’s users — and the company

With the passage of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) in 2022, online platforms, including Apple, with EU revenues of 75 billion euros or more and at least 45 million active monthly end users must open up their devices to third party app stores. The DMA aims to end unfair practices by large online platforms that hold a high degree of market power and function as so-called digital “gatekeepers,” providing key gateways between consumers and business users. The goal of the DMA is to make it easier for small and mid-size tech companies to enter markets currently dominated by… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Apple from The Next Web https://ift.tt/X6stMOQ

Award-winning economist has tapped AI to close the gender equity gap

The gender equity gap in the tech sector is well-documented. Research has found that women occupy only 22% of all tech roles across European companies, while the proportion of funding raised by female-only teams has dropped from 3% to 1% since 2018. The issue is prevalent at every level of the industry. A 2022 poll by Web Summit showed that 67% of European women in technology feel unfairly paid compared to their male peers. Despite this pessimistic picture, technology can also provide a means to close the gender equity gap. That’s the mission of acclaimed gender economist and former Global 500… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/HjI1Xo0

Swedish startup takes commuting by boat to new heights — literally

Is it a boat or is it a plane? Put your glasses on! This is clearly an electrically-powered hydrofoil passenger ferry.  The brainchild of Swedish startup Candela, the P-12 Shuttle is set to become the fastest and longest-range electric passenger vessel in the world when it launches this summer.  Founded in 2014, Candela has spent years perfecting its design on recreational boats, and now, fuelled by a $20m cash injection, is looking to scale up production and bring hydrofoil passenger boats into the mainstream.  The startup is currently building the first two vessels at its new factory in Stockholm, and… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/1QcPSDu

6 biggest tech nightmares to avoid next time you travel abroad

Drop me on a Balinese coastline with a decent paperback and my smartphone, and I’ll luxuriate for two weeks straight. But fly me out to the same spot with a Nokia 3310 and a physical map, like the one my dad used to carry, and I’ll probably have a nervous breakdown. Most of us can agree that we’re hyper-dependent on tech, especially when we’re navigating a new place abroad. And the further or more remote you go, the more likely you are to run into tech breakdowns that can put a damper on your plans to wander freely. From racking… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/0edq8ub

Deliveroo’s Dutch Supreme Court ruling provides little clarity for the sector

Riders working for Deliveroo are employees, not freelancers, the Dutch Supreme Court ruled on Friday, in a potentially precedent-setting case for the country’s platform economy. The case was brought to trial by trade union FNV, which has been engaged in a legal battle with Deliveroo since 2018. The dispute started when the British firm announced it would discontinue work contracts for its delivery drivers, instead offering them the option to continue as freelancers. FNV immediately filed a lawsuit, arguing that the drivers deserved the legal protections afforded to permanent staff members.  FNV deputy president, Zakaria Boufangacha, said that, as freelancers,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/YQcnJoU

7 unmissable highlights of TNW València

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has almost arrived: TNW València is next week!  In case you’ve been living under a rock (or frequenting another tech site, you traitor), we’re taking our cherished festival on the road. After 16 glorious years in Amsterdam, we’re bringing the show to Spain’s Mediterranean coast — and you’re all invited. We’re not only there for the sun, sea, and sand — far from it, in fact. València has the fastest-growing innovation ecosystem in Spain, and the most startups per capita in the country. On March 30th and 31st, we’ll showcase the best tech in the region… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/GyMvCFc

BMW backs German startup to deliver ‘next generation’ of EV motors

BMW has invested in DeepDrive, the German startup behind a new type of “ultra-efficient” motor for electric vehicles.  The €15m Series A funding round also saw participation from the likes of UVC Partners, the Continental Corporate Venture Capital Unit, and former board member and CTO of Audi and Volvo, Peter Mertens.   Founded in 2021, the Munich-based startup has developed a radial flux dual-rotor motor that boasts the highest torque and power density of any EV motor available today, the startup claims. It also has low noise emissions, and is built using far fewer rare earth materials.   All of this translates… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/kyugS1n

These 3 fintech trends are key to building an inclusive future

Michael Schlein will be speaking at TNW Valencia 2023 about How fintech innovation can drive inclusive growth. Check out this discussion on the Impact stage on Thursday, March 3oth.   The world has changed so much over the past few years. The global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, worsening climate change, widespread social unrest — all these challenges have had major consequences for families, small businesses, and communities globally. For the first time in our lifetimes, global poverty and hunger are on the rise, and the economic environment remains uncertain and unstable. As challenges evolve, so do solutions. While today’s challenges… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Fintech from The Next Web https://ift.tt/oYwHZrJ

How to pitch your startup: 9 tips from an expert

Ah, the joys of pitching. Your entire masterplan squeezed into a few sentences, a room of powerful strangers with your future in their hands, and mere seconds to impress them. Who doesn’t love a quick dip in a shark tank? Quite a lot of people, unfortunately. Luckily for them, pitching coach David Beckett is here to help. Beckett has spent decades mastering the art of public speaking. He first honed his skills through over 1,000 corporate presentations across 16 years at Canon, before switching to the crisper craft of startup pitches. In 2013, Beckett founded Best3Minutes, which provides in-person and online training… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/nApYw7q

Dark store clampdowns are the newest headache for rapid grocery delivery in Europe

When Barcelona decided to clamp down on dark stores, it opened a new chapter in the story of rapid grocery delivery. In January, the city’s authorities rolled out new restrictions on buildings used by the likes of Glovo and Getir, which had been relentlessly expanding.  These startups use dark stores as distribution hubs for their speedy deliveries. Couriers zip in and out of the buildings all day to collect goods for customers. The facilities, however, have sparked a backlash in many European cities. Residents are complaining about the noise levels, the gatherings of couriers on the street, and the taking up of… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/VgKER2Y

Nuclear power startups are flourishing in Europe — here’s what they can offer

While the tech downturn rumbles on, investment in nuclear fusion remains strong — in 2021, over €2.7 billion was injected in this field alone. More recently, the UK Space Agency committed £2.9 million to have Rolls-Royce develop a nuclear reactor that could work on the Moon and power future settlements there. Back on Earth, nuclear technology has a significant role to play in achieving global carbon neutrality and limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In its 2022 report, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) flagged its importance in improving multiple sectors including power, which is responsible for more than a third… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/ofYB8PO

These are the new jobs generative AI could create in the future

Search interest in ChatGPT has reached a 2,633% boost in interest since last December, shortly after its launch. For the artificial intelligence and machine learning industry, and for those working in tech as a whole, OpenAI’s chatbot represents a true crossing of the Rubicon. A generative form of AI, it uses prompts to produce content and conversations, whereas traditional AI looks at things such as pattern detection, decision making, or classifying data. We already benefit from artificial intelligence, whether we realise it or not—from Siri in our Apple phones to the choices Netflix or Amazon Prime make for us to… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/Yh14AT9

Big Tech gives EU access to thousands of user accounts each year

Most of us share huge amounts of personal information online, and Big Tech companies are in many ways the gatekeepers of this data. But how much do they share with the authorities? And how often do governments request user data?  According to new research by VPN provider SurfShark, the answer is a lot, and a lot again.  As detailed in SurfShark’s new report which analysed user data requests that Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft received from government agencies of 177 countries between 2013 and 2021, Tech giants get a lot of requests for user data, and the majority of the time,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/bwcHlXd

NATO picks Netherlands for HQ of new €1B innovation fund

The Netherlands has been selected as the headquarters of NATO’s Innovation Fund (NIF) in a decision disclosed on Monday. First announced at the organisation’s 2022 Madrid Summit, the fund will invest €1 billion on behalf of NATO member countries over the next 15 years. NIF is a multi-sovereign venture capital fund that will focus on investing in early-stage startups and other VC funds developing (dual-use) emerging and disruptive technologies — to be used in military and defense applications. These include: artificial intelligence; big-data processing; quantum technologies; autonomy; biotechnology and human enhancement; novel materials; energy; propulsion and space. “This will allow… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/EFHOyGe

Rolls-Royce secures UK backing to build nuclear reactor on the Moon

Future astronauts living and working on the Moon will require reliable technologies to store and deliver continuous, reliable energy.  But with no wind, no combustible fuels, no water (as far as we know), and two weeks of darkness at a time —the Moon isn’t exactly the best place to set up a solar or wind farm.   British aerospace company Rolls-Royce believes it has a solution to this conundrum: nuclear micro-reactors.   The UK Space Agency (UKSA) seems to agree. It announced last week £2.9m of funding for Rolls-Royce’s lunar micro-reactor project. This follows a £249,000 study funded by the agency last… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/UA0c3s4

Spanish startup wants to launch the first private reusable rocket from Western Europe

As Europe ramps up its efforts in launching commercial rockets into space, Elche-based startup PLD Space wants to put Spain on the map. The company plans to launch the first private reusable rocket from Western Europe. Named after a famous breed of bull in Spain’s bullfighting tradition, the Miura 1 rocket is set for its maiden voyage later this year, although the launch date hasn’t been specified. Miura 1 was unveiled on March 11, touted by Spain’s Prime Minister as an important development that will put the country “at the vanguard of this emerging but potent industry.” Welcome MIURA 1… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/pkKDW60

Top 3 tech trends taking over the travel industry in 2023

2022 proved to be filled with ups and downs for the global tourism sector. At the beginning of the year, the challenge lay in attracting tourists back by providing social distance-friendly amenities and processes. Then, as regulations eased, “revenge travel” kicked in bringing with it a sudden flood of tourists. Yet, many businesses struggled to accommodate this surge in demand with fewer resources. Technology emerged as one answer that helped us navigate these different challenges, from solutions that supported social distancing regulations to tools that helped boost capacity, with fewer staff. As we head into 2023, it’s time to take… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/v9wAUfm

New GPT-4 app can be ‘life-changing’ for visually-impaired people, say users

The first app to harness GPT-4’s image-recognition capacity has been described as ‘life-changing’ by visually-impaired users. Be My Eyes, a Danish startup, integrated the AI model in a new feature for blind or partially sighted people. Named “Virtual Volunteer,” the object-recognition tool can answer questions about any image that it’s sent. Imagine, for instance, that a user is hungry. They can simply photograph an ingredient and request related recipes. If they’d rather eat out, they can take an image of a map and get directions to a restaurant. On arrival, they can snap a picture of the menu and hear… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/xHi5evJ

EU’s new green tech strategy aims to keep production in the bloc

On Thursday, the European Commission unveiled the Net-Zero Industry Act, a much-anticipated proposal aiming at boosting the EU’s green tech production amidst an increasingly intense global race. The new regulation is a key part of the European Green Industrial Plan — the bloc’s response to the US’ $369 billion package of green subsidies — seeking to ensure that at least 40% of the union’s net-zero technology demand is produced domestically by 2030. “We need a regulatory environment that allows us to scale up the clean energy transition quickly,” President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a statement.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/HXNiDRq

Quantum computing sector reacts to UK’s new £2.5B programme

The UK government has pledged to invest £2.5bn in quantum computing over the next 10 years, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced today. The programme forms part of the new Spring Budget, which aims to reduce inflation and the risk of a recession.  The British tech sector will play a central role in the plan. As part of his goal to make the UK a “science and technology superpower,” Hunt wants to build a world-leading “quantum-enabled economy” by 2023. To create this, the government is more than doubling its previous funding commitment to the field. It aims to attract another £1 billion… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/JoNWGYe

‘Router freedom’ has arrived in Greece — here’s what it means

Greece has become the seventh EU country to introduce a principle called “router freedom.” This means consumers of any Internet Service Provider (ISP) can now use a modem or router of their choice, instead of equipment provided by the ISP. The freedom of choice for routers and modems is regulated in the EU by two primary sets of rules. The first one comes from the Net Neutrality Regulation in 2015, which establishes the people’s right to choose their own digital equipment. The second one is is a set of guidelines to identify the network termination point (NTP) in different network… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/uhqWOtQ

Sailing, reimagined: UK startup bets wind-powered ships will cut carbon emissions

The maritime industry may have long replaced sails with engines, but a UK startup is betting that wind-powered ships still have a bright future. Founded in 2014, Smart Green Shipping (SGS), has developed a new type of wind sail, called FastRig, that cuts carbon emissions. According to the company, it can be retrofitted to existing commercial vessels with available deck space, requiring no additional crew to operate it or port-side infrastructure changes. It’s also retractable to allow for standard loading and unloading operations, and it’s designed to be recyclable. FastRig is paired with the startup’s software tool, TradeWind, which provides… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/GrhPRWk

New data centre turns waste heat into warm water for swimming pools

A startup has unveiled a UK-first solution to soaring energy bills: data centre heat. The company, called Deep Green, installs tiny cloud data centres at local businesses. The system then turns heat from the servers into hot water for the host site. Deep Green provides the equipment free of charge and refunds the electricity costs. As a result, the client can cut their carbon emissions and energy bills. In exchange, Deep Green gets a home for the data centre, which supplies computer power for AI and machine learning to customers. Computers inside the washing machine-sized data centre are surrounded by… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/qfkUlzu

92% of UK companies that tested 4-day work week decide to adopt it permanently

If you lived in the 19th century and worked in manufacturing, you’d be looking at a working week of between 60 to 90 hours, according to research from the University of Groningen. These days, thankfully, things look a bit brighter. While working weeks differ across the EU—France famously has a 35-hour week—in general European staff can’t work more than 48 hours per week on average, including overtime. This means that we are now working between 50% and 125% less than we would have been in the 1800s—and the better news is that workers’ conditions have continued to improve. Weekly working… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/yUrC27i

Sale of SVB UK ‘minimises disruption to British tech,’ says Bank of England

The British tech sector can rest a little easier tonight after the UK arm of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was sold to HSBC for just £1. The intervention followed last week’s collapse of the subsidiary’s California-based parent company. The Bank of England (BoE) intervened over fears that mass withdrawals in the US would spread to the UK business. Many of SVB UK’s 3,300 customers, which include numerous VC investors and startups, warned they would go bust if their deposits were lost. The BoE had initially planned to put the bank into insolvency, which would have only guaranteed protection for deposits worth… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/LE35inK

New plans for a GDPR replacement have divided Britain’s tech sector

The UK has finally unveiled plans for its GDPR replacement: the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill (DPDIB). Introduced in Parliament last week, the bill aims to boost economic growth while protecting privacy.  The proposed rules promise to reduce paperwork, slash costs, foster trade, and (please, Lord) cut down on cookie pop-ups. They also controversially claim to produce savings of more than £4 billion over 10 years (more on that later). The shadow of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU looms large over the plans. In its pitch for the bill, the government pledges to unleash an elusive Brexit dividend.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/j9b0z57

No Wifi? No problem: The traveler’s guide to eSIMs

The reasons you’ll want to stay connected while traveling are pretty obvious: unless you’re planning an Into the Wild style off the grid experience, you’ll probably want to be able to use your data to find your way around, buy tickets, upload photos onto social media, fire up that local dating app, or whatever you like to do while abroad. But, international data and calling rates can place a hefty burden on your travel budget, not to mention roaming fees which vary with every border you cross. That’s why buying physical SIM cards has been the option of choice for… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/mGWS6bp

EU extends crisis state aid rules to prevent green tech firms from leaving

The EU Commission is extending the relaxation of state aid rules to prevent green tech firms from relocating abroad and enable the bloc’s transition to a net-zero economy. The rules around national subsidies had already been amended in 2022 as a response to Russia’s war on Ukraine, seeking to enable member states to more easily finance struggling companies and energy production in Europe. Now, rising concerns about an escalating global subsidy race have pushed the EU to further prolong this temporary crisis framework — and even expand its scope to include support to domestic clean tech companies fighting climate change.… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/90DRZBH

Europe’s ports are using tech to navigate ‘the perfect storm’

Cargo ports are vital transport hubs in the world economy. Around 90% of all globally traded goods by tonnage is transported by sea and in 2021, a whopping 3.5 billion tonnes of freight passed through EU ports alone. Antwerp was the second-largest port in Europe — spreading across 120km² — before a merger with Bruges in 2022 created a combined port area of 160km² and the biggest chemical cluster on the continent.  València’s expanding port is the largest on the European Mediterranean in terms of container traffic — and dates back to 1491. Its port authority, Valènciaport, is responsible for… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/WASC6Eh

Intel wants another €5BN in subsidies to build chip plant in Germany

Under the Chips Act, the EU is seeking to end its dependence on China and produce 20% of the world’s semiconductors by 2030. Amidst the political push, attracting global giants to invest in the union’s domestic production has been a key strategy — with Intel’s plan to construct a massive chip plant in Magdeburg, Germany, considered a big boost for the bloc. But now, Intel is asking the German government for an additional €4 billion to 5 billion in subsidies to move forward with the project, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter. In March 2022, Intel announced an initial… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: Intel from The Next Web https://ift.tt/4WL3pxF

Here’s how media outlets are using generative AI in journalism

Generative AI is entering the media — and hacks are getting worried. Except for your loyal correspondents at TNW, of course, as automated output can’t compare to our flair and original reporting (at least, that’s what I’m telling my overlords). Other journalists, however, aren’t as blessed. Last week, the owner of Britain’s Daily Mirror and the Express became the latest media magnate to add bots to the newsroom. The publisher, Reach, has posted several AI-written articles on the local news site In Your Area. According to Reach CEO Jim Mullen, they include a listicle on “7 things to do with visitors… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/CXuZUS3

Lark Optics is targeting your retinas for AR without nausea and other sickness

This story is syndicated from the premium edition of PreSeed Now, a newsletter that digs into the product, market, and founder story of UK-founded startups so you can understand how they fit into what’s happening in the wider world and startup ecosystem. Whether you believe it’s the future of everything, or just a useful tool that will be part of the mix of tech we regularly use a few years from now, augmented reality is a rapidly developing field with one major drawback – like VR, it can leave you feeling sick. For example, US soldiers who tried Microsoft’s HoloLens… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/hDxK9sW

3 women-led tech companies that are hiring right now

Call it an “old boys’ club” or “brogrammer culture,” there’s no denying the tech world is still dominated by men. Much has been written about the industry’s lack of diversity, of course. Most tech companies are run by men, and female role models are few and far between. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields. In the European Union, they make up just 17% of the ICT (information and communication technology) sector. This gap grows further at the executive level, where women hold a mere… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/j82Flnc

5 things founders want you to know about the Dutch tech scene this Women’s Day

Women’s Day is a day when we celebrate the achievements of the amazing women founders, developers, and VCs that are bringing innovation and disruption to the Dutch tech ecosystem. But it should also be a day when we confront the barriers and challenges women continue to face. The fact that International Women’s Day still exists is both a sign of progress but also a sign that, in our society, inequality is endemic and not always clearly visible on the surface. The ultimate goal will be when everyday is ‘Women’s Day.’ Although we’ve made progress and we should celebrate that, the… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/a5PeB6R

Darktrace’s plan to protect critical infrastructure: think like an attacker

Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure have become a growing concern since war broke out in Ukraine. After the 2014 annexation of Crimea, a sustained barrage by Russian-linked groups pummelled infrastructure in Ukraine. The next year, the country endured the first confirmed hack to take down a power grid. The attacks have continued since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. According to a recent report from Google’s Threat Analysis Group, Russia’s military intelligence agency has repeatedly used destructive malware to degrade Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. Analysts are now increasingly worried about the threats spreading across the globe. In November, a general who commanded… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/76pZ8cB

Spain has launched a digital nomad visa — here’s how to get one

Sunny weather, a reasonable cost of living, delicious food, stunning landscapes — Spain has it all. And with some of the best internet speeds in Europe, the Mediterranean nation has become a popular destination for expats and remote workers. The newly-launched digital nomad visa has made the country an even more appealing option. The scheme has been in force since January, as part of the recently approved Startup Law, which aims to make the nation a frontrunner in attracting investment, innovative entrepreneurship, and talent. While other EU countries such as Greece, Portugal, and Croatia have already introduced similar schemes, Spain’s… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/TkjOJVr

Opinion: Europe’s throwing billions at quantum computers. Will it pay off?

No one may fully understand quantum computing yet, but one thing is clear — the expectations are high. And where there are high expectations, there’s money. Both private and public funding for European quantum technologies has grown notably over the last few years. In 2021, private funding to quantum startups increased by 2.5x compared to 2020, and by 8x compared to 2019. Public funding has grown as well, with the EU planning to invest $7.2 billion (€6.8 billion) in quantum computing projects by 2025. Understandably, most of these billions already are or will be directed to building a successful quantum… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/w4YPeFS

Sunak branded ‘unspeakably idiotic’ for impeding plans to rejoin Horizon

Rishi Sunak has enraged British scientists after dimming hopes of rejoining the EU’s Horizon programme. Prospects of entering the €96 billion research scheme had grown after a new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland was struck on Monday. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described the agreement as “good news” for scientists and researchers. She said work to associate the UK with Horizon could start “immediately” after implementing the terms. Scientists had overwhelmingly welcomed the breakthrough. Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, the UK’s foremost collective of scientific voices, called for access to Horizon to be swiftly secured. “These schemes… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/LKl8vi4

10 trailblazing Valèncian startups to watch in 2023

València’s tech ecosystem is growing and maturing at a brisk pace. Founders, investors, and business leaders in the city are unanimous that this region in Spain will cement itself as a tech hub to be reckoned with in the coming years. Names like Flywire, Fever, and Jeff are well-known, but there are tons more Valèncian startups and scaleups making waves at home and abroad. Ahead of The Next Web’s first conference in València on the 30th and 31st of March, we’re zooming in on 10 noteworthy local startups, selected by TNW and its key strategic conference partners: Lanzadera, Marina de Empresas,… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/iNAdGxv

To compete with Silicon Valley, European startups need their own Nasdaq

Why can’t European tech companies compete with Silicon Valley giants? It’s a perennial conundrum for the continent’s IT leaders — and one that Phill Robinson is trying to solve. After a globetrotting career as a tech executive, Robinson returned home to the UK and founded Boardwave, a networking platform that wants to make Europe a software superpower. The concept emerged from Robinson’s diverse background in the sector. The entrepreneur spent decades traversing Europe and Silicon Valley, in roles ranging from CMO of Salesforce.com during its IPO to CEO of Dutch software giant Exact.  These experiences exposed several advantages for tech firms… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/mYn2qJg

Can AI make better art than humans? We asked IBM’s Seth Dobrin

Artificial intelligence has been infiltrating every industry and the world of arts and culture is no exception. In other words, AI art is poised to explode. AI text-to-image generators such as DALL-E or Midjourney have been creating remarkable visual artworks. ChatGPT has taken the world by the storm with its ability to answer questions, write essays, and summarize texts, among other things. AI-generated art is even being displayed at world-renowned museums. These examples show just how powerful generative AI can be and bid this pressing question: is AI about to replace human artists? Seth Dobrin, IBM’s first-ever Global Chief AI… This story continues at The Next Web Or just read more coverage about: IBM from The Next Web https://ift.tt/1sNZh2M

Bad news, junior developers: You will be judged by your documentation

Developers become developers because they like to code. Many have taken up coding as teens after school, or during after-hours after their cubicle job. They realize how much power they can get from their IDE and their command line, and they get addicted to it. Even when developers land that dream job where they can code all day, many keep their side projects going in the evenings and during after-hours. I personally know developers who keep coding on the train after they leave their office — because what else is one going to do on a train? Coding is a… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://thenextweb.com/news/bad-news-junior-developers-you-will-be-judged-by-your-documentation

New €15M fund for early-stage quantum startups launches in the Netherlands

A new €15 million fund has launched to help quantum technology research in the Netherlands transform into venture capital-investable startups. Backed by Quantum Delta NL (QDNL), a foundation that seeks to boost and scale the Dutch quantum ecosystem, the so-called QDNL Participations fund has a twofold focus: early-stage startups in the sector and research teams working on promising quantum technologies before they incorporate as startups. In the first case, the funding will reach up to €1.5 million — with the foundation typically leading the investment round. In the second case, the fund will offer €50,000 to researchers via a SAFE… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/fS3Vpv7

Insect farming startup targets pet food as gateway to human consumption

Evolving views on food are challenging traditional diets — and not just for humans. Innovative dining options are also being added to the menus of our pets. Startups have proposed numerous new ways to satiate their appetites. The UK’s Bella and Duke, for instance, caters to animals on raw diets, while Sweden’s Buddy Pet Foods serves natural dry food, and Portugal’s Barkyn personalises their grub. If none of those excites their palates, our furry friends could try a more avant-garde delicacy: insects. That’s what’s cooking in the kitchen of FlyFeed, an Estonia-based startup.  The company has developed an automated farming… This story continues at The Next Web from The Next Web https://ift.tt/G2pHm8u