Cellis, a Polish biotech startup, emerged as the highest winner on the 2024 Innovation Radar Prize for its transformative MDC platform, a complicated cell-based immunotherapy that reprograms the tumour microenvironment to beat drug resistance in a number of aggressive cancers. This know-how, recognised for its potential to reshape most cancers therapy, is a part of a brand new wave of high-impact improvements stemming from EU-funded analysis initiatives.
The Innovation Radar Prize, backed by the European Fee, is a part of the Innovation Radar Bridge mission—a collection of occasions that connects Europe’s most promising innovators with influential buyers and policymakers. Co-organised by Dealflow.eu and The Europas, this yr’s occasion offered a singular platform for startups to showcase high-potential applied sciences to a panel of distinguished buyers and stakeholders from throughout Europe and past. As a part of the prize, this yr’s winners will take part on the EU-Startups Summit 2025 in Malta.
Class standouts in well being, sustainability, and nextgen tech
This yr’s awards recognised pioneering achievements throughout various sectors, together with Well being, Sustainability, and NextGen Tech. Estonian startup Gelatex obtained the Well being Award for its nanofiber know-how, which is revolutionizing functions in wound care and drug discovery. Spanish startup AEinnova gained within the Sustainability class for its modern, battery-free IoT gadgets that harness industrial waste warmth, decreasing environmental influence. Within the NextGen Tech class, quantum computing startup Qilimanjaro from Spain was celebrated for its Quantum Utility Particular Options (QASICs), a sensible quantum answer already delivering advantages to the trade.
A decade of European innovation and funding
Reflecting on the tenth anniversary of the Innovation Radar Prize, Thijs Povel, Managing Companion of Dealflow.eu, emphasised the occasion’s function in spotlighting Europe’s most promising applied sciences and its profitable observe file in connecting innovators with helpful assets and buyers. In accordance with Povel: “It’s inspiring to see how the tenth version of the Innovation Radar Prize introduced collectively such a dynamic mixture of innovators and buyers. The extent of firms pitching was distinctive, reflecting the numerous efforts of the European Fee in supporting and financing Europe’s most promising startups. The continued drive from these younger firms is proof of Europe’s functionality to guide globally in innovation.”
Povel highlighted how the occasion’s jury, which included a number of outstanding buyers from each Europe and the U.S., confronted a difficult job in choosing winners from a various group of spectacular improvements. He famous that the collaboration between buyers and innovators is pivotal for fostering a thriving European tech panorama and furthering Europe’s contributions to world technological developments.
A gathering of European innovators and buyers
Held in Lisbon forward of the Internet Summit, the Innovation Radar Prize occasion drew over 200 members, together with entrepreneurs, buyers, and policymakers. The occasion was supported by Eura AG, Dealroom.co, Startup Lisboa, the European Startup Nations Alliance (ESNA), EU-Startups, and Unicorn Manufacturing facility Lisboa. This gathering displays the significance of cross-border partnerships and networks that assist European startups scale their improvements on a worldwide stage.
As EU-supported startups like Cellis, Gelatex, AEinnova, and Qilimanjaro proceed to advance options with worldwide influence, the Innovation Radar Prize underscores Europe’s dedication to fostering cutting-edge know-how and strengthening its innovation ecosystem. By way of initiatives like this, the European Fee helps a brand new era of tech-driven options which are poised to make a big social and financial influence.
Trying forward: Innovation Pulse in Vienna
The ultimate cease on this yr’s Innovation Radar Bridge Tour might be in Vienna with Innovation Pulse: Shaping Europe’s Startup and Coverage Future. This free occasion, set for November 29 at WeXelerate in Vienna, invitations EU-funded startups, buyers, policymakers, and researchers to discover the way forward for Europe’s startup ecosystem. With a concentrate on constructing networks, aligning analysis with funding, and advancing deep tech, Innovation Pulse offers a necessary platform for these seeking to affect and strengthen Europe’s tech panorama. Register right here!