Czech Republic could become the first European nation to create a national Bitcoin reserve

🚀 From Silicon Valley to Sofia: Founder Institute Launches 2025 Accelerator

Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, the Founder Institute is accepting applications for its Eastern Europe 2025 startup accelerator, offering entrepreneurs a structured program with ongoing support from top regional investors and entrepreneurs. The initiative includes a series of free online events and provides founders access to a global network of startup advisors and potential investors. [Source: Founder Institute]

🌐 EU-Startups Summit 2025: A Networking Powerhouse for European Tech Innovators          The EU-Startups Summit on April 24-25, 2025 will bring together 2,500 attendees, including 1,100 founders, 350 investors, and representatives from 1,200 companies across Europe. The event features networking opportunities, fireside chats with successful founders, a pitch competition, and an exhibition hall showcasing 75 innovative companies. [Source: EU Startups]

🏛️ UK Aims to Create Europe’s Next Tech Hub in Oxford-Cambridge Corridor                      The UK government plans to develop Oxford and Cambridge as “Europe’s Silicon Valley” by improving infrastructure, housing, and transport links. The initiative aims to boost the region’s tech ecosystem, potentially adding $84 billion to the UK economy by attracting top talent in deeptech sectors like AI, life sciences, and semiconductors. [Source: Sifted]

CZECH REPUBLIC

💰 Czech Republic, Poland Eye Bitcoin Reserves as U.S. Weighs National Crypto Strategy The Czech Republic could become Europe’s first nation to establish a Bitcoin reserve, with plans to convert $7.3 billion (5%) of its central bank holdings into cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, Poland’s presidential candidate pledges similar ambitions. This comes as the U.S. navigates its own crypto strategy under President Trump, who has ordered criteria for a national Bitcoin stockpile by July 2025. The global race for governmental Bitcoin adoption is intensifying, with major U.S. companies like BlackRock and MicroStrategy already holding significant reserves, surpassing El Salvador’s national holdings. [Source: Crypto.news]

🚀 Czech Startup Funding Hits $286M in 2024, Led by $173M Mega-Round                             The Czech startup ecosystem raised $51.3M in H2 2024, contributing to a total of $286M for the year. This represents significant growth from 2023’s $187M, positioning the Czech Republic as a key player in Eastern European tech. The year’s standout deal was Rohlinik’s $173M funding round in H1 2024. [Source: The Recursive]

LITHUANIA

🚀 How ‘startup mafia’ powered Lithuania’s 39X growth in a decade
Lithuania’s startup ecosystem from $443M to $17.3B in the last 10 years, reaching $17.3B valuation in 2024. Growth is fueled by a “mafia” effect from unicorns Vinted and Nord Security, whose former employees launched 20-30 new startups. Government initiatives include AI regulatory sandboxes and support for emerging sectors like fintech and cybersecurity, with Vilnius ranking #1 in the EU for cybersecurity. Despite 2024’s funding decline to $138M, early-stage investment remained strong at $117M.
[Source: Tech Funding News]

UKRAINE

🤖 Ukrainian Startup’s Rocket-Equipped Robot Takes Aim at Global Mine Crisis

A Ukrainian tech firm is transforming the dangerous world of mine clearance with a first-of-its-kind robotic solution. SkyLab UA’s TROPA module, mounted on its Sirko-S1 robot, launches a rocket-deployed cord that can clear 150-meter paths through minefields with a single detonation, offering a nimble alternative to traditional heavy demining vehicles. [Source: Tech Ukraine]

🛡️ Defense Ministry Commits $66M a Month to In-House FPV Drone Production
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has begun licensed production of FPV drones at a state-owned enterprise, marking a significant shift toward domestic military manufacturing. The initiative includes a monthly allocation of 2.5 billion hryvnias (approximately $66 million) to military brigades for drone procurement, giving frontline commanders flexibility to choose their own drone systems. [Source: Militarnyi]

🔬Science2Business Program Opens Third Round for Ukrainian Scientists                      INNOV8 Center has launched applications for its third Science2Business program, offering 50 Ukrainian scientists a free five-week online course to transform their research into viable businesses. The EU-funded initiative, part of the European Seeds of Bravery project, provides participants with expert mentoring, workshops, and potential funding opportunities through partnerships with prestigious institutions like Aalto University, EIT Health, and the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, with applications closing February 14. [Source: TechUkraine]

⚡Ukrainian Mining Firm Eyes EV Battery Market With High-Purity Graphite Project

BGV Group has successfully tested production of battery-grade graphite (99.99% purity) and spherical graphite at its Balakhiv deposit, positioning Ukraine to enter the critical EV battery supply chain. The company plans to launch its mining complex in early 2026, aiming to produce 50,000 tons of graphite concentrate annually, with 19,000 tons meeting battery specifications, potentially making it one of Europe’s largest graphite facilities. [Source: Ukraine Business News]