Daria Solovieva
EUROPE
EIC board urges bigger budget, expanded mission to boost Europe’s deep tech
The European Innovation Council Board called for increased funding and a broader mandate to strengthen Europe’s lead in AI, biotech, clean tech, and quantum sectors. It recommends a €5 billion annual scale-up fund and closer coordination with national programs to accelerate innovation and maintain global competitiveness. The push reflects growing momentum in early-stage deep tech across Central and Eastern Europe. [Source: EIC]
Germany doubles defense aid to Ukraine with $9 billion allocated for 2025
The German government has allocated $9 billion (€8.3 billion) in military aid for Ukraine in the 2025 budget, more than doubling previous annual support levels of around €4 billion. This funding includes deliveries of Iris-T air defense systems, Patriot missile systems, and contracts for strike kits to convert drones into autonomous combat platforms, reinforcing Germany’s position as a top defense backer of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. [Source: Ukraine Business News]
UKRAINE’S WAR TECH
Western firms exploit Ukraine drone tech while Russia, China gain real access
Four Western companies reportedly stole cutting-edge drone technology from Ukraine’s Skyeton, a top manufacturer whose Raybird UAVs have logged over 350,000 hours in combat. While these firms exaggerated battlefield testing or faked it outright, Russia and China gained actual access and knowledge of Ukraine’s drone advances. Skyeton’s CEO Roman Knyazhenko warns that this espionage wasted billions in European government contracts and risks undermining Ukraine’s technological edge in drone warfare. [Source: Euromaidanpress.com]
Ukraine’s civilian scientists play an increasing role in military R&D
As the war with Russia continues, Ukraine’s civilian scientists are increasingly contributing to military R&D, focusing on asymmetric warfare technologies and boosting the country’s defense innovation capacity. [Source: Science.org]
Triminer: the drone that detects mines debuts in Istanbul
The Ukrainian company “Robotic Complexes” showcased its new drone, Triminer, in Istanbul—a UAV designed to detect and neutralize mines using a wheel-based mechanism. The company aims to improve mine-clearing efficiency and safety in conflict zones. [Source: Dev.ua]
Ukraine boosts military innovation with nationwide hackathon offering $100K grants
A new hackathon across Ukraine is providing up to $100,000 in grants to support breakthrough military tech projects in robotics, communications, and more. The initiative aims to fast-track defense innovations and strengthen Ukraine’s technological edge amidst ongoing conflict. [Source: Tech Ukraine]
Ukrainian startups draw nearly $51 million in funding through government programs
The nation’s early-stage companies have secured nearly $51 million in external funding as of July 2025 via the Ukrainian Startup Fund, boosting innovations from AI health tech to robotics. The capital injection aims to spur economic transformation and position Ukraine as a growing hub for tech entrepreneurship. [Source: Ukraine Business News]
LATVIA
Construction begins on Latvia’s first hydrogen-electric coastal fishing vessel
Latvia has started building its first hydrogen-electric coastal fishing vessel, marking a significant step toward greener maritime technology. The vessel aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainable fishing practices by using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion alongside electric power. This project positions Latvia at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation in the Baltic Sea’s fishing industry. [Source: Labs of Latvia]
KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakh scientist develops AI solution to enhance surgical safety
Aydana Masalimova, a researcher originally from Kazakhstan, is part of a European project creating a robotic surgical system designed to reduce errors during complex spinal operations. Her AI-based work enables the surgical robot to “feel” tissue differences and stop drilling precisely to prevent harm, potentially making delicate surgeries safer and more accessible globally. [Source: DigitalBusiness.kz]
LITHUANIA
Lithuania’s biotech startup Psylink raises €500k to advance psychedelic therapies
Vilnius-based Psylink secured €500,000 in a pre-seed round led by Coinvest Capital to develop synthetic biology platforms producing plant- and fungi-derived psychedelic compounds. The startup focuses on scalable, sustainable treatments for mental health disorders like depression and PTSD, aiming to revolutionize therapeutic options with novel biotech solutions. [Source: Vestbee]
POLAND
Movens Capital launches $66M fund to back CEE tech startups amid down market
Warsaw-based Movens Capital has launched its second $66 (€60 million) multi-stage fund to invest in around 30 technology startups and scaleups across Central and Eastern Europe and its diaspora. Targeting pre-seed to Series A+ stages, the fund focuses on sectors like AI, enterprise software, fintech, healthcare, and climate tech, aiming to close the region’s financing gap with both capital and hands-on operational support. [Source: Vestbee]
Polish company invests $110,000 in joint UAV production with Ukrainian partner
A Polish firm has committed over $110,000 to collaboratively develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with diverse applications, including surveillance and reconnaissance, alongside a Ukrainian partner. The initiative also focuses on creating anti-drone defense systems, aiming to enhance technological cooperation and strengthen security capabilities amid ongoing regional challenges. [Source: Ukraine Business News]
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