New investors joining the round include Intel Capital, IQT and ETF Partners, with existing investors participating including FORWARD.one and Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund, InnovationQuarter Capital, Ground State Ventures, and Graduate Ventures. This allegedly marks the largest private round raised by a dedicated quantum processor company to date.

“The promise of quantum computing, capable of solving humanity’s intractable challenges, can only happen once it can be manufactured and deployed at scale. That is exactly what we are building,” says Matt Rijlaarsdam, CEO and co-founder of QuantWare. “VIO-40K will deliver 10,000-qubit processors on an open architecture that the entire ecosystem can build on, and KiloFab gives us the industrial production capacity to meet rapidly growing global demand. This fundraise accelerates QuantWare, and in doing so, advances the entire ecosystem toward hyperscale quantum compute.”

“In superconducting quantum computing, scale is increasingly constrained by routing, packaging, and manufacturability – not just qubit design,” says Kike Miralles, Intel Capital. “QuantWare recognised that early and built VIO to address it. That combination of technical ambition and execution positions them to become the company on which the future of superconducting quantum systems will be built.”

Founded in 2021 by Matt Rijlaarsdam and Alessandro Bruno as a spinout from QuTech at TU Delft, QuantWare designs, fabricates, and integrates quantum processors on VIO – the QPU architecture to scale superconducting qubits to utility-scale quantum computing – for the entire ecosystem.

QuantWare says they have shipped more quantum processors than any other commercial supplier, serving more than 50 customers across 20 countries.

The company is also building KiloFab, the world’s largest dedicated quantum open architecture fab, increasing the company’s production capacity by 20x to meet strong global customer demand.

“Building a global compute hardware company requires immense ambition. The QuantWare team has that drive, and with their VIO technology, they hold the key to leading the high-growth quantum industry. As one of their earliest backers, we are proud to continue our support in what is now the world’s largest funding round for a dedicated quantum processor company,” said Robin van Boxsel, General Partner at FORWARD.one.

The company says they are the only ones that design, fabricate, and integrate modular quantum processors on an open architecture at an industrial scale.

Its proprietary VIO technology – a modular Quantum Processor Architecture – allows the creation of the world’s most powerful quantum processors that provide the most compute per Watt.

Designed as an open platform that can scale the qubit chiplets and designs of third parties, VIO unlocks the most powerful quantum processing units (QPUs) for the entire industry. QuantWare serves the global quantum supply chain through QuantWare-designed QPUs, foundry services, and chiplet packaging – enabling quantum computing companies to scale on QuantWare’s VIO architecture.

“Quantum computing is on the verge of an inflection point, and is a strategic priority for nations around the world,” adds J.D. Englehart, Senior Director, IQT. “QuantWare has both the breakthrough scaling technology in VIO, as well as the requisite industrial capability in KiloFab. The company is poised to play a key role in shaping the global quantum supply chain.”

The post QuantWare raises €152 million in the largest private round for a dedicated quantum processor company appeared first on EU-Startups.

Founded in 2023, WaiV Robotics was created to solve a critical challenge for offshore maritime fleets: enabling the safe, reliable, and consistent use of UAVs for mission execution while improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

The company develops autonomous maritime infrastructure for UAV operations in offshore environments, integrating stabilisation, sensor-driven control, and secure landing mechanisms to support dependable drone deployment from moving vessels.

The system enables UAVs to operate from vessels as small as 10 meters and decks of any size, without any hardware or software modifications to the UAV.

WaiV’s patent-pending catch-lock-release landing mechanism, combined with AI-driven predictive algorithms, allegedly enables safe and precise drone recovery even while vessels are in motion on the open sea. 

The post WaiV Robotics emerges from stealth with €6.4 million to develop autonomous UAV landing infrastructure appeared first on EU-Startups.

The round was co-led by World Fund and Kindred Capital, with participation from Daphni, Omnes Capital and Ovni Capital. The company plans to use this funding to accelerate the discovery and development of critical metals deposits at a time when existing supply chains cannot meet global demand.

“We spent years working in mineral exploration and watched the same bottleneck slow every project: too much time processing data, not enough time on actual geology and fieldwork. Lithosquare turbocharges geologists and exploration teams by bringing together deep geological science and AI to fundamentally rethink how mineral deposits are discovered, accelerate exploration, and support the energy transition at scale,” said Aymeric Préveral-Etcheverry, co-founder and CEO, Lithosquare.

Lithosquare was founded in 2024 by mining engineer Aymeric Préveral-Etcheverry, with Simon Leclair joining as founding COO shortly after. The company “radically” accelerates mineral exploration by combining foundational AI, geological expertise, and real-world data. It accelerates the discovery of critical minerals for the energy transition. Lithosquare helps exploration companies generate more targets, discover deposits faster, and increase certainty about where to drill.

According to the company, by 2040, the supply gap for critical metals like copper, lithium, and nickel could hit €299.4 billion ($350 billion). Lithium demand, vital for EV batteries and grid storage, is anticipated to increase by over 400%, while copper demand is expected to grow by about 50%, fueled by electrification, AI data centres, and grid infrastructure. 

It further states that recycling alone cannot meet this demand, so more than 1,000 new mineral deposits must be discovered. Mineral exploration today is still slow, highly manual, and has low success rates. It usually takes 7 to 15 years to go from initial exploration to discovering a deposit, with geologists dedicating up to 80% of their time to data processing and analysis.

Lithosquare asserts that its platform automates and accelerates exploration workflows by combining foundational AI with science-based geological models of the subsurface. Unlike existing AI tools that apply pattern-recognition models to geological data, the platform leverages a deep understanding of metal deposit formation. 

The company states that this enables more accurate targeting and deposit development decision-making. Lithosquare claims to reduce analysis timelines from months to days, by increasing exploration and discovery efficiency by up to 10x. 

The platform is designed to work alongside geologists, augmenting their work so teams can focus on geological interpretation and discovery. This improves targeting precision, reduces unnecessary drilling and associated emissions, and enables faster development of new mineral supply.  

Lithosquare positions itself as a prime example of European-origin technology that contributes to long-term Western resilience and reduces dependence on a few actors, including China, which controls ≈50% of rare earths extraction.

Dr Nadine Geiser, Principal at World Fund, said, “The energy transition depends on faster and more efficient discovery of critical raw materials. Lithosquare is not solving a niche geology problem: it’s removing a supply constraint that affects every sector of the economy, from EV manufacturing to AI data centres. Aymeric and Simon are building the critical discovery infrastructure that the energy transition depends on, and we backed them to do it at scale.”

The company plans to use this funding to grow its expert team, support continued platform development, and expand globally. The founders are already working with mining companies across the US, Europe, Africa and Latin America.

The post Paris-based Lithosquare raises €21.3 million to accelerate transition-critical mineral discovery with Geology AI appeared first on EU-Startups.

The round was led by Alpine Fund (Redstone & Euregio⁺) and the Austrian aws Gründungsfonds, with additional participation from industry business angels.

“The hospitality industry works with enormous volumes of data, but often without the means to turn that data into informed decisions. With RateBoard, we optimised the revenue side. With profitize, we’re now tackling costs – because in the end, what matters is what’s left at the bottom of the P&L,” said Simon Falkensteiner, co-founder and Managing Director of profitize. 

Headquartered in Bolzano, South Tyrol (Italy), profitize was founded in 2024 by Simon Falkensteiner and Michael Gorfer. Falkensteiner founded the revenue management system RateBoard in 2015, which he sold to the Italian Zucchetti Group in 2020.

The platform integrates financial data from PMS, POS, accounting, HR, banking, and energy providers into a single interface. With real-time analytics, forecasts, automated reports, and AI-based recommendations, it helps hotels, hotel groups, and food and beverage businesses manage their financial performance with precision.

According to the company, the economic environment for hotels has become more challenging. Labour costs are rising, energy prices remain elevated, and there is less room for further rate increases. It also mentions that numerous properties have fragmented financial data, such as occupancy rates in the PMS, costs with the tax advisor, staff information in the scheduling tool, and energy use with the utility company. A complete overview appears only weeks later, if it exists at all. 

profitize claims to consolidate this data automatically on a single platform and make it actionable in real time: with forecasts, budget planning, cashflow analyses, and AI-driven recommendations.

The company states that its platform has been adopted by approximately 150 hotels and food and beverage businesses across several European countries since its launch. Both owner-managed independent hotels and multi-property groups use the platform, and its use cases range from budgeting and forecasting to cashflow management and labour productivity analysis.

The startup reported that a 40-room leisure hotel in South Tyrol reduced its labour costs by 10 per cent through the platform, with no reduction in service quality. The lever was not a headcount reduction but more precise scheduling based on occupancy forecasts, says profitize. 

“We have been watching profitize for some time and are glad to be on board now. The team is strongly networked in the hospitality sector and knows the genuine pain points of its customers. Together we will internationalise and strengthen the model on the AI side,” said Ben Scheidt, Partner, Redstone. 

The company plans to use this funding for the technological development of the platform (including anonymised industry benchmarking and expanded productivity analytics), continued expansion into Italy, Austria, and new European markets, and the growth of the technology and customer success teams. 

The post South Tyrol’s profitize raises €1.4 million to scale AI-powered financial planning for the hospitality sector appeared first on EU-Startups.

The round was led by Schwarz Digits, part of the Schwarz Group. The EIC Fund of the European Innovation Council (EIC) is also a key investor. Participation also comes from existing investors such as Earlybird, as well as new investors, including French VC firm Ankaa Ventures, laser equipment specialist Precitec, and development banks NRW.BANK (Düsseldorf) and IFB Hamburg. The funding package also includes individual grants from the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

“Quantum computing is transitioning from a research-driven technology to an industrially usable infrastructure. With this funding, we are accelerating that transition and building systems that will solve real-world industrial problems,” said Jan Henrik Leisse, CEO and co-founder of eleQtron.

eleQtron was founded in 2020 by Prof Dr Christof Wunderlich, Dr Michael Johanning, and Jan Leisse. This spin-off from the Quantum Optics Chair at the University of Siegen develops quantum processors based on trapped ions. 

According to the company, for more than 20 years, researchers have been trying to develop scalable quantum computers that take advantage of quantum effects. “In the process, however, they are encountering new challenges. The greatest difficulty is shielding and controlling the qubits. They must be isolated from the environment by elaborate processes. Which, depending on their architecture, places enormous demands on cooling and controllable environments. Precise control of the quantum states generated is also difficult to master,” mentioned the company. 

Its proprietary MAGIC technology (Magnetic Gradient Induced Coupling) enables highly precise and scalable control of qubits using microwaves. Thereby providing a path toward scalable quantum computers.

It claims that individual control of qubits can be integrated into trap chips and can be done with unparalleled quality. The company states that it has already been able to demonstrate that control with its IRS MAGIC technology does not exert any undesirable side effects on other qubits, thus significantly reducing a major source of error.

eleQtron also mentions that the laser cooling, as well as the readout of the quantum bits, can be performed with much simpler lasers. “Commercially available, robust and proven technology is used to control them. In principle, scaling up to more ions will pose no problems either: miniaturised structures for trapping ions and controlling qubits can be integrated on chips,” says the company. 

“Quantum computing is entering a crucial phase of industrialisation. Companies like eleQtron, which combine scientific excellence with a clear focus on scalable systems, are essential to translating Europe’s strengths into globally competitive technologies,” emphasises Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the Board of Directors of the EIC Fund.

The company already has an order backlog of more than €60 million. It employs more than 100 people and partners with leading European research and computing centres to advance the industrial use of quantum computing. 

The post Germany’s eleQtron raises €57 million Series A to scale quantum computing systems for industrial applications appeared first on EU-Startups.

From exclusive discounts to insider tips and information, this guide brings together all the key details you’ll need to navigate the event smoothly. Whether it’s your first time attending or you’ve joined us before, the 2026 edition features exciting extras like promo codes to get around the island, free drinks and food available at the venue, and side events happening during and around the Summit!

Here’s everything you should know before touching down in Valletta.

Promo codes and discounts:

We’ve partnered with selected providers to help you make the most of your trip to Malta – with deals covering accommodation and travel.

• Hotel discounts: Still looking for a place to stay? We’ve compiled a list of hotels offering exclusive rates (up to 25%!) for Summit attendees, including options near Valletta, Sliema, and St. Julian’s. You can read the full list and access the promo codes here: Hotel Deals for EU-Startups Summit Attendees.

• Mobility: This year, we’re excited to welcome Bolt as our mobility partner. Between May 7-8, event attendees will have 20% off on rides across Malta. The code can be found in the EU-Startups Summit networking app for all registered attendees. Whether you’re heading from the airport or hopping between side events, Bolt’s got you covered.

Download the EU-Startups Summit networking app

The EU-Startups networking app is your essential tool for navigating the event. With it, you can:

• Browse and save sessions from the full agenda
• Access venue maps and updates in real time
• Connect and message other attendees
• Book meetings and explore side events

The app is available for iOS and Android. Download instructions are shared automatically with all ticket holders.

Food and drinks at the Summit

Staying energised during a packed event is key (especially when its in the Mediterranean) – and we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee between sessions or enjoying a sunset drink, there’s something for everyone.

• Lunch options on-site: The Lunch Area on the -1 floor will be open from 12:00 to 16:00 on both days. Here, you’ll find food and drink stations offering a variety of affordable meals, including salads, wraps, pasta, and more. Meals can be purchased directly at each station. (Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food options will be available).
• Snacks: Enjoy complimentary snacks throughout both days across the Venue, including the Terrace!
  • • CRACKEYS – Artisanal galletti (like crackers) native to Malta. They will have a small stand with their various flavours, and they will be present at the Network & Drinks at the Grand Harbour Terrace both days.
    • Twistees – These delicious cheesy chips are once again returning to the Summit! Every attendee can find a bag in their welcome bag.
    • Popcorn – Available at the Network & Drinks at the Grand Harbour Terrace both days.
• Drinks: Attendees will be able to enjoy our complementary coffee stations spread across the Exhibition Hall – serving coffee and teas from 09-12 and 14-16 on both days. Towards the Networking Lounge, at the end of the Exhibition Hall, other complimentary drinks are also available thanks to our brilliants partners:
  • • MEYN Energy – Refreshing Maltese all-natural energy drink located in branded barrels (keep an eye out for their booth as well!).
    • Kinnie – A Maltese soft drink founded in 1952. Their citrus bittersweet offering can be found in coolers spread throughout the Hall.
    • COFFEE & strangers – Our favourite specialty coffee is returning to the Summit, bringing their expertly crafted brews to fuel your conversations and keep you sharp throughout the day.
    • Additionally, this year water is powered by H2O Fund. You can find your reusable cups in the attendees bags. Make sure to have it with you on both days to keep hydrated!

• Networking Drinks Events: What better way to end the day than with a Maltese sunset and a refreshing drink in hand? From From 18:00–21:30 on Day 1; and 17:00–20:30 on Day 2, join us at the Grand Harbour Terrace (Mediterranean Conference Centre) for a drink, great views and the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees in a more informal and laid-back setting after a busy day at the Summit. Powered by M Demajo!

*Enjoy! First come, first served!

Useful information

• Venue details: The EU-Startups Summit 2026 will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, located at Triq l-Isptar, Valletta, Malta. The venue is situated in the heart of the capital, overlooking the Grand Harbour, and is easily accessible by foot, taxi, or ride-hailing services such as Bolt.

• Registration: The registration will open at 09:00 on the 7th at the main entrance of the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Please make sure you have your ticket QR code (sent to you by email) to check in and collect your attendee badge.

• Electric plugs: Malta uses Type G electrical sockets, the same as those in the United Kingdom. If you’re travelling from a country that uses Type C, E, or F plugs (common across continental Europe), be sure to bring a suitable adapter to charge your devices.

• Side events: In addition to the main Summit agenda, various side events will take place across Valletta and nearby areas – from networking mixers and breakfast workshops to even a 5km morning run!

OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vendor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling

The post Practical info and special tips for the EU-Startups Summit 2026 in Malta – look inside! appeared first on EU-Startups.

The Summit offers a packed agenda with inspiring talks, insightful panel discussions, a buzzing exhibition hall, and a thrilling pitch competition. But beyond the stage and the spotlight, what truly powers this event is the energy of human connection.

Whether you’re looking to raise your next round, scout talent, explore partnerships or simply exchange ideas, this is where it happens. To help you make the most of your time, here’s how this year’s setup makes networking easier, smarter and more impactful than ever.

The EU-Startups Summit App

Our dedicated networking app will be your go-to companion throughout the event. With it, you can explore the attendee list, message fellow participants, and arrange 1:1 meetings seamlessly.

Swipe, match, chat and schedule – all within the app. You’ll also get real-time updates and full access to the event agenda, speaker info and your personalised schedule.

The Networking Game – Let’s have some fun!

Inside of every booklet there is a bingo-like list of tasks that will help all of our attendees break the ice and get into networking mode!

Completing the actions earns each player one point. Collect at least 6 points to unlock a prize, and keep going: the more points you earn, the better the rewards!

These tasks include:

• Join the unicorn hunt! Find one hidden around the venue and bring it to the EU- Startups Playground
• Share your thoughts on EU-Startups Playground’s Wall

• Have a coffee at the M. Demajo booth and ask for the secret phrase

The Meeting Room – Where deals are made

Looking to schedule focused, one-on-one meetings? The Meeting Room in Vassalli Hall, located on Floor 1 of the venue, is your go-to space for exactly that. Designed to support meaningful conversations, it’s the ideal spot to sit down with investors, potential partners, or fellow founders in a quieter, more professional setting.

You can book a space in this room directly through the EU-Startups Summit app, making it easy to coordinate and secure meeting slots in advance. The room will have tables available for those that wish to book them.

While the main purpose of the Meeting Room is to facilitate pre-arranged meetings, it will also host a number of themed networking sessions throughout both days.

• The Pitchlympics: Taking place on May 7 from 09:45 to 10:30, this networking activity is hosted by Christoph Sollich, aka The Pitch Doctor, who invites participants to think on their feet and pitch spontaneous ideas or business models to one another. Guided by Christoph, attendees will take part in an energetic, on-the-spot pitching format that blends startup creativity with the spirit of improv comedy.
• Women in Startups & Tech: Taking place on May 7 from 17:00 to 18:00, this session will be moderated by Jessica Breitenfeld and is designed to create a more personal, energetic space for women in startups and tech to connect. Under the theme “Social Alchemist”, Jessica will guide participants through a networking experience where business cards take a back seat and passion, personality, and ideas come first. With the motto “like likes like”, attendees will be invited to share their ideas #UnApologetically and meet like-minded women in tech.
• Speed Connect: Taking place on May 8 from 9:45 to 10:30, this session will also be moderated by Jessica Breitenfeld and is designed as “Networking for introverts”. With zero small talk and a gamified format, the session will help attendees connect with new people in a more relaxed, structured, and engaging way. It is a great opportunity for those who want to build meaningful connections without the usual pressure of traditional networking.

To stay up to date on what’s happening in this space, check the app regularly and plan your schedule accordingly.

The Networking Lounge – Relax and connect

Sometimes, the best conversations happen when you’re not rushing between sessions or ticking off your meeting schedule. That’s where the Networking Lounge comes in. Located at the end of the Exhibition Hall, this inviting space is designed to offer a more laid-back environment for spontaneous chats, informal catch-ups, and moments of reflection between all the action.

Whether you’re reconnecting with someone you met earlier, discussing a panel you just attended, or simply taking a breather, the lounge offers a comfortable setting to pause and engage.

It’s also a great spot to meet new contacts outside of scheduled meetings – you never know who you’ll bump into over a cup of coffee.

Networking Drinks with a view

As the day wraps up, we take the networking to new heights – quite literally. Join us for the official EU-Startups Networking Drinks on both Day 1 and Day 2 at the Grand Harbour Terrace of the Mediterranean Conference Center.

From 18:00 – 21:30 on Day 1; and 17:00 – 20:30 on Day 2, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, chill music, and breathtaking views of Malta’s coastline. It’s the perfect setting to keep conversations going and meet new faces in a more relaxed setting.

Just remember: the terrace has limited capacity for up to 900 people, so plan ahead!

From speed networking and AI matchmaking to sunset drinks by the sea, the EU-Startups Summit 2025 is built for connection. Get ready for two unforgettable days of collaboration, insight, and opportunity. Visit our event page to learn more about the Summit, the speaker line-up, and the latest updates!

OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperiety by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vendor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling.

The post The EU-Startups Summit 2026 Networking Guide – All the juicy details! appeared first on EU-Startups.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re already in love with Malta’s Mediterranean flair, there’s no shortage of reasons to extend your trip and make the most of the experience.  Alongside our packed main agenda, we’re thrilled to highlight a range of different side events hosted across Valletta and beyond. These sessions will help you connect on a deeper level, whether you’re launching a product, exchanging insights with fellow founders, or just looking to wind down and celebrate in style.

Here are some cool side events happening around the EU-Startups Summit, plus our official Networking Drinks on the MCC rooftop terrace on both event days, from 17:30 to 21:30. Enjoy a Maltese sunset, a refreshing drink, and relaxed conversations with fellow attendees – powered by M. Demajo Group!

Side Events at a Glance

• Fuckup Nights x Startups: Taking place on 6 May from 19:00 to 22:00 at Eleven Eleven Rooftop, this side event puts the spotlight on the messy realities behind startup life. Part of the global Fuckup Nights movement, the event will feature three speakers sharing candid stories of professional failure, wrong turns, and the lessons they learned along the way, all in a punchy format of 10 images and 10 minutes each. Expect honest conversations, a no-judgement atmosphere, great networking, and drinks with fellow founders, operators, and startup enthusiasts. More info here.
• VCRunClub Morning Run: Taking place on 7 May, VCRunClub, London’s first running club for venture capital professionals, will host a 5km morning run to kick off the EU-Startups Summit. Starting at 7:30 outside the MCC, the waterfront route around Valletta will be done at a conversational pace, offering VC professionals a relaxed way to combine fitness and networking before the day begins. The session also includes post-run coffee networking, making it a great option for those looking to connect with like-minded investors in an informal setting. Register here!
• The Founder’s Warm-up: Taking place on 7 May from 8:00 to 10:30 in Valletta, this free breakfast workshop hosted by Bits & Pretzels Communities is designed to help founders and ecosystem players start the Summit with a clear networking strategy. Rather than a lecture, the session is framed as a hands-on “networking bootcamp”, covering how to set meeting goals, sharpen your pitch, and build more genuine connections throughout the event. With a casual and practical format, it is especially suited to first-timers, introverts, and anyone looking to arrive at the Summit feeling prepared. Request to join here!
• LP/GP Happy Hour: Taking place on 7 May from 18:00 to 21:00 at Casino Maltese in Valletta, this EU-Startups Summit side event will bring together a curated group of LPs, family offices, fund managers, top-tier VCs, angel investors, and HNWIs for an evening of high-value networking and conversation. The event will also feature an intimate discussion on “Raising Capital in 2026: LP Expectations & Fund Strategy”, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with investors and peers in a smaller setting. You can RSVP here. Please note that capacity is limited and approval is required to attend.
• Global Startup Awards Grand Finale: Another highlight of this year’s Summit is the Global Grand Finale of the Global Startup Awards Edition 11, which will take place within the EU-Startups Summit agenda on 7 May. The event will bring some of the world’s most promising startup talent to Malta, with finalists from more than 100 countries joining founders, investors, corporates, media, and ecosystem builders for a day of visibility, networking, and opportunity. One of the key moments will be the live announcement of the 13 global winners on the main stage.
• Women in Startups & Tech: Taking place on 7 May from 17:00 to 18:00, this session will be moderated by Jessica Breitenfeld and is designed to create a more personal, energetic space for women in startups and tech to connect. Under the theme “Social Alchemist”, Jessica will guide participants through a networking experience where business cards take a back seat and passion, personality, and ideas come first. With the motto “like likes like”, attendees will be invited to share their ideas #UnApologetically and meet like-minded women in tech.
• No Boring Tech Talks: Taking place on 8 May from 8:15, this side event invites attendees to kick off day two of the Summit with strong coffee, breakfast, and a surprise designed to properly wake everyone up. Starting at 8:45, the session will host an unfiltered “hangover breakfast” conversation on equity crowdfunding and community capital, exploring what it really means to raise from loyal users and communities rather than following the traditional VC route. With no boring presentations in sight, the event is aimed at founders, operators, and policymakers eager to discuss how community-powered capital is reshaping the rules of European startup finance. Spots are limited, so attendees are encouraged to come hungry for honest conversation and fresh perspectives. Click here to register 
• Exclusive Marketing Office Hours: Taking place on 8 May, this side event by InnoMaker Partners is designed for founders looking for practical marketing guidance rather than broad event takeaways. It begins with an AI-powered assessment that generates a personalised Startup Marketing Playbook, with selected founders then invited to join a live 30-minute 1:1 Office Hours session during the Summit from 13:00 to 17:00. Focused on real challenges such as positioning, go-to-market strategy, and conversion, the format offers direct feedback and actionable next steps. Apply here to get your personalised playbook and a chance to join a live session.
• WeRoad Sunrise Run: Taking place on 7 and 8 May from 7:30 to 8:30, this free WeMeet event by WeRoad invites EU-Startups Summit attendees to start the day with an easy morning run through Valletta. Starting and finishing at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, the route will pass through the city’s cobbled streets, by St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and down to the fortified coastal promenade. With no performance goals or stopwatch, the run is designed as a relaxed way to move, chat, and connect with fellow Summit participants before the agenda begins. The session will be led by Andrea Lamperini, COO at WeRoad, who will also take the stage on 8 May with a keynote on scaling a community-led business to €130M+. Spots are limited, with 30 places available each day. Register for 7 May here and 8 May here.
• Speed Connect: Taking place on 8 May from 9:45 to 10:30, this session will also be moderated by Jessica Breitenfeld and is designed as “Networking for introverts”. With zero small talk and a gamified format, the session will help attendees connect with new people in a more relaxed, structured, and engaging way. It is a great opportunity for those who want to build meaningful connections without the usual pressure of traditional networking.
• GLOBALS On Tour Malta 2026: Taking place on 8 May from 20:30, after the EU-Startups Summit networking drinks, this Club GLOBALS side event will bring founders, investors, startups, partners, and tech ecosystem leaders together for a curated networking experience around Valletta and the Mediterranean Conference Centre area. The event brings back Pitch on the Bus, giving participating startups the chance to deliver a 1-minute pitch in front of an international jury in a dynamic setting designed for visibility, feedback, and meaningful connections. After the bus experience, participants will continue the conversations at a relaxed after-party at a secret location, with welcome drinks and snacks included. Click here to register!

Discover Malta

With over 7,000 years of history and influences from major civilisations, Malta is a cultural mosaic where the past meets the present. From ancient temples to charming fishing villages and crystal-clear lagoons, the island has something for everyone.

Our friends from SIT (Special Interest Travel), a highly motivated, multinational team with over 40 years of experience in creating fantastic experiences in Malta, shared with us their top recommendations for things to do and places to visit:

• Valletta: The capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valletta is brimming with historic charm, Baroque architecture, and stunning views. Don’t miss St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to Caravaggio’s famous works, or the panoramic views from Upper Barrakka Gardens.

  • Insider tip: Underneath Valletta’s streets lies a hidden world of tunnels, wartime shelters, and ancient underground spaces—some of which you can explore through guided tours.

• Mdina: Known as the Silent City, this walled town was Malta’s old capital and offers breathtaking views from its hilltop perch. Enjoy its peaceful alleys, rich history, and a slice of cake from the beloved Fontanella Tea Garden.

• The Three Cities: Take a boat from Valletta and explore Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea and Cospicua. These historic ports offer a glimpse into Malta’s maritime legacy and are best explored on foot or by electric buggy.

• Marsaxlokk & the South: Famous for its colourful fishing boats and Sunday market, Marsaxlokk is the ideal spot for fresh seafood. While you’re nearby, make time for the Blue Grotto and Ħaġar Qim Temples—structures older than the pyramids!

• Gozo & Comino: Venture to Malta’s sister islands for a taste of tranquillity. Gozo is lush and hilly, while Comino’s Blue Lagoon is perfect for a swim in turquoise waters. Ferries leave Valletta and the northern coast regularly.

If you’re looking for a tailored experience or a private group trip for your team, SIT offers a range of options for EU-Startups Summit attendees who want to explore Malta beyond the event. You can find more details about their tours here!

OUR EVENT SPONSORS

Malta Enterprise is Malta’s economic development agency, facilitating economic growth, investment, and innovation by offering a range of support services for local and foreign enterprises setting up a productive presence in Malta. As a key player in Malta’s economic landscape, it contributes to the nation’s prosperity by attracting investments, supporting businesses, and driving innovation, thereby reinforcing Malta’s position as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Malta Enterprise actively cultivates a vibrant startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for startups and offering tailored support and incentives to empower emerging businesses.

M. Demajo Group is a leading business player in Malta, with a successful history spanning 115 years. The Group’s growth and diversification have resulted in a wide coverage of business sectors through a commitment to long-term results. M. Demajo Group’s workforce is 500 strong and their various activities have been developed through organic growth, acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Its strong financial situation and ethical standards, its business reputation, and its renowned track record as a business partner are all key factors in its continued expansion.

The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program provides young companies with up to €100,000 in cloud credits for up to five years after their founding. Start-ups benefit from a sovereign IT infrastructure “Made in Germany,” offering 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty. IONOS Cloud guarantees technological freedom without vendor lock-in. Long-term support is also ensured: exclusive discounts after the first year enable a seamless transition into the IONOS Cloud ISV Partner Program. In this way, digital sovereignty becomes a strategic competitive advantage from founding to scaling.

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The funding round was led by French VC Frst, with participation from angels including Mati Staniszewski (co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs), Piotr Dabkowski co-founder and CTO of ElevenLabs), Philippe Bekhazi (founder and CEO of XBTO), Karl Naim (Chief Commercial Officer of XBTO), Bartek Pucek (Scout at a16z), Marcin Kaźmierczak (co-founder of RedStone), Bartosz Jakubowski (Partner at Alven), Aleksandra Pedraszewska (founding partner at vastpoint ventures), Tytus Cytowski (founder of Cytowski and Partners), Jan Czarnocki (Doctoral Researcher at KU Leuven), Łukasz Żurowski (founder of Silver Summit Development), and Edouard Palardy (contract manager at Web3 Foundation).

Pierre Entremont, co-Founder and Partner at Frst. “Prediction markets are emerging as a new asset class in finance, and we believe the industry is still in its very early innings. Elastics is building the AI layer that this market needs, and we’re excited to back Szymon and Mateusz as they democratise access to quantitative trading tools that were previously out of reach for most participants.”

Founded in April 2025 by Szymon Pawica (CEO) and Mateusz Brodowicz (CTO), Elastics is an AI-native operating system for prediction markets and beyond. It is powered by auditable AI agents, and it allows traders to build and automate trading workflows in plain language, from signal generation to live execution.

While at Goldman Sachs, Szymon Pawica observed quantitative funds leveraging a significant advantage: teams of skilled and expensive quants and developers developing models, automating strategies, and processing data at a scale that retail traders can’t match. 

After leaving the firm, the NYU Stern graduate started trading on his own. The difference between what he observed at work and what he could access as an individual trader was difficult to overlook.

“The quant edge at hedge funds comes down to people and infrastructure. We think AI can now replicate most of that and make it available to anyone,” said Szymon Pawica, founder and CEO of  Elastics. 

This conviction motivated Pawica to co-found Elastics with Mateusz Brodowicz, a mathematician from the University of Houston who had previously developed quantitative models for a prediction markets fund.

According to the company, it gives individual traders access to the kind of automated research, execution, and portfolio management tooling that has historically been locked behind the walls of institutional finance.

“The timing is hard to ignore. Polymarket is now valued at €7.7 billion ($9 billion) after a €1.7 billion ($2 billion) investment from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, while rival Kalshi recently closed at a €18.8 billion ($22 billion) valuation. The retail traders driving much of that volume, however, are still largely operating without meaningful tooling, and that is exactly the gap Elastics is stepping into,” mentioned the company. 

The platform is currently in private beta, with users able to apply for early access to Elastics AI, the agent builder, and Elastics OS. According to the company, Elastics is built around the idea that the future of trading is conversational, that an LLM, not an order ticket, is the natural interface between a trader and the market.  It states that the platform’s “Trade with Words” feature lets users describe a position in plain language and have it executed automatically, no dropdown menus or limit order forms required. 

Pawica believes that any broker still using the same market and limit order interface is operating on borrowed time. He states that as AI-driven automation spreads through financial markets, he believes the window for manual traders to compete on equal footing is closing fast.

“The old interface was designed for a world before AI. Every platform that hasn’t rethought that from the ground up will have to. Every trader who isn’t using automation is already at a disadvantage. We want to make sure that’s a choice, not a constraint,” concludes Pawica. 

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Investors in the round included World Fund, Breakthrough Energy Discovery, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures and IP Group. The team will use the new funding to scale operations and recruit senior technical and commercial talent to accelerate system development.

Prof. Xavier Moya, Founder of Barocal, says: “Heating and cooling have always been the elephant in the room when it comes to emissions, and ours is a set of materials that could change history. We are building something truly revolutionary. The world can only hit a 1.5 degree target if we cut emissions by around half – solving heating and cooling emissions would achieve that goal. I am thrilled to be partnering with investors who will support us to commercialise and scale our technology before the planet runs out of time.”

Barocal’s Seed round sits within a 2026 dataset showing continued early-stage and project-linked capital for thermal systems, building efficiency and energy-intensive infrastructure.

The closest same-country comparables are Exergy3 in Edinburgh, which raised €11.4 million for thermal energy storage for clean industrial heat, and Ionech in Oxfordshire, which secured €2.3 million for ambient-air-to-electricity pilots.

Adjacent activity includes SolidWatts’ industrial process-heating technology, Lucend’s data-centre optimisation platform, ecoworks’ residential energy-renovation project, and WtEnergy’s industrial waste-to-energy systems.

Taken together, these examples indicate investor interest in technologies that address heating, cooling, thermal efficiency and energy use across buildings, industry and data centres, with over €51 million in funding.

Mark Windeknecht, Principal at World Fund, adds: “Barocal has achieved what scientists have struggled to do for decades – a materials breakthrough delivering solid-state materials that finally enable new cooling and heating platform technology that competes with vapour-based incumbents. We are extremely proud to be supporting this world-leading scientific team as they commercialise.”

Founded in 2019, Barocal is developing next-generation solid-state cooling and heating systems – replacing conventional refrigerant gases with innovative organic barocaloric materials that heat and cool under pressure, eliminating high-global-warming refrigerants and improving energy efficiency.

While many caloric materials are limited by costs, degradation, or fatigue, Prof. Moya discovered a way to demonstrate unprecedented performance in barocaloric materials – hence the company’s name.

Barocaloric materials use pressure-driven phase transitions to generate large temperature changes. Based on this discovery, his team developed and patented a heating and cooling platform technology. It is designed to be more efficient and less expensive than traditional vapour-compression systems that rely on climate-damaging gas refrigerants to power today’s air conditioning units.

The company will initially target fast-growing applications, including data centre cooling and commercial refrigeration, tapping into a ~€384 billion ($450 billion) global HVAC market that is expected to surge to ~€492 billion ($577 billion) by 2033.

At scale, Barocal says their technology will significantly reduce heating and cooling sector emissions through efficiency gains and avoiding gas refrigerants. The sector is responsible for around 15% of annual global greenhouse gas emissions – a far higher proportion than the aviation sector. Cooling alone accounted for more than 4 Gt of CO₂e in 2022, and demand is expected to triple by 2050.

Ashley Grosh, Head of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, says: “Buildings account for roughly 7% of global emissions, and decarbonising heating and cooling is essential to address that impact. We first supported Barocal through the Breakthrough Energy Fellows program, where Professor Moya’s rigorous, years-long research into caloric materials stood out for its technical depth and commercial potential.

“This most recent investment reflects our continued confidence in the team as they scale a solid-state alternative to vapour compression that is cleaner, more efficient and fundamentally rethinks how we deliver comfort.”

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