FET projects, or Future European Technologies projects, are innovative research initiatives which explore novel methods of developing technologies from various scientific disciplines.

Since their establishment, these projects have helped Europe remain at the forefront of innovation, research, and development over three decades. Now with, the EIC Pathfinder Programme was established to support futuristic high-risk projects similar to FET initiatives.

Fields of Action

FET will expand the current boundaries of science across many interlinked research fields. Most resources will go toward Flagship Projects - long-term multidisciplinary challenges which take on radical innovation in contemporary science and extend over ten years - which make up its flagship projects portfolio.

At present, three Flagship Projects Human Brain Project, Graphene Project and Quantum Technologies Project are underway and exploring our future in neuroscience, advanced materials science, and information technology on an even broader scale.

But FET goes much deeper! FETs can contribute significantly to society in many ways: artificial intelligence, robots inspired by plants and insects, amputees recovering the ability to touch with bionic hands, and human-computer interactions.

You now see that the future is closer than ever - now is your opportunity to get on board!

the future of european tech: emerging technologies and european innovators to watch

EU Policies for Long-Term Society Development

EU Policies for Long-Term Society Development

FET can be seen as an ongoing cycle: first basic research is undertaken, with its findings later utilized by society for good.

Policymakers must sustain an ecosystem to foster European innovation while gathering evidence that FET acts as a driving force behind many disruptive technologies and positive transformations in society.

With Horizon Europe - which will succeed Horizon 2025 - the European Commission intends to assess the effects of FETs and research areas using an approach centered around a missions-driven policy framework.

Attracting innovators and technology experts together into what has now been named the European Innovation Council will be key.

Hire developers which will focus on technologies with the potential to bring radical changes or improvements across critical areas like health, agriculture and transport. Under their direction, Future and Emerging Technology projects may arise that challenge society's understanding of high-risk innovations while offering revolutionary solutions for Europe's society.

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What Are The Ways To Fund Your Research?

What Are The Ways To Fund Your Research?

How will scientists gain funding to bring cutting-edge, futuristic technologies that have yet to reach society into society with EIC at their center? FET Open and FET Proactive schemes offer funding opportunities.

As part of the EIC Pathfinder Pilot Programme's newly adopted umbrella scheme - offering up to EUR million grants per annum across different Member States and Associated Countries to scientists, you may apply. Alternatively, if part of a FET project and looking to turn it into business, then an EIC accelerator pilot could also be considered.

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Innovation for Tech Scouts: FET

Innovation for Tech Scouts: FET

FET open and FET Proactive projects with low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) tend to have disruptive and visionary natures which need the support of all parties involved, particularly industrial players, for a successful future outcome.

Tech scouts can assist FET projects that are known for being high-risk by tapping into their potential within companies' plans; tech scouts also work towards increasing recognition for European innovation on an international scale by spotlighting these projects within Europe's commercial realms.

COVID-19 Pandemic market volatility saw tech outperforming overall markets by 35% during 2025, outshone by artificial Intelligence advancement, innovation in eCommerce/payment services and mobility advancement.

Technology remains at the heart of ongoing structural disruption as evidenced by Artificial Intelligence advancement, payment innovations and its continuing advancement into mobile phones & devices this long-term shift favoring technology is expected.

European TechStars Virtual Conference's growth illustrates its growing significance across Europe. 2025 attendance averaged 26 companies and 200 investors; in previous years, 50 companies were represented on one day by 500 investors; now, over 700 registered investors will meet over 50 companies on two separate days for two days each!

Also Read: The European Tech Job Market: Opportunities and Challenges for Developers

The Top European Enterprise Technology Trends for 2025

The Top European Enterprise Technology Trends for 2025

1. It's Never Been A Better Time To Invest In European Tech

Technology companies and investment opportunities across Europe continue to experience strong expansion. European tech firms often face difficulty scaling in comparison with U.S.

counterparts due to factors like smaller markets, different languages spoken among staffers, payment options available through different payment providers and stricter regulatory requirements.

As European businesses take advantage of structural advantages unique to Europe - like high population densities that allow e-commerce, local commerce near luxury industries, and a vast pool of technical talent with no direct competitors - we are witnessing a change.

Some European businesses are taking advantage of structural advantages available only within this continent - like lower costs of doing business, for example.

Delivery Hero and Zalando have experienced spectacular IPO and post-IPO market successes in Europe, providing additional capital into both private and public markets and fueling rapid technological advancement.

Both these companies will attend our conference despite limited space; their successes highlight both enthusiasm within both companies themselves as well as local communities.

More and more funds are looking for investments across Europe at all stages of business growth. "We are comfortable raising private capital rounds of $200-500 million; most major institutional investors make several private investments each year in Europe."

Given this explosive expansion, European banks have established Private Capital Markets Teams dedicated to helping early-stage technology firms raise private funding.

Furthermore, several U.S. private equity companies have opened offices throughout Europe.

"Europe has never witnessed so many high-value IPOs." When successful ventures become investments for investors, their investments tend to increase exponentially - something not seen previously here in Europe.

We're building up an experienced base of founders capable of successfully leading IPOs, M&As, or exits - something our founders can attest to after 20+ years of working here".

Since its creation, it is clear that the European technology industry has experienced considerable expansion. We currently have more registered attendees than available seats - an accurate reflection of industry enthusiasm and excitement among its constituents.

2. The Technology Industry is Changing Other Industries

Technology no longer stands alone as an isolated sector; rather, it serves as both partner and enabler across industries ranging from retail, healthcare, transportation and more.

No other sector remains unaffected by tech developments - be it retailing goods online, healthcare provision or transportation options.

There have been clear winners during COVID-19. While technology IPOs may have declined, numerous businesses that specialize in healthcare, food, streaming media and ecommerce continue to flourish and prosper.

The lockdown has had an enormous effect on industries. People staying home has led to an explosion of streaming platforms; fitness routines can now be done digitally from within homes; online sales have surged; there's been more online shopping; while telehealth has seen greater usage as more individuals can gain care without worry over spreading disease.

Healthcare has seen a dramatic transformation from this relatively novel method of accessing health care. Companies using this technology can easily monitor patients and diagnose accurately for improved results.

COVID-19 has had an enormous effect on other industries as well, like travel and transport. The technology's impact can be felt across mobility at both macro- and micro levels in Europe's dense cities - providing fertile ground for innovative ideas to flourish.

At this conference,as a skilled developer we showcase companies from every imaginable sector who are developing unique ideas ranging from micro-mobility through vertical takeoff planes, electric delivery vehicles and buses/trains;

3. Europe Takes The Lead In Payments

Businesses and consumers alike desire an easy payment experience, so next-gen payment firms have taken this demand to heart when developing their products.

Companies now focus on building payment platforms capable of handling any payment method while offering insightful analytics without additional software installation or download.

Checkout, among the companies attending this year's conference, has made great strides since its creation. Their company now accepts almost any form of payment, whether online or offline, and customers don't require third-party software as analytics can be provided from within Checkout itself.

Therefore it is no surprise that these firms were among the first to seek payments from next-generation tech firms.

European startups are widely renowned for providing relief to traditional banking, specifically fees associated with foreign exchange rates and frequent travel abroad, thanks to the multiple currencies prevalent within their region and frequent foreign travel.

Companies like Revolut or Monzo have created loyal customer bases through single products like these and continue to reap success today.

Some of Europe's leading tech firms have also put considerable effort into revolutionizing payment processes entirely.

"Buy now and pay later" payments have grown increasingly popular in Germany and Sweden, where consumers want to avoid debt; Klarna currently processes 25% of online sales transactions there!

4. Covid-19 Has Been A Catalyst For Cyber Security And Regtech

The COVID-19 Crisis has both inspired technological innovation and renewed attention to cybersecurity issues. Since many industries now work remotely from their homes, maintaining an effective cybersecurity plan has become even more critical than before.

Many cyber tech firms now utilize artificial intelligence software to identify and track bad actors - this helps companies stay one step ahead of hackers.

Companies need to strike a balance between protecting themselves from attacks while remaining user-friendly for clients and consumers and providing superior user experiences while remaining compliant with regulatory compliance regulations.

A key process has become the "Know Your Customer" (KYC) process at many firms; regtech firms specialize in swiftly signing clients up quickly before monitoring for fraudulent activity; investors no longer prioritize only cybersecurity but seek balance among client satisfaction, security and regulatory compliance issues.

Cyber security will become even more of a focus with COVID-19's move to digital. Work that is increasingly done remotely increases its importance.

5. Europe's Capitals are Trying to Establish Themselves as the Next Silicon Valley

The European Technology Market presents unique challenges, including multiple languages, payment methods, and regulations that vary across regions.

But these differences also present great opportunities.

London and Paris/Berlin/other European cities have long been magnets of venture capital investment (VC). But in recent years, venture funds have begun spreading out throughout Europe - benefits which Showpad (Ghent Belgium) and KRY (Swedish Telehealth Platform), both presenters at this conference, have taken full advantage of.

"We believe that the industry is becoming more dispersed. London remains a prominent funding source, and many fintech and payment companies maintain headquarters there.

Still, other industries can be found all across the nation - unlike fintech payments or software, which cannot point directly at one city as dominant when forming new companies, e.g. Berlin, Munich, Stockholm, Paris, among many more; over time, it only seems natural for America's economic activity to move away from London towards other localities."

For the very first time, this year's European Tech Stars Conference is being hosted virtually - which allows more investors to attend.

Due to COVID-19 requirements, we had to adapt our format this year. Still, the response has been so favorable we believe virtual meetings and sessions will become part of the regular schedule.

Furthermore, presentations will combine virtual with face-to-face presentations.

Effective for investors, over 100 U.S. investors registered to attend this year. We would venture a guess and say hybrid models have taken hold here." It has become evident in such a short space of time.

While pandemic concerns remained dominant, tech industry players took up digital innovation challenges headlong.

As Vice-President of Business Development for a European company headquartered in London, We have an opportunity to engage with key decision-makers.

Recent conversations focused on what CxOs should pay attention to for 2025: what enterprises will focus their energies on and which opportunities present themselves this year. Through discussions with executives at Red Bull, Shell, and Pearson, we identified what we consider the six most prominent technology trends.

European businesses will encounter this year.

6. A Great Job Vacancy Will Lead to a New Technology Industry

The Great Resignation has long been an issue for America; however, Europeans experienced something slightly different: as Americans received their final stimulus check and furloughs ended, many individuals were forced to switch careers due to these and other pandemic measures, leading to an unprecedented surge in job openings within just months; these openings increased by an incredible 3.5M since summer alone, and EU jobs reached their highest percentage ever since 2010.

2025 will see hiring as the main challenge of business as industry-specific expertise becomes ever more sought-after and European startups (which recently hit an all-time funding record of EUR100B) provide innovation opportunities with their focus on core values and innovation.

Stability was once seen as essential; startups challenge this assumption through disruptive approaches while offering financial benefits of stability through new capital sources and funding models.

7. CxOs Prioritize ESG

Over the past decade, CSR has been used widely to refer to companies' "social and environmental concerns." But, over recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance, or ESG, has gained prominence as businesses have come to recognize social and environmental issues as core priorities rather than side concerns; by 2025, these ESG issues will become even more essential - how to achieve net zero, diversity hiring practices or data security policies among others could all become central elements in business strategy decisions.

Executives in Europe reported that ESG will be evaluated by vendors. 87% of CIOs surveyed noted a correlation between vendor ESG policies and technology strategies; reviewing them can assist companies in meeting milestones more easily, while those without clear ESG roadmaps and principles may face uncertain renewal rates.

8. Cloud Will Finally Reign In Europe

European executives initially faced difficulty when migrating services to the cloud due to regulations, privacy and data sovereignty concerns, creating more obstacles than their U.S.

counterparts. With digital transformation initiatives intensifying for businesses during the pandemic outbreak in 2018, executives became more comfortable using cloud models as digital transformation initiatives progressed further.

By 2025 when big data, real-time analytics, and AI technologies mature, more enterprises will switch services over to the cloud model.

European companies are well known for their privacy concerns (consider GDPR). Cloud computing still faces issues like data sovereignty, corporate governance and user rights that need resolving; CIOs in 2025 face an especially precarious position as new solutions emerge with biased algorithms and data-driven solutions that threaten user data sovereignty and rights.

9. Low Code/No Code Revolution

Platforms requiring low code or no code enable employees to develop software tailored specifically for them without learning programming languages.

While Europe's large enterprises have yet to embrace low code/no-code solutions in force, this should change by 2025 due to cloud computing's widespread deployment, shortage of technical talent shortage, and desire for digital innovation driving companies towards such solutions in the search for programming skills gaps bridge.

Low code/no code solutions can be dangerous to businesses, they could increase technical debt. Allowing employees to customize and program their software may result in various digital solutions which go unchecked by IT, thus leading to rising tech debts at 60% of European companies due to inadequate maintenance schedules; additionally, this allows a larger surface area for security breaches as enterprises seek balance by breaking free from siloed data silos that they spent the last decade liberating.

CIOs need an IT strategy which works collaboratively with knowledge workers and business managers towards an integrated approach if this approach is to succeed effectively moving forward successfully.

10. Cybersecurity is a Top Priority

2025 witnessed some of the largest attacks ever to target businesses. Ransomware attacks affecting Colonial Pipeline and JBS USA to JBS USA led cybersecurity trends for 2025, according to our third Annual CIO Innovation Index.

CIOs, CISOs and CIOs indicated in our index that most of their spending would go toward cybersecurity-related services in 2025.

Managed Service Providers are ideal targets since their IT structures of 1,many make them prime candidates. MSP usage in Europe will double over the next five years.

Attacking an MSP gives attackers greater impact. No wonder cybersecurity will become a top priority among companies by 2025 due to the "shift left", placing greater importance on quality during early development cycles.

Top Developers Security Tool ("DevSecOps") continues its rapid expansion.

11. Some Notable Mentions

2025 has brought many innovative concepts, so I must consider some that did not even make my top 6. These had come up repeatedly during discussions with European executives and thus must also be taken into consideration responsibly.

The system's purpose is to prevent anyone from hacking into, altering or manipulating its data without their authorization.

While its concept remains in theory, its implementation, in reality, may occur more directly over time as cryptocurrency continues its shift into distributed ledgers and DAOs; the Web2-to-Web3 transition could eventually create a fully decentralized internet.

Metaverse emerged during this past year and then took hold with Facebook changing their name to Meta, becoming more widely adopted with each passing year.

We're seeing the virtual world provide consumers and businesses with numerous possibilities ranging from fashion to real estate; businesses, governments, and individuals all seek ways to regulate it and use it effectively.

There's an answer for chip shortage - It was the ripple effect which started this crisis, driven by factors like the flu pandemic and trade wars, that contributed to a global shortage.

An invisible hand will correct the microprocessor industry by 2025 when supply is restored through working governments by giants increasing supply.

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Conclusion

Businesses, too, must adjust to new ways of parenting, working, and learning in this uncertain climate - including discovering insights, skills, and technologies acquired during such difficult times.

We owe it all to ourselves to come out on top!

This platform bridges Science, Industry and Society by sharing stories on future technologies while engaging directly with European audiences.

We want the public to appreciate that FET research, although far removed from daily reality on the surface level, must continue to create innovation and benefit society over time.

Kristian Q
CAD-CAM Technician

Introducing Kristian, a seasoned CAD-CAM Technician with an impressive 8 years of experience in the field. With a passion for design and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kristian has established himself as a go-to professional in the industry. His unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail sets him apart from the rest.With a friendly and approachable demeanor, Kristian is not only skilled in his craft but also excels at building strong relationships with clients. He understands the importance of effective communication and collaboration to ensure that every project is executed flawlessly.As a CAD-CAM Technician, Kristian possesses a wide range of skills that make him an invaluable asset to any team

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