Global agrifoodtech accelerator Eatable Adventures has unveiled the findings of its annual report, “The State of Agrifoodtech in Spain 2025.” Developed with the institutional support of ICEX, the report provides an in-depth analysis of Spain’s food innovation landscape in a year once again marked by a global contraction in venture capital.

Experts have noted that while this year was challenging for Estonian founders and investors, the ecosystem remains in strong shape and is among the world’s most successful and efficient. Estonian startups are contributing three times more to Estonia’s GDP this year than five years ago, and rising profits are increasingly replacing investor funding.

With UK businesses facing sluggish growth and tighter budgets, companies are increasingly turning to AI to improve efficiency and sharpen their competitiveness. This shift has driven a 66% surge in demand for freelancers skilled in AI video creation over the past six months, according to new data from Fiverr International.

The ongoing war in Ukraine and strong international interest in innovative solutions in the defence industry are driving the growth of startups operating in the Estonian defence industry. According to investors, the defence industry may become the flagship of the Estonian startup sector in 2026.

The Hustle Awards is back for 2026, and will be better than ever. The awards are the perfect opportunity for startups and businesses to showcase their achievements, gain industry recognition, and celebrate all of the great work they are doing! Entries open on the 12th January, so take some time to explore the categories, and decide which ones you want to enter.

Forest has announced Octopus Energy as its official energy partner, helping pedal London towards cleaner, cheaper travel. 

NatWest Group has opened applications for the second year of its Fintech Programme, targeting fintechs across the UK that are using AI to help redefine the future of customer experience in financial services.

European small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are rapidly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their operations, driven by economic pressures, competitive demands, and the promise of greater productivity. However, new research from Sharp Europe, a leading provider of business technology products and services, reveals that while 72% of UK SME owners now trust AI more than they did a year ago, concerns remain about the workforce’s ability to keep up.

The UK and Canada have agreed a deal to strengthen technology ties at a G7 Ministerial meeting, accelerating digitalisation for public services through tackling outdated technology, cyber threats, and driving growth with AI adoption among SMEs.

UK entrepreneurs and SME leaders are staying loyal but looking abroad. New data from e-Residency shows 90% would still start their business in Britain, yet 57% say post-Brexit barriers make the EU more attractive for expansion.

Mollie, one of Europe's fastest-growing financial service providers, has signed an agreement to acquire GoCardless. The strategic combination creates one provider serving over 350,000 businesses that integrates card payments, local methods, and bank payments into a single solution. 

2026 is almost here. SME owners felt the squeeze during 2025, with increases to the rate of National Insurance Contribution for employers and increases to the minimum wage resulting in higher per-employee costs.

monday.com has released the UK findings from its latest World of Work report. Surveying 500 UK and US directors on what will shape AI adoption in 2026, the data reveals that 78% of UK directors do not expect AI to reduce headcount within their teams next year – and almost a third (32%) actually expect to hire more because of it.

Ignite Next has announced its launch as Europe’s new scale-up programme for deeptech innovation, designed to bridge the gap between early-stage founders and industrial-scale success.

Harley Street Health District and AlbionVC announce a strategic partnership designed to expand access to transformative healthcare technologies and accelerate the adoption of new models of care in the UK.

A 15-year Impact Study of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) UK programme reveals alumni have created approximately £2.7bn in additional revenue and 41,000 additional new jobs across the UK.

Natalie Portman and biomaterial company UNCAGED Innovations have announced a partnership. Portman, a long-standing advocate for animal welfare and ethical consumerism, will work with the company to promote the adoption of sustainable, animal-free materials within the luxury and fashion sectors.

The world's most iconic startup event 4YFN26 will return to the halls of Fira de Barcelona’s iconic Gran Via during MWC26 Barcelona next year for a groundbreaking showcase of 2026’s most exciting startups. Selected from hundreds of submissions, 2026’s Top 20 startups showcase the brightest ideas and leading minds from across five key industry categories. 

Sustainable Ventures and Barclays Eagle Labs announced the launch of The National Climate Tech Accelerator (NCTA), a new programme designed to rapidly scale high-potential climate tech startups across the UK.

Britain is on the verge of an entrepreneurship boom which could change its employment make-up and significantly boost the economy, new research has revealed. One in 10 (10%) Brits want to start a business in the next year. If all of these people were to do so, the number of businesses operating in the UK would almost double.