The progression of intelligent automation in manufacturing and supply chain management has been nothing short of groundbreaking. From the early days of the Industrial Revolution to today's era of smart factories and agentic AI, the journey has been marked by continuous innovation and adaptation. This evolution has not only modernised production processes but has also redefined the role of human workers in these industries.

Valentine's Day is an occasion when hearts begin to race as we prepare for feelings of love – whether that's with your Valentine or your Galentine! This year, we are shining a light on the startups on a mission to keep the beat steady by focusing on heart health – ensuring that it'll be fluttering for years to come.

tozero, a European startup in sustainable lithium-ion battery recycling, has achieved a major breakthrough by producing battery-grade recycled graphite at industrial scale. For the first time, this 100% recycled anode material has been successfully used in battery cell production, proving its viability for commercial applications.

Mixed reality (MR) gaming startup MixRift has revealed significant growth milestones as the MR gaming market approaches an inflection point. With IDC forecasting global XR headset shipments to surge 44.2% to 9.7 million units in 2024, MixRift's strategy to focus on accessible, casual gaming has put them ahead of the curve.

Businesses will have to navigate increasingly complex requirements when handling people's data and contend with technologies that make privacy violations easier and more widespread. According to Krete Paal, CEO of the Estonian data protection startup GDPR Register, regulatory oversight of data protection is becoming stricter, with higher penalties for non-compliance.

Eleven early-stage companies working in oncology have started ‘Discovery Spark’, a free seven week development programme hosted by leading science and innovation campus Discovery Park, in Sandwich, Kent.

The Good Business Charter and its 1,000+ accredited organisations received a welcome boost as it celebrated five years of championing a clear commitment to responsible business practices towards people and planet.

Only 51% of part-time and full-time workers in the UK feel their employers provide support, resources or initiatives that improve their wellbeing, a new study from infinitSpace has revealed.

Bluebook, the AI-powered software specifically designed for savvy accounting firms eager to embrace AI innovation and transform traditional accounting practices, has announced it has raised $3 million in funding including $2.5 million pre-seed round led by EQT Ventures and a separate capital injection from Y Combinator. Angel investors in the pre-seed round include Huey Lin (Founding COO of Affirm), Laura Modiano (OpenAI) and Carles Reina (Eleven Labs).

Edmund, a Czech-based startup specialising in AI solutions for manufacturing, has closed a €500,000 pre-seed round led by Lighthouse Ventures, with Czech Founders VC,  Borovicka Capital, and deeptech investor Tensor Ventures joining. This round of fundraising will be used to enhance Edmund’s platform and expand its presence throughout the EU and US markets.

Breakthrough, an AI self-learning B2B sales messaging startup that launched at the end of 2024, has already secured $600,000 in a pre-seed round, and secured customers including Fortune 500 companies.

Gigged.AI, has released a 36-page report entitled ‘The AI Talent Crisis: How Skills-Powered Organisations Can Unlock the UK's Potential’ which has raised concerns over the deepening AI skills gap in the workforce, with an overwhelming 92% of companies prioritising upskilling in Generative AI. However, the report which surveyed UK businesses, also highlights a major concern: Government policies, particularly IR35 and rising

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a new AI playbook, guiding the ‘safe and effective’ use of AI in the public sector.

CUTISS AG, a life sciences company at the forefront of tissue engineering therapy and regenerative medicine, has announced positive long-term efficacy and safety readout in the Phase 2 clinical trials of denovoSkin in reconstructive surgery as well as in burns treatment.

With UK landlines (PSTN) being phased out by 2027, small businesses face a shift in how they communicate. Rinkel, the Dutch telecom provider for freelancers and SoHo, is expanding its virtual phone services to the UK, offering a reliable, future-proof alternative to traditional telephony.