The 3DEXPERIENCE Lab, from Dassault Systèmes, is an open innovation laboratory and startup accelerator that focuses on empowering and nurturing startups, entrepreneurs, and makers as they develop groundbreaking projects.

Recent economic turbulence, marked by high inflation, has put a huge amount of pressure on SMEs. But despite the challenging environment, some business operations, notably overseas travel, appear to be doing well.

If I said the words travel technology to you, what springs to mind? Booking.com? Uber? TripAdvisor? But what about business travel technology? In 2022, the UK’s business travel sector was valued at £27.5 billion, and around nine million Brits travel on business every year, so, it’s an important question as the tech impacts not only the travellers, but also the corporates and travel management companies responsible for managing their trips and keeping them safe.

For many people, working, providing for a family, trying to find time for yourself and managing the many pressures of everyday life is tough. This could not be truer for those of us who run our own businesses, especially in a challenging economic climate.

Standing trackside at the recent Monaco Grand Prix alongside our portfolio of tech startup founders, there was a sense of alignment as we watched on as the finest in cars, engineering, and driving precision went head-to-head around one of the world’s most renowned circuits.

Real World Health has closed a £1.37 million funding round to help the NHS make better use of its data and address critical challenges like surgery backlogs and mental health.

Yusen Logistics, a player in supply chain solutions, provides businesses with ocean and air freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution services and supply chain management that provide reliability, excellence and value.

Artificial intelligence was the star of the European Digital Mindset Awards 2024, presented at the DES – Digital Enterprise Show, which recognise the best companies and professionals who are committed to integrating exponential technologies into their business model.

Sidekick, a modern wealth management platform that offers the financial benefits typically reserved for the ultra-wealthy, has raised £4.5 million in a seed round and £4 million through a debt facility, totalling £8.5 million. This funding will help the startup grow its team, expand its product offerings, and secure a European license.

The UK trails behind European counterparts when it comes to technology skills – despite lofty science and technology superpower aims.

Digital Enterprise Show (DES) closed its eighth edition with the attendance of 17,157 executives from 41 countries. During three days, DES 2024 analysed the impact of the application of artificial intelligence, along with other digital solutions such as blockchain, data analytics and cybersecurity, on business. What is already the largest European summit on exponential technologies confirms that DES2025 will be held from 10 to 12 June in Málaga, Spain.

Imagine the scene. It’s November 2023 and the UK government is hosting the inaugural AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park. The broad consensus is that the UK is strongly positioned to stake a claim for global AI leadership. As recently as February, things seemed to be on the same trajectory with the government proclaiming a “pro-innovation” approach to regulating AI.

At some point in time, all startup founders consider monetisation of their business. Personally, I believe that if there's an opportunity to monetise from day one, it should be pursued immediately. A startup that earns revenue from the start gains a significant advantage over competitors who are still striving for profitability.

Artificial intelligence was the star of the European Digital Mindset Awards 2024, the awards presented at the Digital Enterprise Show (DES), which recognise the best companies and professionals who are committed to integrating exponential technologies into their business model. The awards received more than 275 nominations of outstanding projects for their inspiring and innovative approach in areas such as customer experience, IT management or sustainability based on digital solutions.

Being able to access data and insights is a non-negotiable in today’s business world. Implementing an efficient, up-to-date IT system is no longer just a tactic to try and gain a competitive advantage; it's now a hygiene factor when it comes to ensuring day-to-day operations continue to run smoothly.

Insights from small business insurer Simply Business showed that SMEs would invest more in expansion plans – including increasing staff headcount, expanding stock, and innovating new products – if the government provided the right conditions.

Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, Dr Ben Maruthappu, has called for the next UK government to embrace the potential of preventative tech to save lives and solve the NHS crisis.

NGP Capital announced the results of its second, annual deep dive into the DACH startup ecosystem’s investment landscape.

Robin AI, the AI-powered legal assistant, announces a new product line, Robin AI Reports, which automates a key piece of due diligence and negotiations, providing a boost to the sluggish pace of M&A.

AccountsIQ has secured a €60M Series C investment from Axiom Equity, a specialist B2B SaaS growth equity fund.