European deeptech ventures, particularly in space and dual-use technologies, are attracting significant capital, complemented by ongoing EU support for SME research and innovation.

Welcome to EU Pulse. This week, European deep tech ventures, particularly in space and defense, secured substantial venture capital, complementing ongoing EU funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. Indeed, the private capital flow is significant. Our number of the day, one billion euros, highlights Finnish satellite startup ICEYE co-leading Europe's largest deep tech round, signaling major investment in strategic sectors. That $1 billion round for ICEYE marks the inaugural investment by the Scaleup Europe Fund, underscoring Europe's commitment to cultivating large-scale technology companies in critical areas like space. This investment showcases a broader trend of increasing private capital in European space technology. Projects like Astrolift, developing autonomous spacecraft, are also advancing sustainable in-orbit servicing. Moving from large-scale satellite tech to managing orbital assets, Portuguese firm NeuroSpace has landed $15.6 million to expand its AI space intelligence platform. This funding addresses the critical demand for intelligent solutions to manage orbital assets and mitigate collision risks. Their AI-enabled platform enhances space domain awareness and traffic management. And in dual-use technology, Spanish drone company Fuvex secured $3 million in an oversubscribed funding round. This capital will accelerate their commercial and international expansion within the strategically important European dual-use drone market, serving both civilian and defense applications. These private investments are certainly making waves, but EU funding also continues to play a vital role in supporting innovation across the continent. Absolutely. Over the past five years, more than 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises have participated in Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions projects. This provides crucial access to talent and research for SMEs, directly fostering innovation across a diverse range of European industries. It demonstrates a comprehensive approach, combining significant private capital in strategic deep tech with foundational EU support for broader innovation and talent development. From space infrastructure to drone technology and SME support, Europe's tech landscape is certainly dynamic. That's all for today's EU Pulse. For more details on these stories and others, please visit eu.eu.