The European Commission has been spearheading numerous projects to advance the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across industries, particularly focusing on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and key enabling technologies (KETs). These advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and Internet of Things (IoT), are pivotal to driving innovation and fostering growth in Europe’s industrial sector. As industries evolve, their reliance on digital transformation continues to expand, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth and modernization.

On 3-4 October, during the Baltic business technology fair and conference “RIGA COMM 2024”, Ķīpsala International Expo Centre at Riga will turn into a venue where business owners, IT and business development professionals will be able to learn about newest trends in the world of technology, meet industry experts and discuss potential partnerships.

This year’s “RIGA COMM” will attract more than 100 ICT developers and suppliers from Baltic and other countries. The overall number of countries represented will exceed 10. Two-day event will also include presentations by more than 150 speakers from 12 countries. There will be 12 different conferences that will take place on one of the six stages.

^{Foto: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Petra Welzel}

More companies than ever before are presenting products and solutions in the field of electromobility at Automechanika in Frankfurt, the leading industry platform for the automotive aftermarket, taking place from 10 to 14 September. 

They include manufacturers from China like GEELY, BYD, AVATR, HONGQI, DSFK, CATL and more. This mirrors the rising demand for electric cars and new sales markets offering attractive new business opportunities for industry, workshops and dealers.

The 100th anniversary edition of IFA attracted more than 215,000 visitors from 138 countries, including over 133,000 trade visitors, who flocked to Berlin to witness cutting-edge innovation in consumer electronics and home appliances. Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and Digital Health were major themes at this year's event, which hosted more than 1,800 exhibitors.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz officially opened IFA 100 at a gala event on Thursday evening, followed by a tour showcasing the latest advancements across various sectors.

On May 16th and 17th, 2024, Riga will host the most prominent Deep Tech industry gathering in the Baltics, "Deep Tech Atelier 2024." Now in its sixth edition, this event will shine a spotlight on bio and space technologies, tackling vital issues for innovators. Organized by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), this conference will feature the European Space Agency (ESA) Day for the third time, emphasizing entrepreneurship and commercialization.

Claude, Anthropic’s trusted AI assistant, is now available for people and businesses across Europe to enhance their productivity and creativity. 

Starting today, they will be able to use:

Natron Energy, Inc. (“Natron” or “the Company”), the global leader in sodium-ion battery technology, today announced the commencement of commercial-scale operations at its sodium-ion battery manufacturing facility in Holland, Michigan. Natron’s milestone marks the first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. These batteries offer higher power density, higher cycles, a domestic U.S.

On the occasion of a delegation trip to Ukraine, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck opened the new production facility of Quantum-Systems GmbH in Ukraine. The plant opening took place on 18 April in the presence of the Ukrainian Minister of Strategic Industry, Oleksandr Kamyshin, and the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Defence, Ivan Hawryliuk. 

When Varanto is completed in 2028, it will be the world’s largest seasonal thermal energy storage facility in terms of size (1,1 million cubic meters) and capacity (90 GWh).

Vantaa Energy is building a seasonal thermal energy storage facility in Vantaa, Finland. Seasonal thermal energy storage is called Varanto. When completed in 2028, it will be the largest in the world by all standards (1,1 million cubic meters and 90 GWh). The operating principle of the seasonal thermal energy storage is to store heat in underground caverns so that it can be used to heat buildings via the district heating network whenever it is needed.