Manutan Launches Sixth Edition of Moov’with Program, Offering Startup Support Beyond Venture Capital

Manutan Group announced the opening of applications for the sixth edition of its ‘Moov’with’ program, an entrepreneurial support initiative that provides operational and territorial-based accompaniment to startups, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional venture capital models during a slowdown in startup financing.

Dutch Public Transport Operator Qbuzz Launches AI Assistant Quby to Streamline Customer Service

Qbuzz, one of the first public transport operators in the Netherlands, launched Quby, an AI assistant that provides immediate answers to travelers and supports customer service staff during conversations. The assistant retrieves real-time travel information, supports multiple languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Arabic, Turkish), and intelligently routes complex issues to human agents while automating administrative tasks like transcriptions and summaries.

Swedish Robotics Startup Staer to Host Autonomy Conference in Malmö Next Year

Staer, a Swedish robotics startup, is organizing Autonomy, a one-day conference on September 14, 2026 in Malmö that brings together researchers, innovators, investors, and industry players in robotics and physical AI. The event is positioned between ECCV 2026 and The Drop conference, creating a convergence of key stakeholders in the Öresund region’s deeptech ecosystem.

Airbnb Expands Beyond Accommodation with AI Travel Features and Multi-Service Platform

Airbnb announced new functionalities including car rentals, grocery delivery through Instacart partnership, airport transfers via Welcome Pickups, baggage storage through Bounce, boutique hotel integration in 20 cities (including Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, New York), FIFA 2026 World Cup experiences, and AI-powered features for trip planning and customer support in 11 languages.

KPMG Portugal Launches Managed Services Division to Scale Enterprise AI Implementation

KPMG Portugal announced the launch of its Managed Services division focused on helping organizations transform AI adoption from isolated pilots to scalable, governed operations. The launch is aligned with an IDC study showing 98% of business leaders consider AI implementation critical, 91% see Managed Services as relevant for agentic AI delivery, and 87% have integrated these models into their digital transformation strategies.

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Powered Maritime Insurance Platform to Bypass International Sanctions

Iran launched Hormuz Safe, a digital maritime insurance platform paid exclusively in bitcoin, to issue compliance certificates for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The platform aims to circumvent SWIFT sanctions and international financial systems. The product is described by experts as a ‘political toll’ rather than traditional maritime insurance, covering geopolitical risks like inspections and ship seizures rather than standard maritime damages. International maritime lawyers warn the practice may violate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding freedom of navigation.