Deeptech

Portuguese Drone Maker Tekever Demonstrates Rapid Deployment Capabilities by Retrofitting Systems for Ukraine

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Portuguese drone manufacturer Tekever showcased its operational agility by rapidly retrofitting autonomous systems for Ukrainian forces. The company participated in eRadar conference discussing Portugal’s defense industry growth, with drones representing approximately 20% of Portuguese defense exports. Discussion focused on Portugal’s potential to become a national champion in autonomous systems software and the opportunities presented by European defense investments through initiatives like Space Shield and Drone Shield.

Visabeira Indústria launches mandatory offer to take Martifer private at €2.057 per share

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Visabeira Indústria, in partnership with I’M (brothers Carlos and Jorge Martins) and Mota-Engil, launched a mandatory public acquisition offer for Martifer. The offer period runs from May 18 to June 3, 2026, at 2.057 euros per share. The three parties together control 85.59% of Martifer and are seeking to acquire the remaining 14.41% of shares. If successful, they intend to delist the company from the stock exchange.

Lake Como Venture Lab Opens Applications for Free Deeptech Accelerator in Italy

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Lake Como Venture Lab is a new accelerator program launched in Lecco, Italy, focused on deeptech startups in mechatronics and medtech. The program is coordinated by Confindustria Lecco and Sondrio in partnership with Politecnico di Milano and supported by the Chamber of Commerce Como-Lecco. The program is free and equity-free, offering 12 months of housing, laboratory access, scientific mentorship, business training, and direct access to the industrial ecosystem. Applications are open until June 30.

Portugal Positions Itself as Europe’s Space Gateway at eRadar Conference

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At the eRadar Annual Conference in Lisbon, Geosat CEO Francisco Cunha participated in a panel discussing Portugal’s unique position as a gateway for European space access and return. The discussion highlighted Portugal’s strategic Atlantic location, the importance of public-private partnerships in the aerospace sector, and the role of institutions like IPN in supporting space companies. Open Cosmos, a British company, is producing satellites at IPN facilities at a rate of approximately 10 satellites per year as part of the Atlantic Constellation project.

Dutch Defence Tech Startup Destinus Targets €200m Pre-IPO Raise Ahead of Public Markets Debut

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Destinus, a Dutch defence tech startup founded in 2021, is in talks to raise approximately €200m in a pre-IPO funding round, seeking a valuation above €5bn based on forecast annual revenues of €500m. The company, which develops drones and cruise missiles, recently acquired Swiss autonomous pilot startup Daedalean for $225m to strengthen its AI and autonomous flight capabilities.

Romanian Aerospace Startup BraveX Aero Partners with Romaero to Scale UAV Production for European Defense Market

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BraveX Aero, a Romanian private aerospace company specializing in advanced unmanned aerial systems with fixed wings and jet propulsion, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Romaero, a historic Romanian aerospace company, to collaborate on developing and scaling unmanned aerial systems for the European defense and security market. The partnership combines BraveX Aero’s technological agility and innovation in autonomous systems with Romaero’s industrial experience and aerospace production infrastructure. BraveX Aero is also pursuing a seed funding round by the end of 2026 and has secured a new order from a major European defense industry player for Romania’s first jet-powered drone capable of speeds up to 500 km/h.