Growth

Italian Biotech Firm Sends Bone Substitute to International Space Station in Landmark Research Mission

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GreenBone Ortho, an Italian biotech company specializing in bone regeneration, sent its innovative b.Bone bone substitute to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS-34 on May 15-16, 2026. The experiment aims to test how human bone cells adhere, proliferate, and differentiate on the scaffold material in microgravity conditions. The research is a collaboration with San Martino Hospital and University of Genova, with technical partners Kayser Space and Comat providing the specialized equipment. Initial results are expected by end of 2026.

Fin Launches Operator, an AI Agent to Manage Its Customer-Facing AI Agent

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Fin (formerly Intercom) announced Fin Operator, an AI agent that manages the customer-facing Fin AI agent. The product targets support operations teams, automating data analysis, knowledge management, and agent debugging. It runs on Anthropic’s Claude models and includes a human approval system for all proposed changes. The company recently rebranded from Intercom to Fin, signaling that AI agents are now the core business. Fin generates 100 million ARR and is growing at 3.5x, accounting for roughly a quarter of total company revenue.

Portuguese holding company Semapa reports 513.3 million euros in Q1 profits from cement division sale

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Portuguese holding company Semapa reported Q1 2026 results showing 513.3 million euros in profits, primarily from the sale of cement company Secil for 1.4 billion euros. Operating performance declined with consolidated revenue at 478.4 million euros (down 14.1%) and EBITDA contracting 40.7% to 70.9 million euros. The company invested 102.9 million euros, including reinforced investment in Gropyus and new investments in CarbonRe and Sybilion through its venture capital arm Semapa Next.

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.

Italian Water Treatment Specialist Iride Acque Secures €3 Million Investment from Credem Euromobiliare Private Asset

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Iride Acque, a company specialized in industrial water treatment, received a 3 million euro investment from Credem Euromobiliare Private Asset. The investment marks an important step in building a structured industrial group in the industrial water treatment sector. The company has already acquired Biemme Engineering in 2023 and Bieffe Costruzioni in this operation, creating a vertically integrated group covering design, installation, maintenance and remote management of water treatment plants.

Grupo Brisa Reports Strong 2025 Growth With €1.23 Billion in Revenue Following Strategic Merger

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Grupo Brisa, Portugal’s highway concessions operator, reported 2025 revenues of 1,231.6 million euros, a 13% increase from 2024. The group completed a merger with Rubicone BidCo effective January 1, 2025, strengthening its financial capacity. Net income was 173.4 million euros (down 44% from 2024 due to accounting effects of the merger). EBITDA increased 5.3% to 860.9 million euros. The group invested 109 million euros in infrastructure maintenance and improvements, a 25.9% increase from the previous year.

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.

Italian Startup TackPay Builds Digital Infrastructure for Hospitality Tipping

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TackPay is an Italian startup that has developed a digital platform for sending, receiving, and managing tips transparently and customizably. The platform allows customers to leave tips via QR codes, NFC tags, email links, or WhatsApp without downloading an app, while providing businesses with end-to-end tip management infrastructure including digital tip jars, transaction monitoring, feedback collection, and staff distribution management. The company has expanded beyond Italy to serve customers across Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Milan’s Gruppo Cap Approves €1 Billion Water Infrastructure Plan Through 2037

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Gruppo Cap, the integrated water utility serving the Milan metropolitan area, approved a major industrial plan update through 2037 with total investments reaching over 1 billion euros by 2033. The plan focuses on infrastructure modernization, climate resilience, emerging micropollutant management, digitalization and cybersecurity. The company reported 2025 revenues of 500.5 million euros with 36.4 million euros net profit.

Bolt Users in Romania Increasingly Taking 400+ km Intercity Rides on Ride-Sharing Platform

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Bolt announced that Romanian users are increasingly using its ride-sharing platform for long-distance intercity trips of over 400 km. The company clarified the legal framework allowing alternative transport operators to conduct both permanent services within their home locality and occasional services to other locations. Notable long-distance rides include a 469 km journey from Timișoara to Miercurea Ciuc.