All News

Today in Munich GE launches a $200M venture fund for smart grid technology. Can this also help electrify Europe’s innovation machine?

Smart grids are the route to tapping solar and wind power, guaranteeing energy security, and delivering on the EU’s carbon emission targets. But can they be delivered?

Ireland has launched a €500 million innovation fund as a lure to attract international venture capital firms to set up European operations in the country.

The Commission is distancing itself from the row over the cultivation of genetically-modified crops, by handing responsibility for their cultivation to member states.

The high-level group set up to advise the European Commission on the deployment of key enabling technologies has held its first meeting.

With their promise of energy self-sufficiency and job creation, smart grids are seen as the next industry gold rush.

In the last two years the number of exists has fallen by 40 per cent and the total amount of VC funding is down 50 per cent, according to new research by NESTA.

GE is joining four US VCs in putting up $200M for open innovation in electricity generation, transmission and use, to deliver the environmental promise of smart electricity grids.

Europe’s Court of Justice has delivered its first-ever judgment on the extent of protection of biotech patents under the EU Biotechnology Directive.