Tourlane, the AI-powered travel platform, has successfully raised €25 million in a Series D funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will fuel the company’s growth and innovation, enabling it to further enhance its personalized travel experiences and expand its global reach. Tourlane’s innovative approach leverages AI to curate customized travel itineraries, tailored to individual preferences and needs. By analyzing vast amounts of data, the platform can recommend the best destinations, accommodations, and activities, streamlining the travel planning process. The company’s focus on personalized travel experiences has resonated with customers, resulting in strong growth and a loyal user base. With this new funding, Tourlane aims to further refine its AI algorithms, expand its destination offerings, and enhance its customer support services. Andrew Reed, Partner at Sequoia Capital, commented, “Tourlane’s vision aligns perfectly with the growing demand for personalized and seamless travel experiences. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize the travel industry, and Tourlane is at the forefront of this transformation.” As Tourlane continues to innovate and expand, the company is committed to providing exceptional travel experiences while prioritizing sustainability and responsible tourism
A consortium of leading European organizations, including European Bioplastics, AIMPLAS, TotalEnergies Corbion, Novamont, Corbion, Sulapac, and Kaneka, has launched the ReBioCycle project. This ambitious initiative, led by University College Dublin and BiOrbic Bioeconomy SFI Research Centre, aims to develop and implement new technologies for recycling biobased biodegradable plastics. The ReBioCycle project focuses on separating and recycling three types of bioplastics: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and starch-based bioplastics. By re-adapting and upscaling existing sorting technologies, the project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and economic viability of bioplastic recycling at an industrial scale. Prof. Kevin O’ Connor, coordinator of the project, expects that the “ReBioCycle will scale up and demonstrate biobased biodegradable plastics recycling technologies. Biobased biodegradable plastics can be kept in the material cycle for as long as possible through innovative recycling technologies, thus demonstrating that end-of-life biobased biodegradable plastics can be used in the circular bioeconomy.” The project will also contribute to the development of a European blueprint for circular bioplastics, providing valuable insights into the state-of-the-art recycling technologies and their potential impact on the bioeconomy. This blueprint will support the implementation of EU policies such as the Bioeconomy Strategy, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the future Packaging…
Russia has made significant strides in its Arctic ambitions with the launch of the Chukotka, the fifth nuclear-powered icebreaker in its Project 22220 series. The ceremony, presided over by Russian President Vladimir Putin, took place at the Baltic Shipyard. The Chukotka, a 173-meter-long vessel capable of breaking ice up to three meters thick, will join the ranks of the Artika, Sibir, Ural, and Yakutia, which are already operational in the Northern Sea Route. The project aims to enhance Russia’s presence in the Arctic and facilitate year-round navigation in the region. President Putin emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Our entire domestic economy should be built on our own technologies and groundbreaking scientific solutions.” He further highlighted the strategic significance of the Northern Sea Route, emphasizing the need to improve navigation safety and reliability. The launch of the Chukotka marks a significant milestone for Russia’s Arctic development. The vessel will play a crucial role in supporting economic activities in the region, including shipping, resource extraction, and scientific research.
Latvia has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the commissioning of its first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS). The 10MW/20MWh BESS, located in Targale, Ventspils region, is integrated with the 58.8MW Targale Wind Park. Developed by Utilitas Wind, a subsidiary of Estonian energy company Utilitas, the BESS project is a €7 million investment. The system comprises six containerized BESS units, inverters, transformers, and a distribution point container. Hoymiles, a Chinese solar inverter manufacturer, provided the BESS enclosures and power conversion system inverters. The BESS will enable the storage of excess wind energy generated during periods of high production and its subsequent release to the grid during peak demand or low renewable generation. This will contribute to grid stability and enhance the overall reliability of the power supply. The opening event was attended by guests and dignitaries including Latvia’s climate and energy minister Kaspars Melnis, who said that hybrid energy parks that combine different clean energy technologies like wind and batteries “will become common practice in the future, ensuring a stable, minimally weather-dependent energy supply.” Melnis said the project set a high bar for wind farms in the country and noted their importance in the context of…
The Swedish government has announced the rejection of 13 applications for offshore wind farm projects in the Baltic Sea, south of the Sea of Åland. The decision was made due to concerns about potential impacts on national defense. Despite the potential for clean energy generation and the inclusion of precautionary measures in the project proposals, the government prioritized national security interests. Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari stated that the government carefully considered expert opinions and public input before making its decision. Defense Minister Pål Jonson emphasized the importance of national security in light of the current geopolitical situation. As a result of this decision, Hexicon’s joint venture company, Freja Offshore, will terminate work on its Cirrus and Dyning projects in Sweden. However, the company remains committed to its other projects, including the Mareld wind farm, which is currently under review by the Swedish government. This development highlights the complex interplay between energy transition goals and national security concerns. While renewable energy projects are essential for a sustainable future, governments must also consider broader geopolitical factors when making decisions about critical infrastructure.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Chemistry are at the forefront of a groundbreaking new laser technology project, SUPERLASER. This EU-funded initiative aims to develop a new type of laser based on halide perovskite materials, offering superior performance and environmental sustainability. The project, coordinated by the National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” in Athens, seeks to address the limitations of current laser technologies, such as their reliance on critical raw materials and thermal noise instability. By harnessing the unique properties of halide perovskites, SUPERLASER aims to create lasers that are more stable, precise, and environmentally friendly. Dr. Katherine Inzani’s group at the University of Nottingham is leading the theoretical aspects of the project, using computational techniques to identify and predict the properties of optimal perovskite materials. This research will guide the experimental work of the project partners, enabling the development of highly efficient and environmentally friendly laser devices. The SUPERLASER project is funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Programme and involves a consortium of nine partners from seven countries. “This ambitious European effort will take us from theoretical materials predictions all the way to device fabrication, establishing a new type of laser that will be crucial…
Paleo, a Belgian biotechnology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Vienna-based foodtech company Revo Foods. The collaboration, funded by the European Union with a total project volume of €2.2 million, aims to develop a more realistic and nutritious vegan salmon alternative. The two companies will leverage their expertise to create a myoglobin protein, derived from precision fermentation, that will be integrated into Revo Foods’ 3D structured vegan salmon filet, “THE FILET – Inspired by Salmon.” This innovative approach will enhance the product’s appearance, taste, and nutritional value, bringing it closer to the experience of eating real salmon. Paleo’s precision fermentation technology allows for the production of animal proteins without the use of animals. The company currently produces beef myoglobin and is expanding its portfolio to include other proteins such as chicken, pork, tuna, and even mammoth. Revo Foods, on the other hand, specializes in 3D food-printing technology, which enables the precise structuring of multiple materials, including fats and proteins. The partnership between Paleo and Revo Foods represents a significant step forward in the development of sustainable and innovative food solutions. By combining their expertise, the two companies aim to create a more sustainable and delicious food future.
Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group, through its fully owned subsidiary Aalborg Portland, have announced the launch of ACCSION, a groundbreaking carbon capture and storage (CCS) project. Located in Aalborg, Denmark, ACCSION aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from the Aalborg Portland cement plant. The project will utilize Air Liquide’s proprietary CryocapTM technology to capture, purify, and liquefy approximately 95% of the CO₂ emitted by the cement kilns. The captured CO₂ will then be integrated into a new pipeline infrastructure and transported to onshore CO₂ storage facilities. By the end of 2029, ACCSION is expected to avoid 1.5 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year of operation. This will make it one of the first full onshore CCS value chains in Europe, demonstrating a significant step towards decarbonizing the cement industry. The European Commission has recognized the importance of this project by awarding it 220 million euros in project support under the EU Innovation Fund. This funding will be instrumental in making a final investment decision and initiating the project’s execution. This collaboration between Air Liquide and Cementir Holding Group highlights their commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the industrial sector. By reducing CO₂ emissions from cement production, ACCSION…
The European Commission has approved the Reform Agendas of Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, following positive opinions from EU Member States. These ambitious reform plans outline the socio-economic and fundamental reforms that the five Western Balkan governments will undertake to spur growth and align with the EU. This crucial step enables the disbursement of funds from the EU’s €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, which will be made upon completion of agreed reform steps. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “I’m impressed by the work of our Western Balkan partners on their Reform Agendas. It shows that they are committed to the success of the Growth Plan. It’s our roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to ours. And to give their companies the access and the means to compete on our Single Market. Everyone benefits, and it’s a big leap forward towards the European Union”. The Reform Agendas focus on key areas such as rule of law, governance, digital and green transitions, human capital development, and the business environment. Each beneficiary country has also proposed a list of indicative investments to be funded under the Facility, which are aimed at unlocking socio-economic growth. The Commission…
Today marks the official launch of ReFarm, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making farming for nature a sustainable and scalable practice in Ireland. Launched by Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, ReFarm offers businesses a unique opportunity to support nature-positive actions on Irish farms, while complying with new EU sustainability reporting directives. Spearheaded by Dr. Brendan Dunford, founder of Burrenbeo Trust, and Anke Heydenreich, an impact investor, ReFarm is a collaborative effort between Trinity College Dublin, Burrenbeo Trust, and local and international organizations. The project has already begun funding the creation of wildlife ponds on Irish farms, a practice that will continue throughout its five-year lifespan to address biodiversity and climate challenges. Trinity College Dublin will spearhead a research program exploring long-term funding structures for businesses looking to invest in nature-positive actions on Irish farms. ReFarm has successfully secured over €1 million in seed funding from a diverse group, including RWE Ireland, John Paul Construction, CIE Tours, BiOrbic, Community Foundation Ireland, and Trinity Business School. Welcoming the ReFarm project Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, said: ‘Two thirds of the landmass of Ireland is farmland, so it’s only by working with farmers that…
