Sweden’s tech conference, Techarena, is taking place at The Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, bringing together executives, investors, and startups. The event, focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, offers opportunities for networking, investment, and industry insights.
Techarena 2025 began with an investor day on February 19, followed by a two-day conference on February 20–21, featuring speakers such as Virgin Group co-founder Sir Richard Branson, Tony Hawk, Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, and former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin.
During the event, companies announced significant funding rounds, acquisitions, and product launches, highlighting Techarena’s role in fostering industry growth and technological advancements.
Check them out below!
ICODOS joins €11M BeBOP Project
Mannheim-based ICODOS, a German company specialising in sustainable methanol production, has joined the Horizon Europe-funded BeBOP Project to advance e-methanol technology. The initiative has secured over €11M to enhance resource efficiency and carbon retention in methanol production, involving 12 partners from seven countries.
As part of the project, ICODOS is leading the development of a 3D-printed reactor for the BeBOP project, integrating it into a biomass and power-to-methanol plant in Finland. The system aims to achieve over 95 per cent carbon efficiency and grid-flexible operations, advancing sustainable methanol production.
In collaboration with its partners, ICODOS is driving commercial-scale applications that could prevent 30 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by combining biomass gasification, electrolysis, and methanol synthesis.
AI-BOB secures €2M
Swedish contech startup AI-BOB has raised €2M in funding, bringing its valuation to over €10M a year after its founding in early 2024. The company uses Artificial intelligence (AI) to help construction projects comply with regulations, environmental requirements, and industry standards.
The investment round was led by VC firm CapitalT, with funds allocated for product development and international expansion. The round also saw investments from Fund F, which supports female-founded companies, German construction-focused VC firm NCA, and a group of angel investors.
Co-founded by Mårtensson, Petter Wallberg, Rickard Svedenmark, and Olle Eriksson, AI-BOB is transforming the construction industry with AI-powered agents that detect blueprint errors before they become costly issues. Previously, AI-BOB received €300K from EB Invest and €130K from Norrsken Foundation.
Digiclean Solutions lands €200K
Sweden-based Digiclean Solutions has received a strategic investment from EIT Manufacturing through its Accelerate Call programme. The company develops sensor-driven technology to optimise chemical use and reduce waste in metalworking and manufacturing.
With the new funding, Digiclean Solutions plans to accelerate technology development and expand its reach across Europe and beyond.
Wellness app Scape to launch in the US
Scape, a wellness marketplace in Latin America, has announced plans to launch in the US by late 2025. Referred to as the “Uber of Spa”, the platform provides on-demand massages and facials for homes, corporate wellness programs, and hotels.
The startup, part of Techarena’s 2024 Time to Raise programme, is preparing for its pre-Series A funding round, aiming to raise $1M following its initial $1.3M round in 2023. Scape is engaging investors through pitch competitions and networking opportunities.
Cyberjuice secures €100K grant
Copenhagen-based SaaS startup Cyberjuice has received a €100K grant, co-funded by the NCC-DK, Danish Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, and the EU, to further develop its ‘Cybersecurity Habit Juicer’.
The AI-driven tool helps SMEs improve cybersecurity through personalised coaching, gamified learning, and real-time compliance tracking. At Techarena, Cyberjuice also announced the launch of its ‘Bootcamp for Startups’, designed to help high-growth tech companies streamline compliance.
Additionally, the company revealed a strategic merger with SecurityScientist to strengthen its leadership and expand its impact in cybersecurity compliance.
AUR+A develops first LinkedIn experience for smart glasses
San Francisco-based startup AUR+A has introduced a networking solution combining Augmented Reality (AR), AI, and facial recognition, creating a ‘LinkedIn for Smart Glasses’.
The company showcased the world’s first AR business cards using Smart Glasses in a live demo at Techarena, aiming to transform professional networking.
ICODOS unveils first Wastewater-to-E-Methanol plant in Mannheim
Mannheim-based deep-tech startup ICODOS has launched a pioneering e-methanol plant that converts wastewater into renewable shipping fuel. Developed from research at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the technology captures CO2 from biogas at wastewater treatment plants and combines it with hydrogen to produce methanol.
With support from KIT, EBS Mannheim, and the City of Mannheim, this demonstration project showcases a scalable, cost-efficient approach to carbon capture and sustainable fuel production.
ICODOS’ modular design enables widespread deployment across Europe, positioning wastewater as a valuable energy resource for the transportation and chemical industries.
Zymego expands into NHS GP practices
Stockholm-based digital health startup Zymego has launched in two NHS GP practices in the UK, aiming to reduce administrative workloads for healthcare staff and improve patient access.
The platform uses intelligent automation to fill cancelled appointments, helping to shorten waiting times. Zymego recently achieved a milestone of reducing over 1,000 years’ worth of cumulative waiting times.
ManoMotion releases hand-tracking toolkit
Stockholm-based deep-tech company ManoMotion has launched a software development kit on the Unity Asset Store, enabling XR developers to integrate vision-based AI hand-tracking and gesture control into their applications.
The toolkit allows for intuitive, controller-free interactions in AR/VR experiences, similar to those seen in the Apple Vision Pro.
ManoMotion develops vision-based AI technologies for hand tracking and gesture control. Its software-only and hardware-agnostic solutions use standard cameras and CPUs in smart devices and industrial machines.
The company’s technology serves various sectors, including industrial safety, human-machine interaction, professional head-mounted displays, and smart environments.
Aila Earth launches sustainability reporting tool
Helsinki-based Aila Earth has introduced its VSME European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) tool in Sweden, helping small and medium-sized businesses streamline sustainability reporting.
The AI-driven solution simplifies ESG compliance for accountants, enabling efficient reporting in line with EU regulations. Now available in English, Finnish, and Swedish, the tool expands accessibility across European markets.
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