Articles tagged with "innovation"
The TechCrunch Disrupt Stage revealed: Behold the first look
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will feature the Disrupt Stage as the central hub for major tech announcements, startup competitions, and industry insights. Highlights include the Startup Battlefield competition, where founders compete for a $100,000 prize and exposure, judged by prominent venture capitalists like Aileen Lee and Kirsten Green. The event will showcase influential speakers such as Alphabet’s Astro Teller discussing AI and moonshot projects, Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone on streaming innovation, and Vinod Khosla offering candid predictions on tech’s future. Other notable presentations include Sequoia Capital’s Roelof Botha on emerging venture trends, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana on autonomous vehicle realities, and Slate Auto unveiling its first fully customizable electric truck. Additional sessions will cover diverse topics such as cloud computing growth with Box CEO Aaron Levie, consumer AI scaling by Phia founders including Phoebe Gates, and investor Kevin Rose’s perspectives on reinvention and future opportunities. The event takes place October 27
energyelectric-vehiclesautonomous-vehiclesAItech-startupsventure-capitalinnovationToyota Woven City Officially Launches as a Test Course for the Future of Mobility - CleanTechnica
Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota, Inc. have officially launched Woven City, a real-world test course for future mobility located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Initially unveiled at CES 2020, Woven City is designed as a living laboratory where innovation in mobility and related technologies can be developed and tested. The project centers around two key participant groups: Inventors and Weavers. Inventors include enterprises, startups, entrepreneurs, and research institutions collaborating to create new products and services through a concept called Kakezan, meaning “multiplication,” which emphasizes innovation through the convergence of diverse ideas and capabilities. Among the 20 Inventors is singer-songwriter Naoto Inti Raymi, who contributes a creative dimension by producing the city’s anthem and audio logo. The Weavers are the residents and visitors who live in and experience Woven City firsthand, providing essential feedback to shape ongoing innovations. Since September 2025, Toyota Group employees and their families have begun
robotIoTsmart-citymobilityinnovationToyotaurban-technologyHow robotics startups can avoid costly IP mistakes
The article emphasizes the critical importance of intellectual property (IP) management for robotics startups, highlighting that strong IP protection can safeguard innovations, deter competitors, and attract investment. Robotics companies operate at the intersection of hardware, software, AI, and data, making a comprehensive IP strategy essential. Key forms of protection include patents, which guard core technologies and incremental improvements; trade secrets, especially for algorithms and manufacturing know-how; trademarks for brand identity; and copyrights for software. A well-rounded approach integrating these protections can differentiate startups that successfully scale. For software-based innovations, particularly AI-driven robotics, the article advises combining patents, trade secrets, and copyrights to cover unique technical solutions and code. Startups must avoid common pitfalls such as public disclosure before filing patents, neglecting incremental improvements, failing to secure IP ownership from contractors, and undervaluing trade secrets. Conducting freedom-to-operate analyses and patent landscape reviews helps avoid infringement on patents held by established companies and identifies innovation opportunities. Finally, an international patent strategy
roboticsintellectual-propertyAIpatentstrade-secretsstartupsinnovation2008 Headline From The Onion Echoes Strongly Today - CleanTechnica
The article reflects on a 2008 satirical headline from The Onion that remains relevant today, particularly in the context of stock market behavior and investor psychology. It highlights how wealthy investors, who are less affected by economic downturns, tend to keep their money invested in stocks despite market volatility, driven by the hope of long-term growth and the search for the next big opportunity. Tesla is used as a prime example: once seen as a disruptive growth company revolutionizing the automotive industry, it has faced declining sales and missed targets in other sectors like solar power and heavy-duty trucks. Yet, many investors continue to hold Tesla stock due to the lack of a clear alternative with a similarly compelling growth story. The article also points out that this phenomenon is not limited to Tesla but extends to other high-profile investments like Bitcoin, NVIDIA, and Oracle, where investors are eager to find hypergrowth opportunities. Despite Tesla’s recent struggles outside the car market, the absence of a "next Tesla" leaves investors reluctant to move
energyTeslastock-marketclean-energyelectric-vehiclesinvestmentinnovationWhy Nations Fail, Revisited: America’s Institutional Drift & China’s Cleantech Rise - CleanTechnica
The article revisits the 2012 book "Why Nations Fail" by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson, which argued that inclusive political and economic institutions are essential for sustained prosperity. The authors originally positioned the United States as a model of such institutions, characterized by pluralism, rule of law, and a culture that embraces creative destruction, while portraying China as limited by extractive political institutions that would eventually hinder its long-term growth. However, the article notes that by 2025, this forecast appears inverted: America is experiencing institutional erosion, with political attacks on constitutional norms, civil service, universities, and scientific research, alongside protectionist economic policies that resist innovation and creative destruction. In contrast, China has aggressively invested in education and technology, producing a vast number of STEM graduates and maintaining strong support for research and development. This investment has enabled China to surge ahead in fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, challenging the earlier assumptions that its political system would stifle innovation. The article suggests that
energycleantecheconomic-institutionsinnovationtechnology-deploymenteconomic-prosperitypolitical-institutionsAstro Teller, “Captain of Moonshots,” joins TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 this October
Astro Teller, known as the "Captain of Moonshots," will be a featured speaker at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. As the head of Alphabet’s X (the Moonshot Factory), Teller has led the organization for over a decade, overseeing groundbreaking projects such as Waymo (self-driving cars) and Wing (delivery drones). His leadership focuses on tackling ambitious, high-impact technological challenges, making him a prominent figure in innovation. Beyond his role at X, Teller is also a novelist, entrepreneur, investor, and academic, holding degrees from Stanford and Carnegie Mellon. His diverse background provides a unique perspective on the future of technology and innovation. With AI rapidly advancing and reshaping possibilities, his insights on thinking bigger, embracing failure, and building impactful solutions are particularly relevant. Attendees of Disrupt 2025 will have the opportunity to learn directly from Teller’s experience and vision, making the event a must
robotautonomous-vehiclesdronesinnovationAItechnologymoonshot-projectsThe 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 is here — see who made the cut
TechCrunch has announced the 2025 Startup Battlefield 200, a curated list of the 200 most promising early-stage startups worldwide selected from thousands of applications. These startups, spanning diverse sectors such as AI, climate, health, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech, will showcase their innovations at Disrupt 2025, held October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. The event, sponsored by Google Cloud, offers a unique platform where startups can demo new technologies, pitch to leading global venture capitalists, and compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the prestigious Disrupt Cup. The Startup Battlefield has a strong track record of launching category-defining companies like Dropbox, Cloudflare, and Discord, with alumni collectively raising over $32 billion and achieving 250 exits. The top 20 finalists from the Battlefield 200 will be revealed live on the first day of Disrupt. Founders whose startups made the list will receive follow-up communications with next steps, while
robotenergyclean-techstartupsinnovationtechnologytech-startupsThe wait is almost over: The 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list drops tomorrow
TechCrunch is set to announce the 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list on Wednesday, August 27, at 9:00 a.m. PT. This list features a curated selection of the most promising early-stage startups from thousands of global applications, who will compete at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 in San Francisco. The event marks the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, a platform that has historically launched successful companies like Dropbox, Cloudflare, Fitbit, and Discord. The top 20 finalists from the Battlefield 200 will be revealed on the first day of Disrupt, where they will compete live for a $100,000 prize and the Disrupt Cup. Last year’s winner, Salva Health, gained recognition for its portable breast cancer detection device aimed at underserved rural populations. Other notable finalists included geCKo Materials, which innovated in adhesive technology. The Startup Battlefield competition is presented by Google Cloud and continues to be a
materialsstartupsinnovationadhesive-materialsbreakthrough-technologytech-startupsTechCrunch-DisruptGeSI & Greentown Labs Form Partnership to Fast-Track Startup-Corporate Collaborations in Climatetech - CleanTechnica
GeSI, a global cross-industry business association focused on digital solutions for sustainability, has partnered with Greentown Labs, the world’s largest climatetech and energy startup incubator, to accelerate collaborations between startups and major corporations in the climatetech sector. GeSI represents a membership base with over $3.4 trillion in market capitalization and has a 25-year history of forming strategic partnerships with global organizations, providing research and tools to guide sustainable ICT policies. Greentown Labs supports over 200 climatetech startups by offering resources such as labs, corporate connections, and educational programs, while working closely with industry leaders to advance climate and innovation goals. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster groundbreaking collaborations that address climate change challenges and promote economic growth and sustainable development. Initiatives under this collaboration will include networking events, joint projects, investment opportunities, mentorship programs, knowledge sharing, and resource exchanges. Leaders from both organizations emphasize the potential for startups and established businesses to mutually
energyclimatetechsustainabilitystartupsinnovationpartnershipsdigital-solutionsMeet the first batch of VCs set to judge Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 in San Francisco, will feature the top 20 startups selected from thousands of applicants competing for a $100,000 equity-free prize and significant industry exposure. This competition has a strong legacy of launching successful companies like Dropbox, Mint, Vurb, and Cloudflare. The event promises intense pitching sessions judged by leading venture capitalists who will rigorously evaluate each startup’s potential through candid Q&A, providing insights into what excites or concerns top investors. The first group of judges announced includes five prominent VCs: Philip Clark of Thrive Capital, known for investments in AI and robotics companies; Madison Faulkner of NEA, specializing in data, AI, and developer tools; Leslie Feinzaig, founder of Graham & Walker VC, focused on disruptive founders and public market innovation; and Ilya Kirnos, co-founder and CTO of SignalFire, who leverages AI-driven data platforms to identify promising
robotAIroboticsstartupventure-capitaltechnologyinnovationThe wait is almost over: The 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list drops August 27
TechCrunch is set to announce the 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list on August 27 at 9:00 a.m. PT, featuring the most promising early-stage startups selected from thousands of global applications. These startups will compete at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 in San Francisco, marking the event’s 20th anniversary. The Startup Battlefield has historically launched major tech companies such as Dropbox, Cloudflare, Fitbit, and Discord, and continues to spotlight the next generation of innovative startups. Last year’s winner, Salva Health, gained recognition for its portable breast cancer detection device aimed at underserved rural populations. Other notable startups included geCKo Materials, which is innovating adhesive technology to disrupt the Velcro industry. The top 20 finalists from the 2025 cohort will be revealed on the first day of Disrupt, competing live for a $100,000 prize and the Disrupt Cup. The competition is sponsored by Google Cloud and led
materialsadhesivesstartupinnovationtechnologybreakthroughresearchZayed Sustainability Prize Sees Surge in Global Participation with 7,761 Entries - CleanTechnica
The Zayed Sustainability Prize, a global award based in the UAE now in its 17th year, has seen a significant surge in participation for its 2026 cycle, receiving 7,761 entries from 173 countries—a 30% increase from the previous cycle. The Prize recognizes innovative solutions across six categories: Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools, with a focus on empowering SMEs, nonprofits, and schools to scale sustainable innovations that improve lives, particularly in vulnerable communities. This year’s submissions highlight a growing integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, direct air carbon capture, and fintech tools with community-led approaches, emphasizing inclusive, locally adapted development. Notably, around 85% of entries came from developing and emerging economies, with India, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, Brazil, and Indonesia among the top contributors, alongside developed nations like the UAE and the USA. The Food and Climate Action categories attracted the most submissions, reflecting urgent global concerns about food security
energysustainabilityclean-energyAI-technologyclimate-actioninnovationglobal-developmentTrump’s AI strategy trades guardrails for growth in race against China
The Trump administration released its AI Action Plan, marking a significant departure from the Biden administration’s more cautious stance on AI risks. The new strategy prioritizes rapid AI infrastructure development, deregulation, and national security to compete with China, emphasizing growth over guardrails. Key elements include expanding data centers—even on federal lands and during critical energy grid periods—while downplaying efforts to mitigate AI-related harms. The plan also proposes workforce upskilling and local partnerships to create jobs tied to AI infrastructure, positioning these investments as essential to a “new golden age of human flourishing.” Authored by Trump’s technology and AI experts, many from Silicon Valley, the plan reflects input from over 10,000 public comments but remains a broad blueprint rather than a detailed roadmap. It includes efforts to limit state-level AI regulations by threatening to withhold federal funding and empowering the FCC to challenge state rules that affect communications infrastructure. On the federal level, the administration seeks to identify and remove regulations that impede AI innovation. Dereg
energyAI-infrastructuredata-centersderegulationtechnology-policynational-securityinnovationTrump is set to unveil his AI roadmap: Here’s what to know
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to unveil his AI Action Plan, marking his first major address on artificial intelligence since beginning his second term. The plan aims to outline the administration’s strategies and priorities for AI, replacing the previous administration’s approach that emphasized safety, security reporting, and reducing bias in AI models. Trump’s plan is expected to focus on accelerating American AI development by easing regulatory burdens on AI companies, particularly by overhauling permitting rules to speed up AI data center construction and modernizing the electrical grid to meet increased energy demands. This approach reflects a broader push to promote U.S. innovation and global leadership in AI technology. The AI Action Plan reportedly centers on three pillars: infrastructure, innovation, and global influence. Infrastructure efforts will address energy and permitting challenges for AI data centers, while innovation initiatives aim to reduce regulatory barriers, potentially limiting federal oversight on AI safety standards. On the global stage, the administration seeks to promote American AI models and chips internationally to maintain technological dominance amid rising competition
AIenergy-consumptiondata-centersinfrastructureinnovationAI-policytechnology-strategyAt least 36 new tech unicorns were minted in 2025 so far
In 2025, at least 36 new tech startups have achieved unicorn status, each valued at over $1 billion, driven largely by the surge in AI-related investments. However, the wave of new unicorns also spans diverse sectors including satellite technology and blockchain-based trading platforms. Notable examples include Loft Orbital in the satellite space industry and Kalshi, a blockchain-based trading site valued at $2 billion. The data, compiled from Crunchbase and PitchBook and tracked by TechCrunch, highlights a dynamic startup ecosystem with significant venture capital backing from prominent investors such as Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and General Catalyst. Among the highlighted startups, Thinking Machines stands out with a remarkable $10 billion valuation following a $2 billion seed round, founded by OpenAI alumna Mira Murati. Other significant unicorns include Function ($2.5 billion valuation), Kalshi ($2 billion), and several companies valued between $1 billion and $1.6 billion,
robotAI-startupstechnology-unicornsventure-capitalinnovationtech-fundingstartup-ecosystemTrump’s 2025 R&D Retreat Ignores Key Lessons from "The Entrepreneurial State" - CleanTechnica
The article critiques the Trump administration’s 2025 plan to reduce government R&D investment, contrasting it with insights from Mariana Mazzucato’s 2024 book, which highlights the essential role of state-led innovation in driving transformative technologies. Mazzucato challenges the common belief that breakthrough innovation is primarily driven by private firms, emphasizing that governments have historically borne the significant risks of early-stage, radical research. She provides examples such as the internet, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, where foundational technologies were developed and funded by public agencies long before private companies commercialized them. Venture capital, often celebrated as a key innovation driver, typically enters later in the cycle, focusing on scaling rather than pioneering uncertain technologies. The article further illustrates how critical energy technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries emerged from decades of patient government R&D, underpinning companies like Tesla. Even the shale gas boom, commonly viewed as a free-market success, relied heavily on federal funding for early hydraulic fracturing research.
energygovernment-fundinginnovationR&Dclean-technologysolar-energylithium-ion-batteriesTop 50 robotics innovations special report
roboticsinnovationawardstechnologyautomationrobotics-industryRBR50This Robot Can Use Chopsticks Better Than You!
robotroboticsautomationAItechnologyinnovationdexterityMusk's Pattern To Overpromise And Underdeliver - CleanTechnica
robotTeslaElon-Muskinnovationelectric-vehiclesself-drivingtechnologyPeral's battery factory and Waterkeyn's Atomium still inspire modern tech culture
energybattery-technologyelectric-vehiclesinnovationengineeringhistorical-technologypower-plantsTech transfer in action: What we learned at Malaga's Foro Transfiere 2025
robotIoTenergytechnology-transfercognitive-therapyinnovationroboticsIndy Autonomous Challenge coming to California - The Robot Report
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIroboticsIndy-Autonomous-ChallengetechnologyinnovationTesla Status Dropping in China as BYD Rises & Xiaomi Soars - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaBYDXiaomiconsumer-trendsinnovationMbodi AI launches on Y Combinator, developing embodied AI for industrial robots - The Robot Report
robotAIautomationmanufacturingroboticstechnologyinnovationNHTSA Adjusts Autonomous Vehicle Rules Ahead Of Tesla Robotaxi Rollout - CleanTechnica
robotautonomous-vehiclesTeslaNHTSAvehicle-safetyinnovationtransportationHumanoid robots evolve with 360° wheels, flexible controls from Korea
robothumanoid-robotsroboticsautomationmobilitytechnologyinnovationLegion44 CDR Movie Continues To Gather Global Momentum - CleanTechnica
energycarbon-removalclimate-changeclean-technologysustainabilityenvironmental-awarenessinnovationFuturistic jet flies 3,600 miles with no windows and 50% less fuel
energyefficiencyaviationfuel-consumptionsustainable-designtechnologyinnovationHọc sinh 'chơi mà học' với drone
droneUAVeducationtechnologyroboticsinnovationstudent-engagementChiều nay diễn ra Ngày hội Khoa học và Công nghệ Việt Nam
robotinnovationtechnologysciencedigital-transformationVietnamresearchRoboBusiness Pitchfire competition opens call for robotics startups
robotroboticsstartupscompetitionAItechnologyinnovationGội đầu bằng AI
robotAIautomationsmart-technologyhair-careChinainnovationVW ID. Buzz Wins Two Notable Awards
electric-vehicleVolkswagen-ID.-Buzzautomotive-designclean-energyelectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationinnovationNortheastern soft robotic arm wins MassRobotics Form & Function Challenge at Robotics Summit
robotsoft-roboticsrobotic-armrobotics-competitionMassRoboticsinnovationtechnologyEVNGENCO1 bứt phá từ phát triển khoa học đổi mới sáng tạo và chuyển đổi số
energyinnovationtechnologydigital-transformationpower-generationscientific-developmentefficiencyGoogle Launches Ambitious Program To Train 100,000 Electrical Workers For The AI-Powered Future
energyAIworkforce-developmentclean-energyelectrical-traininginfrastructureinnovationTop 10 robotics developments of April 2025
roboticsautomationAIdelivery-robotsaerospace-manufacturingrobotic-systemsinnovation31 đội tranh tài tại chung kết Sáng kiến Khoa học 2025
energyrecyclingsolar-panelsinnovationsustainabilityenvironmental-protectionbiomassChang Robotics announces $50M fund, 2025 strategic roadmap
robotelectric-vehiclesnow-removalmanufacturinginnovationstrategic-roadmapfundingAurora launches commercial self-driving truck service in Texas
robotself-drivingautonomous-vehiclestruckingtransportationtechnologyinnovationToyota & Waymo Outline Strategic Partnership to Advance Autonomous Driving Deployment
robotautonomous-drivingmobilitypartnershiptechnologyinnovationvehicleYelp debuts AI voice agents for restaurants and service providers
YelpAI-voice-agentsrestaurantsservice-providerstechnologycustomer-serviceinnovationGrouphug is a stealth-mode startup that plans use AI inside WhatsApp groups
GrouphugAIWhatsAppstartuptechnologymessaginginnovationThe industrial carbon price rewards innovation, efficiency, and aligns us with our Asian and European trading partners
industrial-carbon-pricingclean-energyinnovationeconomic-policytrade-partnershipsemissions-reductionenvironmental-policy