As we step into 2025, the business landscape is evolving rapidly, bringing both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Industry leaders and entrepreneurs alike are asking: which sectors will drive the next wave of groundbreaking innovation? Which startups will disrupt traditional markets and redefine the future? At Linknovate, we’ve anticipated these questions and compiled an in-depth report highlighting the 50 most promising startups to watch in 2025. Using our proprietary scouting tool, InnoScout, we have identified the most innovative companies poised to make a significant impact.
The startups featured in our report are linked to recent innovation signals, meaning they have recently secured major funding rounds, grants, strategic partnerships, or product launches. To categorize these trailblazers, we have outlined six major economic sectors, though many operate at the intersection of multiple industries:
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Quantum computing
- Bio-tech
- Health-tech
- Food & agri-tech.
Curious to see the future of innovation? Here’s a sneak peek of what’s ahead. For the full report, download it here.
MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing sector is rapidly evolving, with several startups making waves in 2025. Among them is Covariant, a trailblazer in robotics and AI, setting new standards with its Robotics Foundation Model 1 (RFM-1), designed to enable robots to see, reason, and act with human-like adaptability. In Switzerland, Mimic is also leading advancements in robotics, developing AI-driven humanoid robotic hands with dexterity similar to human movement.
Sustainable and smart materials are also a strong trend, as demonstrated by Fairbrics, a French startup revolutionizing polyester production by converting CO₂ emissions into high-value fibers, and UP Catalyst, which transforms CO₂ into carbon nanomaterials for electric car batteries.
Quindi, an Italian startup, is redefining smart manufacturing with its AI-powered Production Copilot, optimizing production flows in line with Industry 5.0 principles.
Two companies pushing the boundaries of in-space manufacturing innovation are Dcubed, a German startup specializing in in-space manufacturing, focusing on space actuators and deployable solar arrays, and Varda Space, which is pioneering in-orbit manufacturing for pharmaceuticals and specialized materials.
ENERGY
Sustainable energy solutions continue to dominate innovation. Aepnus is transforming industry decarbonization by repurposing battery waste to create a circular battery economy. Enpal, a German solar energy unicorn, offers flexible photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and battery storage solutions.
General Galactic, founded by former SpaceX engineers, is converting CO₂ emissions into carbon-neutral fuels, while Hutanbio is scaling AI-optimized algae bioreactors to produce sulphur-free biofuel alternatives for the shipping industry. Novocarbo is also tackling carbon removal by using biochar technology to sequester CO₂ and generate regenerative energy.
Companies like OpenAirlines and Skoon Energy are leveraging AI to optimize fuel efficiency and clean mobile energy systems, respectively. Standard Biocarbon focuses on biochar for environmental and agricultural applications, and Sunfire is pioneering electrolyzers for renewable industrial gas and fuel production.
Source: Linknovate
QUANTUM COMPUTING
Quantum computing is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with a non-stop wave of growing funding and breakthroughs. In this field, Aqlas is leading quantum laser development, securing funding to refine high-precision laser modules for atomic quantum computers. Aquark Technologies specializes in miniaturized quantum sensing, making quantum technology more accessible.
In the life sciences space, Kvantify is integrating classical and quantum algorithms to accelerate drug discovery, while Spanish startup Multiverse Computing is tackling deep learning computational challenges with its Singularity and CompactifAI platforms. Pasqal, a quantum leader, recently delivered a 100-qubit analog quantum computer and partnered with IBM to merge classical and quantum hardware.
BIOTECH AND PHARMA
Biotech innovation is transforming industries with groundbreaking startups pioneering sustainable and cutting-edge solutions, from biomaterials to revolutionary treatments.
Biotech startups are pioneering bio-based materials to drive sustainability. Arda Biomaterials upcycles brewery waste into New Grain, a leather alternative that reduces reliance on animal and synthetic materials. Lignin Industries is replacing petroleum-based plastics with biodegradable lignin-based bioplastics, while Notpla is transforming packaging with seaweed-based materials that naturally break down, tackling plastic waste.
Beyond materials, Abolis Biotechnologies uses microbial fermentation to create sustainable bio-based ingredients, and Cellevate develops advanced cell culture systems for biomanufacturing. Colossal Biosciences is pushing genetic engineering to the next level with its mission to resurrect extinct species.
In climate solutions, Graphyte converts agricultural waste into dense carbon bricks for underground storage, offering a scalable carbon capture method. Meanwhile, Infinite Roots is harnessing mycelium biotechnology for sustainable alternative proteins, reducing the environmental footprint of food production.
On the medical front, Tilt Biotherapeutics is innovating tumor T-cell therapy using oncolytic viruses, aiming for more effective cancer treatments.
HEALTH-TECH
Health-tech startups are revolutionizing medical treatments and diagnostics. 4D Medicine is pioneering next-gen implant technology with bioresorbable materials, while Amulet has created a wearable allergen sensor to detect food allergens in seconds.
In Robotics, CMR Surgical continues to advance minimally invasive surgery with its modular robotic system, Versius, while Mendaera is developing a collaborative robotic system merging AI, imaging, and robotics to enhance medical procedures. Vitestro is developing a revolutionary solution to automate blood draws with advanced robotics.
Source: Linknovate
Monomer Bio is focusing on lab automation for drug discovery, while Precision Neuroscience is working on brain-computer interfaces to restore motor function for paralysis patients. Proton Intelligence is introducing real-time potassium monitoring for patients with kidney disease.
FOOD AND AGRI-TECH
Innovative startups in the sustainable food and agri-tech are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, each contributing uniquely to a more sustainable future.
In the realm of carbon utilization, Arborea is harnessing the power of its patented technology to cultivate microorganisms by utilizing sunlight and CO₂. This approach not only captures carbon but also produces sustainable biomass. Meanwhile, AtmosZero is making strides in energy decarbonization by developing zero-carbon emissions industrial boilers, initially focusing on transforming the brewing industry to reduce its carbon footprint.
Agricultural advancements are also emerging, with Constellr pioneering the use of thermal infrared microsatellites for precision agriculture, optimizing water and resource management, and Vertical Future, which is literally taking vertical farming to new heights with their space vertical farms.
More companies are developing alternative proteins, like Enifer – which is reviving Pekilo, a mycoprotein initially designed for animal feed, now adapted for human consumption to provide a sustainable protein source. Foreverland is tackling the environmental impact of chocolate production by developing cocoa-free alternatives, significantly reducing deforestation and resource consumption. Heura is also growing with their plant-based meat products that closely mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional meat.
In the domain of fermentation, Farmless is revolutionizing food production through a novel fermentation process powered by electricity and air, eliminating the need for traditional agricultural land. Similarly, Formo is leveraging precision fermentation to create animal-free dairy proteins, paving the way for sustainable dairy alternatives. Evodia Bio is also using precision fermentation to enhance the aroma of non-alcoholic beers, improving their sensory appeal.
To preserve the utility of perishable products, RipeLocker is extending the shelf life of food by creating a low-oxygen, high-humidity environment, reducing waste, while Saveggy offers a plant-based, edible coating to preserve fresh produce as an alternative to plastic packaging.
Wrapping up this report of 50 startups destined to shape the business landscape in 2025, it’s clear that innovation knows no bounds. From revolutionary technologies to groundbreaking services, each of the startups on this list is a clear candidate to break with all that has gone before this year, so keep an eye on these pioneers and keep an eye on how their ideas become impactful realities. The future belongs to those who dare to dream and innovate, and with these startups leading the way, we are in for an exciting and transformative journey.
