CEE Deep Tech Momentum Signals Major Investment Opportunities

Poland

Romania

• AI and Automation:
  Romania boasts an active AI startup scene with the most famous startup to come out of the country being robotic process automation company UiPath.

• Cybersecurity:
  Romania is renowned for its cybersecurity expertise. 
• Robotics and Hardware:
  While software dominates, Romania also has projects in robotics and hardware. 
• Quantum Technology:
  Romania is taking steps in quantum tech education, aiming to cultivate a new generation of quantum scientists and engineers.

Czech Republic

• AI & Software:
  the Czech Republic has made notable strides in AI and machine learning. Czech researchers are also prominent in computer vision and robotics.
• Cybersecurity:
  the Czech Republic has a strong pedigree in cybersecurity and a pool of experienced security engineers and entrepreneurs.
• Virtual Reality & Gaming:
  Czech startups are leaders in virtual reality (VR). The country’s strength in gaming spills into VR and AR tech development.
• Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing:
  the Czech Republic’s industrial base means many startups work on hardware, IoT, and robotics. The country also has significant semiconductor design activity.

Hungary

• Biotech & Life Sciences:
  Hungary has strong potential in biotech and life sciences with government-backed incubators in medicine and National Laboratories focusing on biotech research.
• AI and Software:
  Hungary invests in academic AI research. The country launched a National AI Strategy and set up the Hungarian Artificial Intelligence National Laboratory around 2020, aiming to coordinate AI R&D across universities and companies.
• Autonomous Vehicles & Electronics:
  Hungary’s robust automotive sector gives it an edge in vehicle tech. Hungarian teams are involved in developing electric vehicle batteries and power electronics.

Croatia

• Automotive and Robotics:
  Croatia’s strength in automotive and robotics is exemplified by Rimac Automobili, the country’s poster-child for deep tech success.
• Artificial Intelligence:
  Croatia has several notable AI startups and the broader AI scene is supported by strong local skills in programming and math.
• Biotech and Medtech:
  Croatia’s biotech sector is small but growing

Slovakia

• Semiconductors & Computing:
  Slovakia has ambitions to position itself on the map in semiconductor IP and high-performance computing –a goal embraced and supported by the government.
• Robotics& Computer Vision:
  Slovakia is home to one of CEE’s leading robotics/vision startups.
• Energy Tech & Greentech:
  Slovakia has strengths in energy engineering and is leveraging that for clean-tech startups.