SoftBank Group to Build 5 GW of AI Data Center Capacity in France

by ATHENA | Jun 2, 2026 | Uncategorized

SoftBank Group Corp. (TSE: 9984, “SoftBank Group”) today announced its commitment to develop and operate 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France, representing an investment of up to €75 billion. The first phase, comprising an initial €45 billion investment to...

European Parliament’s position on Erasmus+: higher education sector welcomes positive steps, calls for adequate budget for education and training

by ATHENA | Jun 2, 2026 | Uncategorized

The next Erasmus+ programme must be equipped with the budget, governance and predictability needed to continue delivering for learners, staff, institutions and society. The European University Association and partners from across the European higher education sector...

EU and Japan launch negotiations for association to Horizon Europe

by ATHENA | Nov 30, 2024 | Uncategorized

On 29 November, the EU and Japan launched negotiations for Japan to join Horizon Europe. If successful, this would be the first time Japan takes part in the closest form of cooperation in the field of research and innovation that the EU can offer. With Horizon Europe,...

EIT publishes mid-term evaluation of EIT Regional Innovation Scheme

by ATHENA | Nov 29, 2024 | Uncategorized

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has published the mid-term evaluation of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) for the 2021–2027 programming period. Launched in 2014, the EIT RIS aims to address regional disparities in innovation across...

Council and Parliament reach agreement on EU budget 2025

by ATHENA | Nov 18, 2024 | Uncategorized

The Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on the EU’s annual budget for 2025 on 18 November 2024. Next year’s budget strongly focuses on the EU’s main policy priorities and addresses the currently difficult geopolitical context. The budget for...

Leading African fund managers receive awards for supporting promising entrepreneurs and start-ups across the continent

by ATHENA | Sep 26, 2024 | Uncategorized

First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest and Knife Capital achievements awarded for their work in African venture capital. The Africa Venture Finance Programme at Oxford’s Saïd Business School hosted 41 prominent African and Africa-focused venture capital fund managers, with...