European hardware startups absent from IFA 2026 awards
A report from IFA 2026 notes a lack of European winners in the show's startup awards, but highlights several promising consumer hardware and deeptech firms
No European startup won or was honored in the Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies category at the 2026 IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. The 10 winners and 20 honorees were all of non-European origin. The sole exception was ZENOWELL, recognized for its vagus nerve stimulation wearable, which originated from discussions at Heidelberg University Medical School in Germany.
The report suggests European consumer hardware startups may be choosing to exhibit at the CES show in Las Vegas instead. Despite the award absence, the author identified several European startups exhibiting at IFA that are developing notable technologies.
BP Relax targets blood pressure
German-Polish digital health startup BP Relax is developing technology for people with high blood pressure. Its system combines a small handheld device with ECG and optical sensors and a Bluetooth-connected medical app. Rather than just recording readings, the software analyses cardiovascular signals to provide real-time biofeedback during guided breathing exercises designed to help users regulate their breathing. The technology is developed in Poland and licensed for sale in Germany.
LeydenJar's silicon battery anodes
Dutch deeptech company LeydenJar is developing pure silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries. Spun out from research organisation TNO, its core product, Silyte, replaces conventional graphite anodes. The company says silicon can store more lithium but swells during charging. LeydenJar tackles this by growing porous, flexible silicon columns directly onto copper foil using a plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition process, creating a sponge-like structure.
The company claims its anodes offer a 50 per cent higher energy density, are up to ten times thinner, and can cut the CO₂ footprint of anode production by 85 per cent. LeydenJar has raised over €100 million and plans to open its first commercial production facility in early 2027.
Repartly's repair platform
German circular-economy startup Repartly aims to make repairing appliances cheaper than replacing them. Founded in 2021 and based in Rietberg, it operates an online platform covering washing machines, dryers, and kitchen equipment. Customers can remove a faulty electronic component and send it to Repartly for repair, or purchase a certified refurbished replacement. The company also sells refurbished mechanical parts and provides DIY repair video instructions.
Repartly's model also targets manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers, creating a system to refurbish used components. The company has served over 11,000 customers and uses automated processes and collaborative robots. Two other related German startups at IFA were koorvi, which provides Resale-as-a-Service infrastructure for brands, and FixFirst, which provides digital repair infrastructure using AI tools.
Unistellar's smart telescopes
French company Unistellar develops smart telescopes designed for amateur astronomers. Its telescopes use optics, digital imaging, and automated software to automatically locate and track celestial objects. Image-processing technology amplifies light in real time, allowing observation of galaxies and nebulae from light-polluted cities. A corresponding app helps users select objects.
Unistellar also enables telescope owners to contribute observations to research through partnerships with NASA and the SETI Institute. Nikon became an investor in 2023 and has a joint development agreement with the company. Unistellar has also expanded with ENVISION, a line of augmented-reality-powered smart binoculars.
