GreenWaves Technologies – Strategic-Technological Analysis (European Context)
A small French startup is quietly helping Europe regain control over critical microchip technologies. GreenWaves Technologies, based in Grenoble, develops fingernail-sized processors that deliver artificial intelligence capabilities on minimal power—an essential feature for smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2014, the company pioneered one of the first ultra-low-power RISC-V microcontrollers for AI at the network edge. Its chips, no larger than a coin, can analyze images, sound or vibrations on the device itself instead of relying on cloud computing. This innovation has big implications for European strategic autonomy. By designing open-architecture semiconductors in Europe, GreenWaves reduces reliance on foreign (especially Chinese or U.S.) suppliers in a sector often seen as Europe’s “Achilles’ heel.” Defense and security planners have noticed: GreenWaves’ technology is now viewed as a building block for Europe’s next-generation intelligent sensors and devices, potentially powering everything from soldier wearables to autonomous nano-drones. In an era when secure supply chains and technological sovereignty are top priorities, GreenWaves exemplifies how European deep-tech startups can punch above their weight.
