From AI to aerospace: Europe's most innovative companies shaping tomorrow
What does innovation look like in 2025? From AI to blockbuster weight-loss drugs, Europe's forward-thinking companies punch above their weight.
For the first time, Fortune analyzed the top companies across the continent in partnership with Statista to find the standouts that are driving progress with success. Patent data was provided by LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions.
The list features 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries, and a total of 168 of the companies are on the Fortune 500 Europe. Companies on the list have brought in just under $8 trillion in annual revenue. The U.K. has more companies on our list than any other country, followed by Germany and Switzerland. The top sectors are finance, followed by retail and industrials.
Companies on the list have brought in just under $8 trillion in annual revenue.
The list features 300 companies across 21 countries and 16 industries, and a total of 168 of the companies are on the Fortune 500 Europe. Companies on the list have brought in just under $8 trillion in annual revenue. The U.K. has more companies on our list than any other country, followed by Germany and Switzerland. The top sectors are finance, followed by retail and industrials.
L'Oréal was ranked at the top of the list in 2025. 'We are immensely proud to be recognized by Fortune as Europe's most innovative company,' Nicolas Hieronimus, Chief Executive Officer of L'Oréal told Fortune. 'This prestigious recognition reinforces our conviction that innovation, fueled by science, technology, and creativity, is the best way to succeed on the world stage, but is also a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our teams around the globe.'
We've highlighted some of the standout companies from this year's list driving innovation across Europe.
Household products Noted for: Product innovation Employees: 50,000–99,999Fortune 500 Europe rank: 91France
L'Oréal invests more than €1 billion annually in research and innovation and boasts a team of over 4,000 researchers. This, in turn, helps the French company formulate new ingredients and develop new products. Earlier this year, L'Oréal launched a device called Cell BioPrint that will give people a detailed assessment of their skin and the products best suited for it.
'This prestigious recognition reinforces our conviction that innovation, fueled by science, technology, and creativity, is the best way to succeed on the world stage…'
Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO, L'Oréal
Household products Product innovationEmployees: >100,000F500 Europe rank: 49U.K.
Unilever's innovations take different shapes and forms—from fast-action laundry liquid to paper-cup instant noodles. The London-based company has 20,000 patents and a team of 5,000 experts who design new products, aided by nearly €1 billion in annual investments. Unilever has also expanded its AI use to help customers find the best products and discover new ones backed by scientific data.
Health careProduct innovationEmployees: 50,000–99,999F500 Europe rank: 210Netherlands
Founded in 1891, Royal Philips is known for pioneering innovations in lighting, health care, and consumer electronics. Key breakthroughs include the first compact audio cassette, electric razors, and mercury-free light bulbs. Today, Philips leads in sustainable, health–focused technology, improving billions of lives globally.
Health careInnovation cultureEmployees: 50,000–99,999F500 Europe rank: 104U.K.
GSK's innovations were reflected in its bottom line in 2024. With the help of its Silicon Valley veteran technology chief, Shobie Ramakrishnan, GSK is also using AI to speed drug discovery and streamline its supply chains.
Health careInnovation cultureEmployees: 50,000–99,999F500 Europe rank: 116Denmark
Novo Nordisk is wasting little time in developing new obesity treatments that, until recently, made it Europe's most valuable company. In May, the FDA accepted Novo's application to sell an oral version of Wegovy; an approval decision is expected in Q4. Novo Nordisk's recent trials for CagriSema, a new, more effective weight-loss medication, could increase its appeal beyond the millions already using its drugs.
Health careProcess innovationEmployees: 50,000–99,999F500 Europe rank: 125Ireland
In 2024, Medtronic invested more than $2.7 billion in R&D and operated over 81 manufacturing sites. AI is used to customize patient care, ranging from personalized brain therapy to data-driven diabetes care. The use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) also helps enhance precision and control.
RetailingProduct innovationEmployees: >100,000F500 Europe rank: 144France
Whether with Ray-Ban Meta glasses or its latest audio-enhancing eyewear, EssilorLuxottica is always pioneering new technology. Nearly 1,000 researchers across 50 R&D sites supported by up to €350 million in investment help the Franco-Italian company stay ahead of trends. The company is also vertically integrated, allowing for better quality control globally.
Click here to view the full list.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Poundland moves to new ownership under Gordon Brothers
Pepco Group has finalised the sale of its Poundland business to Gordon Brothers International LLC, marking a significant step in the company's strategy to focus on its higher margin Pepco retail operations. The transaction, completed in June 2025, is expected to simplify Pepco Group's structure and enhance overall profitability. The sale of Poundland, a UK-based discount retailer operating over 800 stores and employing around 16,000 people, aligns with Pepco Group's decision to concentrate on its core Pepco brand, which primarily offers clothing and general merchandise. In the previous financial year, Poundland accounted for about one-third of group revenues but contributed only 5% to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). The divestment is designed to improve revenue growth, increase margins, and boost cash generation by focusing on the more profitable Pepco operations across Europe. Gordon Brothers is a global advisory, restructuring, and investment firm that specialises in helping businesses with asset management, turnaround, and growth strategies. Established over a century ago, the company works across various industries to manage and revitalise brands and operations. Their acquisition of Poundland fits within their wider approach to investing in retail businesses and supporting their development. Poundland was sold for nominal consideration, with Pepco retaining secured and unsecured loans amounting to £30 million as part of the deal. A restructuring plan involving the transfer of certain financial arrangements is pending approval by the High Court in England. Under the new ownership, Poundland will continue to operate under its established brand in the UK, led by current managing director Barry Williams. Pepco Group expects to retain a minority investment interest, allowing it to maintain some involvement in Poundland's future performance. Both companies have also agreed on transitional service arrangements to support operations during the changeover. This move is part of a broader strategy by Pepco Group to streamline its portfolio and focus on sectors delivering higher returns and stronger growth prospects, moving away from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and potentially considering further divestments in related businesses. Several news outlets, including the BBC, have reported that Poundland was sold for approximately £1. However, Pepco's official statement did not disclose a specific sale price, instead referring only to the shares being sold for "nominal consideration," which typically means a very small or symbolic amount. "Poundland moves to new ownership under Gordon Brothers" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hamilton Spectator
37 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Defence spending boost can only go so far to lessen U.S. reliance: experts
MONTREAL - In early 2002, Glenn Cowan touched down in Kandahar province as part of the first wave of regular Canadian Army troops deployed to Afghanistan, serving in a U.S.-led brigade combat team. After joining Canada's elite special operations unit Joint Task Force 2 in 2003, he spent the next 13 years collaborating with American soldiers on raids, rescues and reconnaissance missions. 'If you're going to get into a fight with someone, you want the Americans on your side,' said Cowan, founder of ONE9. His Ottawa-based venture capital firm focuses on national security investments. The same might be said of the gear Canadian troops use, and the industry behind it. An infusion of fresh defence funding is poised to flood parts of Canada's aerospace, manufacturing and information technology sectors in a bid to reduce reliance on the United States, but experts say this country will remain firmly fastened to its neighbour as a military-industrial partner by necessity. While not a military powerhouse, Canada has expertise in areas ranging from flight simulation and shipbuilding to armoured vehicles and artificial intelligence. The $9.3-billion in additional defence spending announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday is poised to boost those sectors, with the goal of greater procurement from domestic companies. 'We're too reliant on the United States,' Carney said. 'We will ensure that every dollar is invested wisely, including by prioritizing made-in-Canada manufacturing and supply chains. We should no longer send three-quarters of our defence capital spending to America.' But a massive cash injection means Canada will have to scale up fast, including via foreign suppliers, said Jim Kilpatrick, in charge of global supply chain and network operations at Deloitte. 'Defence supply chains can often go 10 or 11 tiers deep,' he said, stressing their complex international reach. 'Canada will not be self-sufficient in defence products required by our military.' The country's relatively small production capacity means it will continue to shell out money on American equipment, technology and aircraft, including 88 U.S.-built F-35 fighter jets at a cost of tens of billions of dollars, experts say. However, some of that spending will go to American military giants that have a big presence on Canadian soil, even if the profits end up in pockets south of the border. General Dynamics churns out light armoured vehicles bristelling with turreted mortars and assault guns in London, Ont., as well as tactical communications systems in Ottawa. Lockheed Martin works on 'advanced technology systems' such as naval command software in five provinces. Defence contractor Raytheon counts 8,500 employees and 2,500 suppliers in Canada. 'The wider Canadian economy features a lot of branch plants,' noted David Perry, CEO of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. While high-tech weapons and machinery come to mind at the mention of defence procurement, much of the extra funding this year may well go to more mundane items. Housing and infrastructure upgrades for Canadian troops make up some of the biggest priorities for Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, she told Quebec radio host Patrick Lagacé on Thursday. Perry also highlighted the ripple effects of that spending for myriad business types beyond the purely military realm. 'Some of it is done through the big stuff — we think about fighter jets. But a lot of it pays for office furniture, software licenses, electricity contracts, snow removal, grass cutting.' Taking a step back, Perry framed defence investment in terms the prime minister, formerly the head of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, could appreciate. 'If you think of our defence relationships as an investment portfolio, the PM is saying we're way over-indexed in the Dow Jones and the S&P,' he said. 'Diversify.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 13, 2025.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Frontier Developments Leads The Way Among 3 UK Penny Stocks
The UK market has recently faced challenges, with the FTSE 100 index closing lower following weak trade data from China, highlighting the interconnectedness of global economies. Amid these broader market fluctuations, investors may find opportunities in penny stocks—an investment area that remains relevant despite its somewhat outdated name. These stocks often represent smaller or newer companies and can offer growth potential at lower price points when backed by strong financials. Name Share Price Market Cap Financial Health Rating Foresight Group Holdings (LSE:FSG) £3.98 £447.67M ★★★★★★ Warpaint London (AIM:W7L) £4.55 £367.58M ★★★★★★ Stelrad Group (LSE:SRAD) £1.44 £183.39M ★★★★★☆ Ultimate Products (LSE:ULTP) £0.769 £64.71M ★★★★★☆ Van Elle Holdings (AIM:VANL) £0.39 £42.2M ★★★★★★ Polar Capital Holdings (AIM:POLR) £4.43 £427.11M ★★★★★★ LSL Property Services (LSE:LSL) £2.95 £304.69M ★★★★★☆ Begbies Traynor Group (AIM:BEG) £1.07 £170.7M ★★★★★★ Croma Security Solutions Group (AIM:CSSG) £0.86 £11.84M ★★★★★★ Braemar (LSE:BMS) £2.32 £72.49M ★★★★★★ Click here to see the full list of 406 stocks from our UK Penny Stocks screener. Let's dive into some prime choices out of the screener. Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★★ Overview: Frontier Developments plc is a company that develops and publishes video games for the interactive entertainment sector, with a market cap of £113.53 million. Operations: The company generates revenue primarily from its Computer Graphics segment, which accounted for £88.88 million. Market Cap: £113.53M Frontier Developments plc, with a market cap of £113.53 million, has shown signs of financial stability and growth potential despite recent challenges. The company became profitable in the past year, although its earnings have declined by 47% annually over the last five years. Its price-to-earnings ratio of 7.1x is below the UK market average, indicating potentially good value for investors seeking undervalued opportunities. Recent strategic moves include establishing an Executive Board to enhance operational efficiency and announcing Jurassic World Evolution 3's release, which could drive future revenue growth alongside its robust short-term asset position (£53.1M). Click here and access our complete financial health analysis report to understand the dynamics of Frontier Developments. Gain insights into Frontier Developments' outlook and expected performance with our report on the company's earnings estimates. Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★★★ Overview: Journeo plc offers solutions for the transport sector by capturing, processing, and displaying critical information to improve travel experiences in the UK and globally, with a market cap of £58.38 million. Operations: The company's revenue is primarily derived from its Fleet Systems segment at £23.69 million, followed by Infotec at £12.42 million, Passenger Systems contributing £9.50 million, and Journeo A/S generating £4.03 million. Market Cap: £58.38M Journeo plc, with a market cap of £58.38 million, displays financial resilience and growth potential within the transport sector. The company's recent EUR 4.2 million order from Alstom SA for CCTV and APC systems highlights its strategic partnerships and revenue prospects, expected to be recognized mainly in FY26 and FY27. With strong short-term assets (£33.7M) covering liabilities (£17.1M), high Return on Equity (26.1%), and significant debt reduction over five years, Journeo's financial health is robust. Its price-to-earnings ratio of 12.9x suggests good value compared to the UK market average of 16.5x, appealing to value-focused investors. Take a closer look at Journeo's potential here in our financial health report. Gain insights into Journeo's historical outcomes by reviewing our past performance report. Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: ★★★★☆☆ Overview: Litigation Capital Management Limited offers dispute finance and risk management services in Australia and the United Kingdom, with a market cap of £50.14 million. Operations: There are no specific revenue segments reported for this company. Market Cap: £50.14M Litigation Capital Management Limited, with a market cap of £50.14 million, is trading at a significant discount to its estimated fair value. Despite being unprofitable, the company has reduced losses by 20.8% annually over five years and forecasts earnings growth of 95.3% per year. Recent earnings reports show revenue of A$7.41 million for Q2 2024, down from A$21.88 million the previous year, alongside an A$8.35 million net loss. Short-term assets (A$557.8M) comfortably cover both short-term (A$17.6M) and long-term liabilities (A$407.3M), indicating solid liquidity despite negative operating cash flow impacting debt coverage. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Litigation Capital Management stock in this financial health report. Assess Litigation Capital Management's future earnings estimates with our detailed growth reports. Embark on your investment journey to our 406 UK Penny Stocks selection here. Contemplating Other Strategies? These 17 companies survived and thrived after COVID and have the right ingredients to survive Trump's tariffs. Discover why before your portfolio feels the trade war pinch. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include AIM:FDEV AIM:JNEO and AIM:LIT. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
