Meet Staan: Europe’s New, Cheap, and Privacy‑Friendly Search Powerhouse
Think of Qwant and Ecosia as two European friends who decided to create a super‑secret, no‑traces search engine. They called it Staan, short for the European Search Perspective (EUSP). The idea? A lightweight, privacy‑first search engine that’s a fraction of the cost of the big‑name giants.
How it Works (with a dash of tech magic)
Rather than relying on Google’s data, Staan runs its own index built locally. That means:
- When you ask Qwant to search, it pulls answers straight from Staan.
- Ecosia plans to add a splash of AI—think quick summaries—just like Qwant already does.
- Both companies claim the index can serve 50% of French searches and 33% of German searches by year‑end.
Why The Cost Angle Matters
Imagine a chatbot like ChatGPT that you never know who’s actually backing its world‑wide knowledge. With Staan, you’re looking at a solution that skims through the web at a tenth of the cost of Google or Bing—no surprise if that’s your budget saver.
From Privacy to Independence
European policy folks are watching the U.S. election like a hawk. It’s a stark reminder (spoiler alert) that most of Europe’s tech stacks still lean on U.S. or Chinese giants. That leaves entire sectors—from journalism to climate tech—vulnerable to politics and profit motives.
Enter Staan. By building a European tech stack, Qwant and Ecosia are saying “no more.” It’s a quiet rebellion to keep data closer to home and under local rules.
What the Future Looks Like
Beyond giving you a new search engine, the partnership’s eyes are set on chatbots and other apps. “If you’re using a chatbot, all those chatter heads need reputable search references,” Christian Kroll, Ecosia’s CEO, told the crowd. “Staan gives developers an affordable, privacy‑friendly foundation.”
So next time you ask for the quick facts on the Eiffel Tower or the latest climate tech breakthrough, remember that you might just be using the European version of Google, with a side of privacy and a lot cheaper subscription.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
San Francisco’s Big Privacy‑Tech Hype
October 27‑29, 2025 — the three‑day window that’s got everyone from coders to coffee lovers buzzing. Don’t miss it!
Why It Matters
- It’s a convergence of cutting‑edge tech and privacy hot‑topics.
- Local innovators are teaming up with global leaders to shape the future of data protection.
- Guests will have a front‑row seat to new privacy‑friendly search solutions that might just rewrite how we browse.
Spotlight: Kroll’s Bold Claim
Kroll said that by blending its own index with European privacy standards, the European‑Union Search Platform (EUSP) can offer a more privacy‑friendly search experience than any U.S. competitor. It’s a promise that has everyone wondering: “What’s in that new index?”
Register Now
Be part of the action. Click here to secure your spot before the excitement turns into actual frenzy.
Whether you’re a data‑privacy guru, a tech skeptic, or someone who just likes a good coffee‑driven coding session, plan to be there. The city is parking the future on sidewalks—so remember to bring your curiosity. Cheers to privacy and innovation!