Capacity development Archives | Page 140 of 344

Seven teams advance in XPRIZE contest backed by Google

XPRIZE has named seven finalist teams in its three-year, $5 million Quantum Applications competition, a global challenge backed by Google Quantum AI, Google.org, and GESDA to accelerate real-world quantum computing use cases.

Selected from 133 submissions, the finalists are developing quantum algorithms that could outperform classical systems on practical tasks linked to sustainability, science, and industry. They will share a $1 million prize at this stage, ahead of a $4 million award pool in 2027.

Google says the competition supports its goal of finding concrete problems where quantum systems can beat leading classical methods. The finalists span materials science, chemistry, optimisation, and biomedical modelling, showing growing momentum behind application-driven research.

The teams include Calbee Quantum, Gibbs Samplers, Phasecraft’s materials group, QuMIT, Xanadu, Q4Proteins, and QuantumForGraphproblem, each proposing algorithms with potential impact ranging from clean-energy materials and advanced semiconductors to drug discovery and molecular analysis.

Finalists now proceed to Phase II, which focuses on benchmarking against classical tools, assessing feasibility, and demonstrating pathways to real-world advantage. A wildcard round in 2026 will offer re-entry for other teams.

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Pinterest’s generative tools showcased in AWS report

AWS has released a new case study showing how Pinterest scaled into an AI-powered discovery platform, emphasising the cloud provider’s role in supporting rapid growth and responsible use of generative tools across the service.

AWS says Pinterest now serves around 600 million users and relies on cloud infrastructure to process large visual datasets. Its systems analyse terabytes of content each day and generate high volumes of personalised suggestions across search, shopping, and inspiration features.

The case study details Pinterest’s move from early machine-learning models to multimodal and generative systems built on AWS. It highlights Canvas for image enhancement, improved visual search, and the conversational Pinterest Assistant.

AWS also points to Pinterest’s use of Amazon EKS, EC2 GPU instances, and Bedrock-powered moderation tools as a full-stack approach to responsible AI. Pinterest states that these systems help maintain a safe and positive environment while supporting new commercial and creative features.

AWS cites recent performance metrics as evidence of effective scaling, noting gains in revenue, user activity, and search quality. The company presents the case study as evidence that cloud-based AI infrastructure can support innovation on a global scale.

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Big Tech boosts India’s AI ambitions amid concerns over talent flight and limited infrastructure

Major announcements from Microsoft ($17.5bn) and Amazon (over $35bn by 2030) have placed India at the centre of global AI investment trends, offering momentum at a time when analysts frame Indian markets as a ‘hedge’ against a potential global AI bubble.

While India has rapidly adopted AI and attracted substantial funding for data centres and chip manufacturing, including a new collaboration between Intel and Tata Electronics, the country remains a follower rather than a frontrunner in sovereign AI capabilities.

India’s government is preparing to launch its first sovereign AI model, which will support more than 22 languages. Yet its $1.25 billion investment is dwarfed by France’s €117 billion and Saudi Arabia’s $100 billion AI programmes, leaving India far behind in compute availability, R&D depth, and semiconductor infrastructure.

Despite having 2.5 times the global average concentration of AI-skilled professionals, the country faces persistent talent flight due to limited high-end domestic opportunities and a lack of competitive policy incentives.

According to EY and UNCTAD, India’ punches above its weight’ relative to its economic stage, ranking among the top nations in AI talent, startup activity, and scientific publications. Still, funding gaps remain stark: Indian AI startups raised just $1.16 billion, compared to more than $100 billion in the US and nearly $10 billion in China.

India’s emerging strength lies less in foundation-model development and more in downstream AI applications, where cost-efficient tools can drive entrepreneurship and solve local challenges such as agriculture, education, and public service delivery. Apps like MahaVISTAAR, reaching over 15 million farmers, illustrate this direction.

Yet AI also poses a threat to India’s economic backbone. Analysts warn that the country’s IT services sector, which has long been a pillar of growth, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as AI automates core business functions. Underperformance in IT stocks, reduced hiring, and stagnant wages signal early disruption.

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Norges Bank says digital krone not required for now

Norway’s central bank has concluded that a central bank digital currency is not needed for now, ending several years of research and reaffirming that the country’s existing payment system remains secure, efficient, and widely used.

Norges Bank stated that it found no current requirement for a digital krone to maintain confidence in payments. Cash usage in Norway is among the lowest globally, but authorities argue the present system continues to serve consumers, merchants, and banks effectively.

The decision is not final. Governor Ida Wolden Bache said the assessment reflects timing rather than a rejection of CBDCs, noting the bank could introduce one if conditions change or if new risks emerge in the domestic payments landscape.

Norges Bank continues to examine both retail and wholesale models under the broader EU AI Act framework for digital resilience. It also sees potential in tokenisation, which could deliver efficiency gains and lower settlement risk even if a full CBDC is not introduced.

Experiments with tokenised platforms will continue in collaboration with industry partners. At the same time, the bank prepares a new report for early next year and monitors international work on shared digital currency infrastructure, including a possible digital €.

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Adobe brings its leading creative tools straight into ChatGPT

Yesterday, Adobe opened a new chapter for digital creativity by introducing Photoshop, Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat inside ChatGPT.

The integration gives 800 million weekly users direct access to trusted creative and productivity tools through a conversational interface. Adobe aims to make creative work easier for newcomers by linking its technology to simple written instructions.

Photoshop inside ChatGPT offers selective edits, tone adjustments and creative effects, while Adobe Express brings quick design templates and animation features to people who want polished content without switching between applications.

Acrobat adds powerful document controls, allowing users to organise, edit or redact PDFs inside the chat. Each action blends conversation with Adobe’s familiar toolsets, giving users either simple text-driven commands or fine control through intuitive sliders.

The launch reflects Adobe’s broader investment in agentic AI and its Model Context Protocol. Earlier releases such as Acrobat Studio and AI Assistants for Photoshop and Adobe Express signalled Adobe’s ambition to expand conversational creative experiences.

Adobe also plans to extend an upcoming Firefly AI Assistant across multiple apps to support faster movement from an idea to a finished design.

All three apps are now available to ChatGPT users on desktop, web and iOS, with Android support expanding soon. Adobe positions the integration as an entry point for new audiences who may later move into the full desktop versions for deeper control.

The company expects the partnership to widen access to creative expression by letting anyone edit images, produce designs or transform documents simply by describing what they want to achieve.

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AI model predicts prediabetes with high accuracy

Researchers have developed an AI model that enhances prediabetes prediction by integrating oxidative stress markers with traditional clinical indicators. The Pattern Neural Network model achieved 98.3% accuracy in Indian adults, outperforming other machine learning methods.

Total antioxidant status emerged as a key predictor, with lower antioxidant capacity observed in individuals with prediabetes. Waist circumference and BMI were also highly informative, alongside glucose markers such as HbA1c and OGTT.

The inclusion of oxidative stress measures provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying metabolic risk.

The study used clinical and biochemical data from 199 adults, with the PNN trained on 14 features, including demographic and biochemical variables. High accuracy across all sets indicates strong potential for quick, low-cost screening and personalised early interventions.

While the results are promising, the single-centre design and limited sample size indicate that external validation is needed. Future studies should test the model in larger, multi-site cohorts and integrate longitudinal data to enhance its real-world applicability and public health impact.

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EU proposes easing environmental rules for datacentres and housing

The European Commission has proposed a significant overhaul of environmental rules, potentially exempting datacentres, AI facilities, and affordable housing from mandatory impact assessments.

Member states would retain discretion over whether such projects require full environmental scrutiny, as part of a broader plan to expedite permitting and reduce reporting obligations for businesses.

The package also repeals a hazardous chemical database, eases polluter obligations, and moves environmental management rules from individual plants to whole companies. The commission states that the changes could save firms €1 billion annually, but green groups warn of potential costs to health and biodiversity.

The proposals align with plans to modernise the EU electricity grid and new climate targets to reduce emissions by 90% compared to 1990. Experts have cautioned that loopholes allowing international carbon credits could weaken domestic emissions reductions.

Corporate sustainability laws are also being scaled back. The revised rules limit the number of companies covered, postpone compliance deadlines to 2029, and remove obligations to implement climate transition plans.

Business lobby groups have welcomed the changes as a more realistic approach to corporate social responsibility and due diligence.

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UK partners with DeepMind to boost AI innovation

The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has entered a strategic partnership with Google DeepMind to advance AI across public services, research, and security.

The non-legally binding memorandum of understanding outlines a shared commitment to responsible AI development, while enhancing national readiness for transformative technologies.

The collaboration will explore AI solutions for public services, including education, government departments, and the Incubator for AI (i.AI). Google DeepMind may provide engineering support and develop AI tools, including a government-focused version of Gemini aligned with the national curriculum.

Researchers will gain priority access to DeepMind’s AI models, including AlphaEvolve, AlphaGenome, and WeatherNext, with joint initiatives supporting automated R&D and lab facilities in the UK. The partnership seeks to accelerate innovation in strategically important areas such as fusion energy.

AI security will be strengthened through the UK AI Security Institute, which will share model insights, address emerging risks, and enhance national cyber preparedness. The MoU is voluntary, spans 36 months, and ensures compliance with data privacy laws, including UK GDPR.

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Vietnam passes first AI law to strict safeguards

Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed its first AI Law, advancing the regulation and development of AI nationwide. The legislation was approved with overwhelming support, alongside amendments to the Intellectual Property Law and a revised High Technology Law.

The AI Law will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The law establishes core principles, prohibits certain acts, and outlines a risk management framework for AI systems. The law combines safeguards for high-risk AI with incentives for innovation, including sandbox testing, a National AI Development Fund, and startup vouchers.

AI oversight will be centralised under the Government, led by the Ministry of Science and Technology, with assessments needed only for high-risk systems approved by the Prime Minister. The law allows real-time updates to this list to keep pace with technological advances.

Flexible provisions prevent obsolescence by avoiding fixed technology lists or rigid risk classifications. Lawmakers emphasised the balance between regulation and innovation, aiming to create a safe yet supportive environment for AI growth in Vietnam.

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EU advances ambitious gigafactory programme for AI leadership

The Council has agreed on a significant amendment to the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking regulation, aiming to establish AI gigafactories across Europe alongside a new quantum pillar.

The plan advances earlier efforts to build AI factories and redirects unused EU funds toward larger and more ambitious facilities. Up to five gigafactories are expected, supported through public and private partnerships that promise a stronger technological base for European research and industry.

AI gigafactories will combine high-performance computing, energy-efficient data centres and automated systems to give Europe world-class AI capacity. The regulation sets out firm rules for funding and procurement while protecting start-ups and scale-ups.

It also allows gigafactories to be spread across multiple countries, creating a flexible model that can strengthen European resilience, competitiveness and security instead of relying heavily on American or Chinese infrastructure.

An agreement that updates the governance of EuroHPC and introduces safeguards for participation from partners outside the EU. Quantum research and innovation activities will move from Horizon Europe to EuroHPC in order to consolidate work on critical technologies.

In a shift that aims to widen the impact of supercomputing and quantum infrastructure while supporting the development of essential skills for science and industry.

The next stage involves the European Parliament delivering its opinion on 17 December.

A final Council adoption will follow once legal and linguistic checks have been completed, marking a decisive step towards Europe’s new AI and quantum capability.

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