Coinbase Ventures reveals top areas to watch in 2026

Coinbase Ventures has shared the ideas its team is most excited about for 2026, highlighting areas with high potential for innovation in crypto and blockchain. Key sectors include asset tokenisation, specialised exchanges, next-generation DeFi, and AI-driven robotics.

The firm is actively seeking teams to invest in these emerging opportunities.

Perpetual contracts on real-world assets are set to expand, enabling synthetic exposure to private companies, commodities, and macroeconomic data. Specialised exchanges and trading terminals aim to consolidate liquidity, protect market makers, and improve the prediction market user experience.

Next-gen DeFi will expand with composable perpetual markets, unsecured lending, and privacy-focused applications. These developments could redefine capital efficiency, financial infrastructure, and user confidentiality across the ecosystem.

AI and robotics are also a focus, with projects targeting advanced robotic data collection, proof-of-humanity solutions, and AI-driven innovative contract development. Coinbase Ventures emphasises the potential for these technologies to accelerate on-chain adoption and innovation.

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EU prepares tougher oversight for crypto operators

EU regulators are preparing for a significant shift in crypto oversight as new rules take effect on 1 January 2026. Crypto providers must report all customer transactions and holdings in a uniform digital format, giving tax authorities broader visibility across the bloc.

The DAC8 framework brings mandatory cross-border data sharing, a centralised operator register and unique ID numbers for each reporting entity. These measures aim to streamline supervision and enhance transparency, even though data on delisted firms must be preserved for up to twelve months.

Privacy concerns are rising as the new rules expand the travel rule for transfers above €1,000 and introduce possible ownership checks on private wallets. Combined with MiCA and upcoming AML rules, regulators gain deeper insight into user behaviour, wallet flows and platform operations.

Plans for ESMA to oversee major exchanges are facing pushback from smaller financial hubs, which are concerned about higher compliance costs and reduced competitiveness. Supporters argue that unified supervision is necessary to prevent regulatory gaps and reinforce market integrity across the EU.

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New AI and 5G technology transforms stadium experience

Fans attending live football matches in the UK can now enjoy uninterrupted connectivity with a new technology combining AI and 5G.

Trials at a stadium in Milton Keynes demonstrated that thousands of spectators can stream high-quality live video feeds directly to their mobile devices.

Developed collaboratively by the University of Bristol, AI specialists Madevo, and network experts Weaver Labs, the system also delivers live player statistics, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and real-time queue navigation. Traditional mobile networks often struggle to cope with peak demand at large venues, leaving fans frustrated.

The innovation offers clubs an opportunity to transform their stadiums into fully smart-enabled venues. University researchers said the successful trial represents a major step forward for Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab as it celebrates a decade of pioneering connectivity solutions.

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Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 by Qualcomm brings faster AI performance to flagship phones

Qualcomm has introduced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Mobile Platform, positioning it as a premium upgrade that elevates performance, AI capability, and gaming. The company says the new chipset responds to growing demand for more advanced features in flagship smartphones.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 includes an enhanced sensing hub that wakes an AI assistant when a user picks up their device. Qualcomm says the platform supports agentic AI functions through the updated AI Engine, enabling more context-aware interactions and personalised assistance directly on the device.

The system is powered by the custom Oryon CPU, reaching speeds up to 3.8 GHz and delivering notable improvements in responsiveness and web performance. Qualcomm reports a 36% increase in overall processing power and an 11% boost to graphics output through its updated Adreno GPU architecture.

Qualcomm executives say the refreshed platform will bring high-end performance to more markets. Chris Patrick, senior vice-president for mobile handsets, says Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 is built to meet rising demands for speed, efficiency, and intelligent features.

Qualcomm confirmed that the chipset will appear in upcoming flagship devices from manufacturers including iQOO, Honor, Meizu, Motorola, OnePlus, and vivo. The company expects the platform to anchor next-generation models entering global markets in the months ahead.

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Fragmented rules complicate South Africa green tech transfer

South Africa is betting on green technology to drive development while cutting emissions. Overlapping laws and strategies create a complex, sometimes conflicting environment for investors and innovators. Analysts warn that fragmentation slows both climate action and the just transition.

Flagship measures, such as the Climate Change Act and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, anchor long-term goals. The government aims to mobilise around R1.5 trillion, including an initial R8.5 billion in catalytic finance.

Funding targets power generation, new energy vehicles and green hydrogen, with private capital expected to follow. Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer projects showcase successful public-private partnerships that attracted significant foreign and domestic investment.

Localisation rules, special economic zones and tariff tweaks seek to build manufacturing capacity and transfer skills. Critics argue that strict content quotas and data localisation can delay projects and deter prospective investors.

Observers say harmonised policies, clearer incentives and stronger coordination across sectors are essential for effective green technology transfer. Greater collaboration between the South African government, businesses, and universities could translate promising pilots into climate-resilient industries.

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G20 leaders seal landmark declaration in Johannesburg

World leaders gathered in Johannesburg have endorsed a landmark declaration under the 2025 G20 presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa, the first time the summit was held on African soil. The agreement, adopted at the very start of the meeting rather than at its usual conclusion, reflects a sharp pivot toward issues facing the developing world, which include climate resilience, debt relief, global inequality, inclusive development, and sustainable energy.

The 122-point statement, built around the summit’s motto ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ calls for increased international cooperation to ensure that ‘no one is left behind.’ It places strong emphasis on supporting low-income and middle-income countries battered by climate disasters, championing debt restructuring, reforming global financial systems, and scaling up investment in clean energy and critical mineral value chains, a priority especially for resource-rich regions in Africa and the Global South.

Support was also voiced for a more inclusive global governance architecture. The declaration calls for reforms to international financial institutions, enhanced representation for emerging economies, and more equitable global supply chains. It underlines that sustainable growth and prosperity cannot come without greater economic equality, technology transfer, and fairer development partnerships.

Addressing geopolitically sensitive issues, the summit called for just, lasting peace in several conflict zones, including Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Palestinian territory, highlighting a collective interest in global stability.

The decision to adopt the declaration immediately was a bold diplomatic move. The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking in his opening address, said the G20 ‘has a responsibility not to allow the integrity and credibility of the G20 to be undermined,’ stressing that ‘multilateralism can and does deliver concrete results.’

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya announced the agreement had been reached by consensus among attending nations, framing the document as a ‘revolutionary’ step for Africa and the Global South.

The adoption of the declaration occurred despite a boycott by the United States, which declined to participate in the summit due to diplomatic tensions with the host country.

Observers note that the show of unity among nearly all other G20 members signals rising frustration with unilateralism and a willingness to reassert multilateral cooperation, especially on issues where developing countries have long been sidelined.

Whether the commitments enshrined in the Johannesburg Declaration will translate into concrete action remains uncertain. Still, by elevating the concerns of poorer and climate-vulnerable nations onto the global agenda, this summit may mark a turning point for the G20’s role in shaping a fairer, more sustainable world order.

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Australia strengthens parent support for new social media age rules

Yesterday, Australia entered a new phase of its online safety framework after the introduction of the Social Media Minimum Age policy.

eSafety has established a new Parent Advisory Group to support families as the country transitions to enhanced safeguards for young people. The group held its first meeting, with the Commissioner underlining the need for practical and accessible guidance for carers.

The initiative brings together twelve organisations representing a broad cross-section of communities in Australia, including First Nations families, culturally diverse groups, parents of children with disability and households in regional areas.

Their role is to help eSafety refine its approach, so parents can navigate social platforms with greater confidence, rather than feeling unsupported during rapid regulatory change.

A group that will advise on parent engagement, offer evidence-informed insights and test updated resources such as the redeveloped Online Safety Parent Guide.

Their advice will aim to ensure materials remain relevant, inclusive and able to reach priority communities that often miss out on official communications.

Members will serve voluntarily until June 2026 and will work with eSafety to improve distribution networks and strengthen the national conversation on digital literacy. Their collective expertise is expected to shape guidance that reflects real family experiences instead of abstract policy expectations.

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Ecuador and Latin America expand skills in ethical AI with UNESCO training

UNESCO is strengthening capacities in AI ethics and regulation across Ecuador and Latin America through two newly launched courses. The initiatives aim to enhance digital governance and ensure the ethical use of AI in the region.

The first course, ‘Regulation of Artificial Intelligence: A View from and towards Latin America,’ is taking place virtually from 19 to 28 November 2025.

Organised by UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector in coordination with UNESCO-Chile and CTS Lab at FLACSO Ecuador, the programme involves 30 senior officials from key institutions, including the Ombudsman’s Office and the Superintendency for Personal Data Protection.

Participants are trained on AI ethical principles, risks, and opportunities, guided by UNESCO’s 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.

The ‘Ethical Use of AI’ course starts next week for telecom and electoral officials. The 20-hour hybrid programme teaches officials to use UNESCO’s RAM to assess readiness and plan ethical AI strategies.

UNESCO aims to train 60 officials and strengthen AI ethics and regulatory frameworks in Ecuador and Chile. The programmes reflect a broader commitment to building inclusive, human-rights-oriented digital governance in Latin America.

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Character AI blocks teen chat and introduces new interactive Stories feature

A new feature called ‘Stories’ from Character.AI allows users under 18 to create interactive fiction with their favourite characters. The move replaces open-ended chatbot access, which has been entirely restricted for minors amid concerns over mental health risks.

Open-ended AI chatbots can initiate conversations at any time, raising worries about overuse and addiction among younger users.

Several lawsuits against AI companies have highlighted the dangers, prompting Character.AI to phase out access for minors and introduce a guided, safety-focused alternative.

Industry observers say the Stories feature offers a safer environment for teens to engage with AI characters while continuing to explore creative content.

The decision aligns with recent AI regulations in California and ongoing US federal proposals to limit minors’ exposure to interactive AI companions.

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