Digital cooperation

Japan targets AI leadership through new Nvidia–Fujitsu collaboration

Nvidia and Fujitsu have partnered to build an AI infrastructure in Japan, focusing on robotics and advanced computing. The project will utilise Nvidia’s GPUs and Fujitsu’s expertise to support healthcare, manufacturing, environmental work, and customer services, with completion targeted for 2030.

Speaking in Tokyo, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Japan could lead the world in AI and robotics. He described the initiative as part of the ongoing AI industrial revolution, calling infrastructure development essential in Japan and globally.

The infrastructure will initially target the Japanese market but may later expand internationally. Although specific projects and investment figures were not disclosed, collaboration with robotics firm Yaskawa Electric was mentioned as a possible example.

Fujitsu and Nvidia have previously collaborated on digital twins and robotics to address Japan’s labour shortages. Both companies state that AI systems will continually evolve and adapt over time.

Fujitsu CEO Takahito Tokita said the partnership takes a humancentric approach to keep Japan competitive. He added that the companies aim to create unprecedented technologies and tackle serious societal challenges.

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FRA presents rights framework at EU Innovation Hub AI Cluster workshop in Tallinn

The EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security’s AI Cluster gathered in Tallinn on 25–26 September for a workshop focused on AI and its implications for security and rights.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) played a central role, presenting its Fundamental Rights Impact Assessment framework under the AI Act and highlighting its ongoing project on assessing high-risk AI.

A workshop that also provided an opportunity for FRA to give an update on its internal and external work in the AI field, reflecting the growing need to balance technological innovation with rights-based safeguards.

AI-driven systems in security and policing are increasingly under scrutiny, with regulators and agencies seeking to ensure compliance with EU rules on privacy, transparency and accountability.

In collaboration with Europol, FRA also introduced plans for a panel discussion on ‘The right to explanation of AI-driven individual decision-making’. Scheduled for 19 November in Brussels, the session will form part of the Annual Event of the EU Innovation Hub for Internal Security.

It is expected to draw policymakers, law enforcement representatives and rights advocates into dialogue about transparency obligations in AI use for security contexts.

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Harvard physicists build first continuous quantum computer

Harvard physicists have developed the first continuously operating quantum computer, running for more than two hours without interruption and potentially indefinitely.

Until now, most quantum machines lasted milliseconds, with the longest recorded runtime about 13 seconds. The Harvard team overcame the problem of qubit loss by replenishing atoms in real time using an optical lattice conveyor belt and optical tweezers.

The system contains 3,000 qubits and can inject 300,000 atoms per second, allowing information to be preserved as older particles escape. The findings were produced with MIT collaborators and mark a turning point in quantum research.

Researchers say machines capable of running indefinitely could arrive within two to three years, accelerating progress in medicine, finance, and cryptography. Harvard has heavily invested in the field, launching one of the first PhD programmes in quantum science.

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Atlantic Quantum joins Google Quantum AI to advance scalable quantum hardware

Google Quantum AI has taken a major step in its pursuit of error-corrected quantum computing by integrating Atlantic Quantum, an MIT spin-out focused on superconducting hardware.

The move, while not formally labelled an acquisition, effectively brings the startup’s technology and talent into Google’s programme, strengthening its roadmap toward scalable quantum systems.

Atlantic Quantum, founded in 2021, has worked on integrating qubits with superconducting control electronics in the same cold stage.

A modular chip stack that promises to simplify design, reduce noise, and make scaling more efficient. Everything is equally important to build machines capable of solving problems beyond the reach of classical computers.

Google’s Hartmut Neven highlighted the approach as a way to accelerate progress toward large, fault-tolerant devices.

The startup’s journey, from MIT research labs to Google integration, has been rapid and marked by what CEO Bharath Kannan called ‘managed chaos’.

The founding team and investors were credited with pushing superconducting design forward despite the immense challenges of commercialising such cutting-edge technology.

Beyond hardware, Google gains a strong pool of engineers and researchers, enhancing its competitive edge in a field where rivals include IBM and several well-funded scale-ups.

A move that reflects a broader industry trend where research-heavy startups are increasingly folded into major technology firms to advance long-term quantum ambitions. With governments and corporations pouring resources into the race, consolidation is becoming common.

For Atlantic Quantum, joining Google ensures both technological momentum and access to resources needed for the next phase. As co-founder Simon Gustavsson put it, the work ‘does not stop here’ but continues within Google Quantum AI’s effort to deliver real-world quantum applications.

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AWS expands tech skills programme to Tennessee

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is expanding its Skills to Jobs Tech Alliance to Tennessee, making it the sixth US state to join the initiative. The partnership with the Nashville Innovation Alliance targets middle Tennessee’s rising demand for AI and cloud computing talent.

Between 2020 and 2023, tech job postings in the region increased by 35 percent, with around 8,000 roles currently open.

The programme will link students from local universities with employers and practical learning opportunities. Courses will be modernised to meet industry demand, ensuring students gain relevant AI and cloud expertise.

Local leaders emphasised the initiative’s potential to strengthen Nashville’s workforce. Mayor Freddie O’Connell stressed preparing residents for tech careers, while AWS and the Alliance aim to create sustainable pathways to high-paying roles.

The Tech Alliance has already reached 62,000 learners globally and engaged over 780 employers. Tennessee’s expansion aims to reach over 1,000 residents by 2027, with further statewide growth planned to boost Nashville’s role as a southeastern tech hub.

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Japan and OpenAI team up for public sector AI innovation

Japan’s Digital Agency partners with OpenAI to integrate AI into public services, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Gennai, an OpenAI-powered tool, will enable government employees to explore innovative public sector applications, supporting Japan’s modern governance vision.

The collaboration supports Japan’s leadership in the Hiroshima AI Process, backed by the OECD and G7. The framework sets global AI guidelines, ensuring safety, security, and trust while promoting inclusive governance across governments, industry, academia, and civil society in Asia and beyond.

OpenAI is committed to meeting Japan’s rigorous standards and pursuing ISMAP certification to ensure secure and reliable AI use in government operations. The partnership strengthens trust and transparency in AI deployment, aligning with Japan’s national policies.

OpenAI plans to strengthen ties with Japanese authorities, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The collaboration seeks to integrate AI into society responsibly, prioritising safety, transparency, and global cooperation for sustainable benefits.

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Global survey reveals slow AI adoption across the construction industry

RICS has published its 2025 report on AI in Construction, offering a global snapshot of how the built-environment sector views AI integration. The findings draw on over 2,200 survey responses from professionals across geography and disciplines.

The report finds that AI adoption remains limited: 45 percent of organisations report no AI use, and just under 12 percent say AI is used regularly in specific workflows. Fewer than 1 percent have AI embedded across multiple processes.

Preparedness is also low. While some firms are exploring AI, most have yet to move beyond early discussions. Only about 20 percent are engaged in strategic planning or proof-of-concept pilots, and very few have budgeted implementation roadmaps.

Despite this, confidence in AI is strong. Professionals see the most significant potential in progress monitoring, scheduling, resource optimisation, contract review and risk management. Over the next five years, many expect the most critical impact in design optioneering, where AI could help evaluate multiple alternatives in early project phases.

The survey also flags key barriers: lack of skilled personnel (46 percent), integration with existing systems (37 percent), data quality and availability (30 percent), and high implementation costs (29 percent).

To overcome these challenges, RICS recommends a coordinated roadmap with leadership from industry, government support, ethical guardrails, workforce upskilling, shared data standards and transparent pilot projects.

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Breakthrough platform gives warning of painful sickle cell attacks

A London-based health tech firm has developed an AI platform that can predict painful sickle cell crises before they occur. Sanius Health says its system forecasts vaso-occlusive crises with up to 92% sensitivity, offering patients and clinicians valuable lead time.

The technology combines biometric data from wearables with patient-reported outcomes and clinical records to generate daily risk scores. Patients and care teams receive alerts when thresholds are met, enabling early action to prevent hospitalisation.

In real-world studies involving nearly 400 patients, the AI system identified measurable changes in activity and sleep days before emergencies. Patients using the platform reported fewer admissions, shorter stays, and improved quality of life.

The World Health Organisation says sickle cell disease affects almost eight million people worldwide. Sanius Health is scaling its registry-driven model globally to ensure predictive care reaches patients from London to Lagos and beyond.

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China’s new K visa sparks public backlash

China’s new K visa, aimed at foreign professionals in science and technology, has sparked heated debate and online backlash. The scheme, announced in August and launched this week, has been compared by Indian media to the US H-1B visa.

Tens of thousands of social media users in China have voiced fears that the programme will worsen job competition in an already difficult market. Comments also included xenophobic remarks, particularly directed at Indian nationals.

State media outlets have stepped in, defending the policy as a sign of China’s openness while stressing that it is not a simple work permit or immigration pathway. Officials say the visa is designed to attract graduates and researchers from top institutions in STEM fields.

The government has yet to clarify whether the visa allows foreign professionals to work, adding to uncertainty. Analysts note that language barriers, cultural differences, and China’s political environment may pose challenges for newcomers despite Beijing’s drive to attract global talent.

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Europe urged to seize AI opportunity through action

Europe faces a pivotal moment to lead in AI, potentially boosting GDP by over €1.2 trillion, according to Google’s Kent Walker. Urgent action is needed to close the gap between ambition and implementation.

Complex EU regulations, with over 100 new digital rules since 2019, hinder businesses, costing an estimated €124 billion annually. Simplifying these, as suggested by Mario Draghi’s report, could unlock €450 billion in AI-driven growth.

Focused, balanced policies must prioritise real-world AI impacts without stifling progress.

Skilling Europe’s workforce is crucial for AI adoption, with only 14% of EU firms using generative AI compared to 83% in China. Google’s initiatives, like its €15 million AI Opportunity Fund, support digital training. Public-private partnerships can scale these efforts, creating new job categories.

Scaling AI demands secure, dependable tools and ongoing momentum. Google’s AlphaFold and GNoME fuel advances in biology and materials science, while partnerships with European companies safeguard data sovereignty. Joint efforts will help Europe lead globally in AI.

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