The European Patent Office (EPO) has reinforced cooperation with industry stakeholders through discussions with the German Association of Industry IP Experts, focusing on strengthening the European patent system and supporting innovation.
A meeting that brought together representatives from major industrial actors to align priorities and explore future collaboration.
Discussions between the EPO and the stakeholders centred on enhancing technology transfer, empowering startups and fostering economic growth across Europe.
Participants emphasised the importance of inclusive engagement among patent system users instead of fragmented approaches, ensuring that innovation strategies reflect both industrial and societal needs.
The Unitary Patent system was highlighted as gaining traction, particularly among smaller entities such as SMEs, individual inventors and research organisations. Such a trend reflects broader efforts to improve accessibility and scalability within the European innovation ecosystem.
AI also featured prominently, with both sides recognising its growing role in improving efficiency and quality in patent processes.
A human-centric approach remains essential, ensuring that AI deployment supports responsible innovation while maintaining high standards in patent examination and services.
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New technology is reshaping how people engage with pensions, according to Financial Conduct Authority chief executive Nikhil Rathi. Speaking in London, he highlighted the growing role of AI and digital tools in helping savers better understand their retirement finances.
Pensions dashboards are expected to give millions a clearer view of their savings, potentially driving greater engagement and behavioural change. Increased visibility may encourage actions such as consolidating pension pots or adjusting contributions.
London officials warn that stronger engagement brings risks as well as opportunities, with many consumers still lacking clear retirement plans. Policymakers aim to balance protection with flexibility, promoting informed decisions while avoiding overly restrictive systems.
Advances in AI are also enabling more personalised financial guidance, making it easier for users to explore retirement scenarios. Experts say the future of pensions will depend on integrating savings, housing and wider financial planning into a more connected system.
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Researchers at MIT have developed an AI model capable of identifying and quantifying atomic-scale defects in materials without damaging them. The approach aims to improve the design and performance of semiconductors, batteries, and solar cells.
The model analyses data from neutron-scattering experiments and can detect up to six different point defects simultaneously. Trained on 2,000 semiconductor materials, it analyses atomic vibrations to estimate defect types and concentrations that are hard for traditional methods to measure.
Conventional techniques such as X-ray diffraction or electron microscopy typically capture only limited aspects of material defects and often require destructive testing. The AI system uses pattern recognition to build a more complete picture, offering a non-invasive option for manufacturing quality control.
Researchers say the method could eventually be adapted to more widely used tools such as Raman spectroscopy, making industrial adoption more practical. Future work will also extend the model beyond point defects to larger structural features in materials.
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The Italian Data Protection Authority has imposed a €31.8 million fine on Intesa Sanpaolo following serious shortcomings in its handling of personal data.
The case stems from unauthorised access by an employee to thousands of customer accounts, raising concerns about internal oversight and data protection safeguards.
Investigations revealed that monitoring systems failed to detect repeated unjustified access to sensitive financial information over an extended period. The breach also involved high-risk individuals, highlighting weaknesses in risk-based controls instead of robust, targeted protection measures.
Authorities in Italy identified violations of core data protection principles, including integrity, confidentiality and accountability. Additional concerns arose from delays in notifying both regulators and affected individuals, limiting the ability to respond effectively to the incident.
The case of Intesa Sanpaolo underscores increasing regulatory scrutiny of data governance practices in the financial sector. Strengthening internal controls and ensuring timely breach reporting remain essential for maintaining trust and compliance in data-driven banking environments.
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Microsoft has expanded its Microsoft 365 Copilot platform with new AI capabilities designed to handle complex, multi-step workflows across workplace applications. The update integrates AI into business tools, combining multiple models to improve reasoning and execution.
A key addition is Copilot Cowork, a system designed to manage longer tasks by breaking down user requests into structured plans. It can coordinate actions across apps, manage schedules, and track progress while allowing users to intervene at each stage.
The feature is currently available through Microsoft’s Frontier programme.
Further upgrades come through Researcher, an AI tool that synthesises information from multiple sources to produce detailed reports with citations. A new Critique function uses two models, one generating outputs and the other refining them to improve accuracy and reliability.
Microsoft says the updates aim to shift Copilot from a content-generation tool to an execution-focused assistant capable of carrying out real work processes. Early adopters report better planning, scheduling, and structured deliverables in enterprise environments.
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The British Embassy in Manila and the Philippines’ Department of Education have expanded cooperation to advance EdTech and digital learning, focusing on inclusive and evidence-based approaches instead of fragmented implementation.
A partnership that aims to strengthen foundational learning while supporting long-term resilience in the education system.
Support is being delivered through EdTech Hub, with initiatives centred on developing a National EdTech Policy, improving responses to climate-related disruptions, and expanding the use of AI in education administration.
The programme includes pilot projects and evaluation frameworks designed to ensure technology adoption remains effective, scalable, and responsive to local needs.
A key component involves participation in global AI initiatives, including an observatory and challenge programme to build institutional capacity and encourage experimentation.
These efforts seek to enhance efficiency in education systems while supporting innovation in teaching and learning environments, particularly in areas affected by environmental and structural challenges.
The collaboration between the UK and the Philippines reflects a broader commitment to digital transformation in education across Southeast Asia, aiming to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities.
By combining research, policy development, and technological innovation, both sides seek to prepare students and institutions for evolving demands while maintaining a focus on inclusion and long-term sustainability.
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The UK government has unveiled a £2 billion package to accelerate quantum technology development and deploy large-scale quantum computers. The plan aims to position the United Kingdom as a global leader in a field expected to rival AI.
Ministers said the programme will support research, skills and infrastructure while creating high-paid jobs. A new procurement scheme will invite companies to build prototype quantum systems, with the most advanced designs scaled for national use.
The initiative will integrate research, manufacturing and investment to speed up commercial applications in the UK. Officials believe quantum technology could transform sectors such as healthcare, energy and cybersecurity while boosting long-term economic growth.
Industry partnerships and university collaborations will play a central role in delivering the strategy. Experts say the approach could unlock major breakthroughs, though success will depend on sustained investment and global competition.
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The UK has fined Apple Inc. subsidiary Apple Distribution International £390,000 for breaching sanctions linked to Russia. The penalty relates to payments routed through a UK bank to a Russian streaming platform.
The payments, totalling more than £635,000, were made to Okko from a UK-based account. The subsidiary, responsible for Apple product sales across Europe and the Middle East, instructed the transfers despite the platform’s ownership links to sanctioned entities.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation found the funds were linked to Sberbank and a company later sanctioned after the 2022 Ukraine invasion. Payments were made shortly after those restrictions came into force.
Regulators said the firm had voluntarily disclosed the transactions and had not been aware of the sanctions breach at the time. Apple stated it follows all applicable laws and has strengthened its compliance procedures following the incident.
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Malta is advancing the SMART Food project to strengthen the agri-food sector. The initiative is a Malta-Italy partnership funded under the Interreg programme.
Minister Anton Refalo said the project aims to create a reliable and technologically advanced food system. A digital platform using AI and blockchain will provide real-time information on products from production to consumption.
The project seeks to meet consumer demand for clarity on food origin, safety, and sustainability. It will also support farmers and industry operators in adopting more efficient practices.
Minister Refalo added that the initiative strengthens trust across the food chain and empowers consumers. Malta’s scale allows it to adopt innovative solutions and take a leading role in modernising the sector.
The Malta Food Agency manages the project, including development, management, and training. Chief Executive Brian Vella said it safeguards product quality, improves traceability, and reinforces confidence in local produce.
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Samsung Electronics has launched its Samsung Browser for Windows, extending its mobile browsing experience to PCs while introducing new AI-driven capabilities. The update aims to connect devices, letting users switch between mobile and desktop seamlessly.
Cross-device continuity sits at the core of the update, enabling users to resume browsing sessions exactly where they left off. Features such as synchronised bookmarks, history, and integration with Samsung Pass simplify logins and improve convenience while maintaining security.
A key addition comes through a partnership with Perplexity AI, bringing an embedded agentic AI assistant directly into the browser. The system understands language and page context, helping users summarise content, manage tabs, and create plans without leaving the page.
Enhanced intelligence extends to search and navigation, allowing users to query browsing history in plain language, compare information across multiple tabs, and even locate specific moments within videos.
The browser is available on Windows 10 and 11, although its advanced AI features are currently limited to users in the United States.
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