Artificial intelligence is reshaping agriculture in the United States, offering solutions to longstanding challenges like labor shortages and rising costs. With US farms dwindling from 6.8 million in the 1930s to just 1.9 million in 2023, AI-powered technologies are stepping in to improve crop yields, resource efficiency, and food production. Experts emphasise AI’s ability to analyse massive amounts of data, guiding decisions on irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control to maximise productivity.
Despite its potential, adoption remains limited, with only 27% of US farmers currently using emerging technologies like AI. However, investment is projected to grow significantly, from $2B in 2024 to over $5B by 2028. Researchers at institutions like the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems are exploring applications from robotics to controlled indoor environments, which enable year-round farming and climate adaptability for crops like grapes.
While high upfront costs and accessibility remain hurdles, proponents believe AI can accelerate agricultural innovation and foster collaboration among farmers. By combining advanced tools and shared data, AI could help build a more sustainable food system and support the delivery of fresh, nutritious produce to underserved areas.
OpenAI and the Korea Development Bank (KDB) have partnered to support the growth of South Korea’s AI ecosystem. The collaboration aims to develop AI models specifically designed for the Korean language and enhance the country’s position in the global AI landscape.
KDB views AI as a critical driver of national competitiveness and will assist OpenAI in navigating the local market by acting as a coordinator for government affairs. The partnership reflects a shared vision to advance South Korea’s technological and economic future through AI innovation. That move also highlights South Korea’s commitment to becoming a leader in the AI industry, with OpenAI playing a key role in advancing these goals.
The growing impact of AI is also evident in South Korea’s search engine market, where AI-driven technologies are changing how users access information. Naver, the leading domestic search engine, has experienced a decline in market share, while global search engines like Google, which integrate AI features such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, have seen growth.
Why does it matter?
That shift signifies a broader transformation in the digital landscape, as AI-enhanced search engines provide more personalised and summarised answers, moving away from traditional lists of information. The increasing adoption of AI in search engines underscores the growing influence of AI on various industries in South Korea.
Crystal Intelligence and Dubai Police have collaborated to address economic crimes within the rapidly growing digital asset space. By combining advanced blockchain analytics with law enforcement expertise, the two entities aim to predict and prevent financial crimes, ensuring robust security within the digital asset ecosystem.
That collaboration reflects Dubai’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of global blockchain innovation. Moreover, as part of its broader strategy, the UAE, particularly Dubai, has positioned itself as a leader in digital assets by creating a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring security and compliance.
Notably, establishing the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the world’s first regulator for virtual assets, has attracted numerous blockchain companies and service providers to the city, further solidifying Dubai’s role as a central hub for digital assets. This collaboration also involves strengthening Dubai Police’s capabilities through Crystal Intelligence’s advanced tools in transaction monitoring, risk management, and predictive analytics.
Why does it matter?
These tools will enable law enforcement to proactively detect and address fraudulent activities across blockchain networks, thereby ensuring the integrity of Dubai’s digital asset market. By combining regulatory foresight with cutting-edge technology, Dubai demonstrates its leadership in integrating innovation with security. Ultimately, this partnership sets a new global standard for digital asset security and offers a model for other jurisdictions to follow as they navigate the complexities of financial crimes in the digital asset space.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer inaugurated London’s first Google-backed AI Campus in Camden on Wednesday. The facility aims to equip young people with vital skills in AI and machine learning, addressing the growing demand for expertise in these areas. Located near Google’s upcoming offices in King’s Cross, the campus has already launched a two-year pilot project for students aged 16 to 18.
The pilot cohort of 32 students will benefit from AI-focused mentoring and resources provided by Google’s DeepMind. They will engage in real-world projects that integrate AI with health, social sciences, and the arts. The campus, a collaboration between Google and local authorities, seeks to inspire students from diverse backgrounds to envision themselves as leaders in the AI-driven future.
Starmer hailed the initiative as a transformative step for young people, particularly those in challenging circumstances. He emphasised that the programme represents a significant milestone in preparing the next generation to navigate AI’s boundless potential. ‘The possibilities of AI are incredible, and projects like this will shape the future,’ he stated.
Google further announced £865,000 in funding for a national AI literacy programme. This initiative, led by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Parent Zone, aims to train teachers and reach 250,000 students by 2026. Debbie Weinstein, Google’s UK and Ireland managing director, highlighted the programme’s role in ensuring that AI’s vast opportunities are accessible to all, potentially unlocking £400 billion in economic benefits for the UK.
Google Labs has unveiled GenChess, a new AI-powered web project that adds a creative twist to the traditional game of chess. The experiment allows players to design their own chess pieces using Google’s Gemini Imagen 3 image-generation model. By typing text prompts, users can customise their chess sets with themes like sushi or pizza, giving each game a personalised touch. GenChess offers two styles: a classic mode that mimics traditional pieces and a creative mode for abstract designs. Players can further refine individual pieces for a truly bespoke gaming experience.
Once the custom set is complete, players can face an AI opponent with chess pieces generated on complementary themes. For instance, a sushi-themed set might compete against a taco-inspired set. Users can select from three difficulty levels—easy, medium, or hard—and two timer options to match their playstyle. The project showcases AI’s potential in creative design and user interaction, merging art and gameplay into one cohesive experience.
The launch of GenChess coincides with Google’s broader initiatives around chess during the World Chess Championship. These include a coding challenge in partnership with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) on Google-owned Kaggle, encouraging participants to create innovative AI chess engines. Additionally, Google plans to launch Chess Gem, an interactive feature in the Gemini app next month. This tool will allow Gemini Advanced subscribers to play chess against a conversational AI, blending gameplay with witty banter. The range of initiatives highlights Google’s commitment to integrating AI into diverse aspects of life, from gaming to advanced problem-solving.
Vancouver’s mayor, Ken Sim, is pushing for the city to embrace Bitcoin, positioning it as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. During a city council meeting on 26 November, Sim proposed integrating Bitcoin into Vancouver’s investment portfolio as part of a broader effort to diversify financial assets.
The initiative aligns with a growing global trend of Bitcoin adoption by institutional investors. Major entities such as Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) and the State of Wisconsin Investment Board have already included Bitcoin ETFs in their holdings. Similarly, asset management giants like Goldman Sachs are increasing their exposure to Bitcoin, showcasing its growing role in mainstream finance.
Sim’s vision highlights Bitcoin’s potential to preserve purchasing power while modernising the city’s financial strategies. If implemented, this move could place Vancouver among the world’s pioneering Bitcoin-friendly cities.
A Cambridge start-up is trialing a groundbreaking device to support independence for people living with dementia. Supersense Technologies’ SenS2 hub monitors movement, temperature, and humidity in the home without using cameras or microphones, providing real-time updates to family members. The company is seeking 100 participants for further testing as part of its push for the £4.4m Longitude Prize on Dementia.
The technology has already made a difference for families in Cambridge. Maggie, a 83-year-old, who is living with dementia, and her daughter Lucy Gardner, say the device provides vital insights into Maggie’s daily routine while preserving her independence. Lucy explained that the alerts allow her to check on her mother without intruding, reducing stress for both.
Supersense co-founders Dr. James Brown and Dr. Matt Ash emphasise that every person’s needs are unique, and data-driven customisation is key. With AI integration, the SenS2 hub can interpret activity and provide tailored updates. The device reflects the growing potential of assistive technology to alleviate the challenges of dementia care, benefiting individuals and families alike.
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering appointing an ‘AI czar’ to oversee federal artificial intelligence initiatives and policy coordination. The position would centralise AI strategies across government departments, potentially reflecting growing recognition of AI’s transformative impact.
According to sources cited by Axios, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, though not a candidate for the role, is expected to contribute to discussions on AI’s future use and implications in the United States.
The move could mark a significant shift in the government’s approach to advancing AI capabilities while addressing regulatory and ethical challenges.
The United StatesCommerce Department has announced nearly $60 million in subsidies for BAE Systems and Rocket Lab to boost semiconductor production crucial for aerospace and space technologies. BAE will receive $35.5 million to quadruple the production of chips used in F-35 fighter jets and satellites, cutting its modernisation timeline significantly.
Rocket Lab’s SolAero Technologies will receive $23.9 million to expand solar cell production by 50% over three years. These space-grade semiconductors power key missions, including NASA’s Artemis programme and the James Webb Space Telescope.
The investments are part of the Biden administration’s $52.7 billion ‘Chips and Science‘ programme aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Audio platform Pocket FM is leveraging AI to expand its vast library of over 200,000 hours of content. CEO Rohan Nayak highlighted the company’s focus on using AI tools for faster and more cost-effective content production while also exploring new genres and markets. Collaborations with AI firms like ElevenLabs have enabled the platform to produce audio content five times faster and at a fraction of the usual cost.
India-based Pocket FM is also experimenting with AI-powered tools to adapt stories for different regions. These tools not only translate but consider cultural nuances, enhancing relevance for diverse audiences. Additionally, an AI-driven writing assistant provides creators with ideas, alternative storylines, and insights based on user preferences, empowering solo writers to produce high-quality episodes consistently.
To grow its audience, Pocket FM is developing a “blockbuster engine” that analyses user engagement data to predict and create hit shows. However, the company acknowledges the challenge of maintaining content quality as AI accelerates production. Striking this balance remains critical to the platform’s success.
Since its founding, Pocket FM has raised $197M in funding and generated $127M in revenue in 2024. Competing with Audible and other audio platforms, the company aims to use AI as a cornerstone of its growth strategy.
