President Donald Trump dismissed criticism from Elon Musk regarding a $500 billion artificial intelligence project announced earlier this week. The venture, named Stargate, involves OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, with plans to construct data centres and create over 100,000 US jobs. Key leaders, including Masayoshi Son of SoftBank, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Larry Ellison of Oracle, joined Trump at the White House for the announcement.
Musk, who has served as a close adviser to Trump, expressed doubts on social media about the project’s financial backing, claiming SoftBank lacks the necessary funds. The Tesla CEO and world’s richest man has a long-standing rivalry with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, a central figure in the initiative. Musk questioned whether the collaboration could secure adequate investment for the ambitious venture.
In response, Trump dismissed the concerns, suggesting Musk’s comments stemmed from personal animosity toward Altman. Trump highlighted that the project would not rely on government funding, emphasising that the private entities involved are financially capable. He downplayed any potential fallout with Musk, stating that disagreements are natural in such high-stakes partnerships.
A Trump adviser hinted that tensions between the two could escalate, potentially jeopardising their working relationship. Musk currently leads Trump’s government efficiency initiative, raising questions about how this dispute might affect their collaboration.
UK citizens will soon be able to carry essential documents, such as their passport, driving licence, and birth certificates, in a digital wallet on their smartphones. This plan was unveiled by Peter Kyle, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, as part of a broader initiative to streamline interactions with government services. The digital wallet, set to launch in June, aims to simplify tasks like booking appointments and managing government communications.
Initially, the digital wallet will hold a driving licence and a veteran card, with plans to add other documents like student loans, vehicle tax, and benefits. The government is also working with the Home Office to include digital passports, although these will still exist alongside physical versions. The app will be linked to an individual’s ID and could be used for various tasks, such as sharing certification or claiming welfare discounts.
Security and privacy concerns have been addressed, with recovery systems in place for lost phones and strong data protection measures. Kyle emphasised that the app complies with current data laws and features like facial recognition would enhance security. He also reassured that while the system will be convenient for smartphone users, efforts will be made to ensure those without internet access aren’t left behind.
The technology, developed in the six months since Labour took power, is part of a push to modernise government services. Kyle believes the new digital approach will help create a more efficient and user-friendly relationship between citizens and the state, transforming the public service experience.
Lonestar Data Holdings has unveiled plans to establish the first-ever data centre on the Moon, targeting a launch late next month aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The data centre, named Freedom, will be integrated with Intuitive Machines’ Athena moon lander, leveraging the Moon’s unique environment for security and energy efficiency.
The company, led by CEO Chris Stott, views the lunar surface as an ideal location for secure, disaster-resilient data storage. Powered by solar energy and equipped with naturally cooled solid-state drives, Freedom is designed for non-latency-sensitive applications such as data recovery. Backup operations will be supported by a ground-based facility in Tampa, US.
As the demand for energy-intensive data centres grows on Earth, Lonestar joins a burgeoning space industry exploring off-planet solutions. While competitors like Lumen Orbit also seek a foothold in this nascent field, challenges remain. High launch costs, maintenance limitations, and the risk of mission failure loom large over these ambitious projects.
With initial funding of nearly $10 million and support from partners including the Isle of Man government and AI firm Valkyrie, Lonestar is set to push the boundaries of data storage and space technology.
Infosys, India’s second-largest software services exporter, anticipates a major shift in the way IT firms approach talent management. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, CTO Rafee Tarafdar highlighted the evolving market, driven by emerging technologies such as generative AI.
Tarafdar noted that the traditional ‘pyramid’ model, where most employees are at the entry level, may give way to a more dynamic framework. Infosys is actively experimenting with strategies to upskill its workforce while creating roles that did not exist before, including specialists in responsible AI and model engineering.
In addition to re-skilling existing employees, the company has developed bespoke small language models tailored to industries like banking and IT operations, offering these as services to clients. With AI creating both challenges and opportunities, Infosys believes a blend of evolving skills and innovative hiring will shape the future of tech talent.
As the IT sector grapples with rapid innovation, India’s Infosys remains focused on adapting its workforce to meet new demands, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the global technology industry.
Sarah de Lagarde’s world turned upside down after a train accident in 2022 cost her an arm and part of her leg. Offered a basic prosthetic by the NHS, she found its functionality limited and struggled with everyday tasks for nine months. However, her life changed when she received an advanced AI-powered bionic arm that learns her movements and anticipates her intent by detecting muscle signals. With this, she regained the ability to perform delicate actions, such as picking up an egg or pouring water.
The remarkable advancements in robotics are not limited to prosthetics. Intelligent machines are being developed to match human dexterity in fields ranging from healthcare to agriculture. Cambridge-based Dogtooth Technologies has created robots capable of picking soft fruit as delicately as human workers, while other projects aim to handle hazardous nuclear waste or assist in complex industrial tasks. Robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas and Google’s DEX-EE are already demonstrating the ability to adapt and learn through embodied AI, mimicking human reflexes and movements.
Despite these breakthroughs, experts caution that AI-driven robots are still years away from matching the natural abilities of the human hand. Current limitations include sensory integration, haptic feedback, and adaptability to new environments. Safety, ethical concerns, and potential job impacts are also key issues as this technology develops. Still, pioneers like de Lagarde envision a future where robotic dexterity can assist not only people with disabilities but also support the elderly and others in need, highlighting the transformative potential of AI.
Gloucestershire is poised to benefit significantly from the UK government’s push to expand AI development. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, backed by leading tech firms pledging £14 billion in funding, is expected to create over 13,000 jobs and stimulate economic growth. The county, home to the government intelligence hub GCHQ, is uniquely positioned to leverage this investment, with major developments like Cheltenham’s Golden Valley cyber park and the Minster Exchange project at the forefront of the initiative.
Local experts and educators are optimistic about Gloucestershire’s role in AI advancement. Neil Smith, Managing Director of Reform IT, highlighted the region’s potential to develop talent and establish itself as a centre of excellence for AI development. Institutions such as the University of Gloucestershire and Berkeley Green UTC are already offering specialist courses in AI and cyber security. Gareth Lister, an educator, emphasised the need to integrate AI programming, cloud computing, and cybersecurity more prominently into school curriculums to prepare young people for emerging opportunities.
Dr Will Sayers, head of the University of Gloucestershire’s School for Computing, believes the county’s well-established cyber industry is a significant advantage. He pointed to the potential for local companies to form partnerships and capitalise on the government’s AI investment. With the growing focus on developing skilled talent and fostering innovation, Gloucestershire is on track to become a key player in the UK’s AI and cyber sectors.
Researchers from Scotland are developing an AI tool that could enable high-street opticians to detect early signs of dementia using retinal photographs. By analysing nearly a million eye scans, the NeurEYE team, led by the University of Edinburgh, has created an algorithm capable of assessing the health of blood vessels in the retina, which can reveal signs of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s long before symptoms arise. This innovation could revolutionise early diagnosis, offering patients and their families valuable time to prepare and adapt.
The retina’s blood vessels are small and fine, making them ideal indicators of health issues, including conditions affecting the brain. Professor Baljean Dhillon of the University of Edinburgh highlighted the retina’s potential as a “biological barometer” for brain health, accessible through simple, inexpensive eye examination equipment. The research team hopes to roll out a prototype later this year, with plans for wider implementation in 2026, allowing opticians nationwide to integrate this tool into routine eye tests.
Early diagnosis of dementia can significantly improve patient care and family preparedness. Retired engineer David Steele, whose mother’s Alzheimer’s was detected too late, believes such technology could have spared his family years of struggle. Specialist optometrist Ian Cameron also emphasised the importance of regular eye tests, noting that advancements in eye care can lead to earlier detection of various conditions, from diabetes to neurological disorders, ultimately improving overall health outcomes.
MTN, China Telecom, and Huawei have partnered to launch Africa’s largest 5G-enabled smart mine in Northern Cape, South Africa. That initiative marks a milestone in the continent’s mining sector, leveraging a state-of-the-art 5G private network to revolutionise operations.
The network provides ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity for applications such as personnel surveillance, vehicle tracking, and unmanned trucks, significantly improving productivity, workplace safety, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the project promotes greener mining practices by optimising energy consumption and resource management, aligning with global sustainability goals.
The collaboration also demonstrates the potential of 5G to drive industrial transformation and positions the mine as a leader in sustainable mining while contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation. The success of this initiative stems from the expertise of the three industry leaders.
Huawei delivered a tailored 5G private network, MTN provided robust infrastructure and network integration expertise, and China Telecom contributed its global knowledge in system integration and innovative digital solutions. Beyond mining, MTN is rapidly expanding its 5G private network business across sectors such as oil and gas, ports, manufacturing, and education, as well as extending its 5G presence to countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon.
On 20 January, Donald Trump returned to the White House for his second term as President, delivering a speech focused on unity, economic growth, and border control. However, the crypto community noticed a glaring omission—there was no mention of cryptocurrencies or Bitcoin, despite recent developments involving the Trump family in the crypto space, including the launch of their meme coins. The lack of attention to crypto has left the industry uncertain about Trump’s stance, but optimism remains.
The first day of Trump’s second term saw a flurry of executive orders, but none addressed cryptocurrency. Despite hopes for swift action on issues like Bitcoin reserves or crypto advisory councils, the day passed without immediate policy clarity. However, insiders suggest that significant moves are still in the pipeline, including potential executive orders banning central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and easing restrictions on banks holding digital assets.
Behind the scenes, the Trump family has continued to bet on crypto, with Donald Trump Jr. announcing $120 million in investments across various crypto assets, including Ethereum, Wrapped Bitcoin, and Chainlink. Additionally, key regulatory changes have already begun, with pro-crypto figures taking leadership roles in the SEC and CFTC, which may signal a more favourable regulatory environment for the industry.
Although Trump’s administration has yet to take definitive action on crypto, the market remains hopeful, with Bitcoin maintaining strong performance and hints of regulatory shifts sparking optimism. While the immediate future is unclear, the crypto industry remains eager for what might come next under Trump’s leadership.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched the AI Skills Coalition, a global initiative backed by 27 organisations, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Cognizant, to bridge the AI skills gap in developing countries. The coalition will provide accessible education and capacity-building in areas like generative AI, machine learning, and AI for sustainable development through a new online platform set to launch in March 2025.
The platform will offer free resources such as self-paced courses, webinars, in-person workshops, hybrid programs, and a comprehensive digital library of AI materials. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the coalition will leverage UNDP’s global presence to ensure an inclusive, global approach to AI training, extending beyond the efforts of companies like Google, AWS, and Microsoft.
The initiative will also focus on underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, aiming to foster diversity in AI development. Specialised training programs for government officials will address AI governance, ethics, and policymaking, tailored to the needs of developing countries and least developed countries (LDCs).
The AI Skills Coalition’s efforts to deliver AI education and capacity-building aim to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably, addressing global inequalities in AI knowledge. By equipping the future workforce with critical skills and empowering policymakers to harness AI responsibly, the coalition seeks to support sustainable development and help countries navigate the unique challenges they face in the AI era.
